There are a few different ways that artists can be a part of Folk Weekend: Oxford under our new collaborative model.
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About the event
Folk Weekend: Oxford is piloting a new fringe-style set up in 2020. The event producer is Folk Arts Oxford Ltd, who will oversee the festival as a whole and facilitate communication between festival partners, fringe promoters, and volunteer committee. Any enquiries about becoming a festival partner or hosting a fringe event should be directed to Folk Arts Oxford, for the attention of Cat McGill on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Emerging artists and community groups
If all you want is a chance to get out and perform in front of a few people then you could volunteer for one of our showcase stages. The best way to think of these are like an open mic stage, but with a bit more advance planning!
The showcase stages are designed to give emerging artists and community groups the chance to perform in front of an audience, without the pressure of a formal concert. They are not ticketed concerts; in the past they have been held in venues such as Blackwells bookshop, Westgate Central Library, and the Gallery at the Old Fire Station, where there is a good amount of footfall.
We love discovering new music on our showcase stages, and will pass on future recommendations to promoters and festival partners based on the performances we see during Folk Weekend.
If you’re a seasoned performer but you’d like to support the festival by offering a short performance on one of the showcase stages we would also love to hear from you! Folk Weekend is a community festival and it works because we all chip in a bit where we can - whether that’s distributing programmes, emailing Morris teams, or giving a performance!
How to apply
If you are interested in applying for a slot on a showcase stage then please email Jon Price on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with a link to a recording of a live performance, or with details of your community group. Groups and artists local to Oxfordshire will be given priority.
Established artists
There are two options for established or professional artists who are looking to perform at a ticketed event: contact a local promoter, or arrange and host your own event.
Promoters who may be interested in putting on a performance during Folk Weekend are venues such arts centres or theatres, or cultural organisations like museums. You could also approach independent promoters such as folk clubs, or individuals who put on occasional concerts, and ask if they would be interested in putting something on as a part of the festival.
Usually organisations and promoters will have contact details on their websites.
You can also arrange and host your own event, and apply to be a part of Folk Weekend.
How it works
You find a venue in Oxford, book artists, and sell tickets for your event. You will be part of Folk Weekend: Oxford’s online marketing and have a listing in the printed programme, and permission to use our logo on your flyers and posters. You will pay us a small marketing contribution, but will keep all the ticket revenue from your event.
For more information about this please see our Guide to putting on a fringe event for details, deadlines, and Terms & Conditions.
If you have any questions, or for more information please contact Cat McGill on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
