Major changes in programming policy and ticket prices have been announced by Beverley Folk Festival aimed at giving festival-goers in 2016 more for their money than ever before.
Many more acts representing the ever-widening range of traditional and contemporary folk music will be featured on more stages in more venues than ever before in the festival’s 33-year history.
In another change, while the basic ticket policy will still be based on a £115 overall weekend ticket and £50 day tickets, the festival board have largely abandoned charges for individual events.
Instead festival-goers will be able to buy half day tickets which allow them to attend any of the concerts and events taking place between 11am and 6pm for £30, or from 6pm until the early hours for £35.
“These changes will effectively give folk fans more for their money” explained festival programmer and manager John Watterson, “Anyone with a Weekend, Day or Half Day ticket will be able to choose between at least half a dozen performances taking place at any one time and take in as many or as few of them as they wish.”
“For example, an afternoon ticket for Saturday will enable you to take in the Main Stage concert with the Young’uns, Gilmore & Roberts, Sam Carter and Maia, or the Concert Marquee with Tim Edey, King Courgette, Anthony John Clarke, The Darcy DaSilva Trio and the Grand Old Uke of York – or even switch between the two. And still see more acts all around the festival site.”
The only exception to the new ticket policy is that festival-goers will still be able to buy £25 tickets for the Main Stage concerts each evening featuring headliners Kate Rusby on Friday, Tyne Treasures on Saturday and Steeleye Span on Sunday.
Camping fees are unchanged and concessions will continue to be available for full weekend tickets and apply to over 65’s and under 18’s. The concessions on Day and Half-Day tickets will apply to the Under 18’s, and Under 12’s will continue to be free. (see website for details)
“Not only is the new pricing structure easier to understand and operate; it also offers greater value for money in that festival-goers will be able to take in more events for a single price,” said Festival Chairman, Geoff Sargieson. “
“Beverley Folk Festival has grown in stature and attendance since we moved to Beverley Racecourse three years ago,” the Chairman added, “it is now acknowledged as the biggest musical event in the East Riding and with the help of our principal funders, Arts Council England, East Riding of Yorkshire Council and Beverley Town Council, our aim is to develop it still further in terms of both quality and content. However, at its heart, we want Beverley Folk Festival to remain a fun, friendly, eclectic and creative event, which can be enjoyed by everyone.”
For full details and to book tickets visit www.beverleyfestival.com
