Following on from a busy August, with both Folk East and our stand-alone event in North Lopham, September has proven to be a busy time, with involvement in both Bungay Folk Festival and the Traditional Music Day in Stowmarket. 

For the former we were assigned the glorious Three Tuns in the town centre, with its warren of rooms, stairs and hallways, and decided upon the cellar, which contrived to give a suitable atmosphere and good acoustics, with its low ceiling and stone and wood floor. A couple of hours of the usual mixture of song, tunes and step dancing followed. As well as the usual stalwarts, it was great to have some new faces – and voices – contributing, with some people drifting in and out across the proceedings as they made their way around festival events, and a considerable number staying for the duration. In all, there was considerable interest in the music, with the dulcimers unsurprisingly piquing people’s curiosity to a great extent. It was gratifying to be part of the festival. 

The Traditional Music Day in Stowmarket saw us in the British Legion, which certainly proved to be an amenable and welcoming venue. First up was a tune workshop in the late morning with about a dozen people attending to run through a selection of tune types – jigs, waltzes, hornpipes, polkas and schottisches – with tunes with a local provenance. We got through quite a few in the hour and a half and hopefully such exposure – and enthusiastic participation from those present – will serve to help give the tunes wider currency. 

Later on in the afternoon saw the “Tune-Up” event itself and it has to be said that at first it did seem as if it wouldn’t take off. There were so many things happening, with people here, there and everywhere, that people who had said they’d take part weren’t anywhere to be seen – although some had said they’d be delayed. Anyway, several of us decided gamely that we should run through some tunes and hope for the best. Mercifully, before too long at all the hall began to fill as people began to arrive, step dancers appeared, and more performers in general turned up. So, panic over, we settled into a vibrant few hours of music, to what soon became a packed hall. A great atmosphere ensued, with many contributions of song from several people ranged around the room. Special mention must be made of Dick Miles, who came all the way from Ireland to take part, and Martha Harwood, who made her fiddle debut with a rendering of Walter Bulwer’s Polka No 3, to much applause. In all, it was a very enjoyable occasion and, as always, it’s great to incorporate a “Tune-Up” into a wider event, as well as the separate ones in various places, as we usually have. 

With the frantic summer season coming to an end, we are back to the monthly stand-alone events, which will continue for the foreseeable future – as long as there’s enough interest to make them viable. Next up is Dereham Cock on Sunday 18th October, from 3.00 to 6.00. 

We hope to see you there!

Chris Holderness September 2026