Allen Valleys Folk Festival in pictures through the years

First established in 2014, the three-day festival celebrates some of the best live folk music acts from across the UK, and unites music, dance and heritage in various workshops and performances in several of Allendale's venues.

The legendary Allendale Wolf burning (Image: James Little Photography)

This year's festival will be held from September 27 until September 29 at various venues in Allendale town, including Allendale Village Hall and St Cuthbert’s Church.

Tenth Avenue perform in Allendale Market Square during the first Allen Valleys Folk Festival in 2014 (Image: Kate Miller)Its most iconic and important tradition involves burning a wooden sculpture representing the legendary Allendale Wolf.

The Allendale Wolf in 2017 (Image: Supplied) In 2022, the wolf was delivered in a boat aptly named HMS Boaty McFolkface and was burnt to sounds of howling, drumming and a lone mournful trumpet.

Hadrian Clog performing in Allendale Market place at the first Allen Valleys Folk Festival in 2014 (Image: Kate Miller) In 2023, the wolf was delivered in a bed, disguised as Red Riding Hood’s grandmother and burnt after a short procession within the crowd barriers, to a soundscape of howling, drumming, mournful chanting and vocal recordings curated by Jonah Maurice.

Tiwiza in 2022 (Image: Tim Aldcroft) Festivalgoers also enjoyed workshops from early-morning yoga to sea shanties last year, while artists travelling from Scotland, London, Liverpool, Bristol, Belfast and Eastern Europe performed alongside those from Tyneside, Wearside and Northumberland. 

Hexhamshire Lasses Morris dancing in 2022 (Image: Adrian Ashurst)

Workshops were also innovative in 2023, with autonomous sound sculptures and creative writing folklore for the first time.

Live bands from near and far have descended on the village for the event over the years, with featured artists including The McGoldrick Sisters, The Unthanks, Rachel Newton Trio, Matuki, Kathryn Tickell, and Faustus.

Chloe Chadwick plays the village hall stage at the Allen Valleys Folk Festival (Image: Kate Buckingham) The line-up in 2022 included Tiwiza and Balkan Hot Club. Other acts included folk duo The Rheingans Sisters and Talisk, one of Scotland’s most popular folk groups.

Kathryn Tickell on stage at the Allen Valleys Folk Festival (Image: Supplied) Jumping back a decade to the festival's first year on the calendar, acts included Skylark Song, comprising Emma Davis and Alex McRae.

Ian Brown's ukulele workshop in 2017 (Image: Supplied)

Pauline Sanderson won the Allen Valleys Folk Festival Competition in 2014. The competition was run in the Hexham Courant and the winner received two full weekend tickets with the runner-up Ed Brown from Haydon Bridge receiving two Saturday day tickets.

Alongside the music, year after year dancing in the square is lively, and the workshop programme full.

For more information, visit https://www.allenvalleysfolkfestival.co.uk.