The Hull Folk and Maritime Festival is set to make a vibrant return in 2024, promising a weekend filled with music, heritage, and community spirit. Scheduled to take place from 23rd to 25th August 2024, this event is deeply rooted in Hull’s rich maritime history and folk traditions, offering a unique cultural experience that resonates with the city’s past and present.
This year’s festival will span multiple venues across Hull’s picturesque waterfront, providing a fitting backdrop for the celebration of the city’s seafaring heritage. The event will feature a mix of performances from local and national artists, spread across several stages and settings, including busker spots and intimate pub sessions.
The festival’s line-up is packed with a diverse range of performances across various stages:
- Mick McGarry GMB Main Stage: This stage will host a variety of folk acts, including The Tony Beacock Band, Hillbilly Troupe, and Edwina Hayes. The stage will run both days from midday through late evening, offering a continuous flow of live music.
- Dan Thomas Maritime & Traditional Stage: Dedicated to traditional maritime music, this stage will run on Saturday and feature performances by The May Geslins, Shanty Jack, and others. It’s a great spot for those who appreciate the nautical side of folk music.
- Buskers’ Stage: Scattered across different times, this stage will showcase local talent and impromptu performances, adding a spontaneous and grassroots feel to the festival​.
Festival Sessions
Friday, August 23
6pm-closing: Welcome session with Les Ward & Maggie Graham, Whittington & Cat
Saturday, August 24
12.00 – 20.00: Whittington & Cat. Five two-hour sessions, hosts TBC
Sunday, August 25
From 7pm till closing: Extra-long Minerva ‘survivors’ session. Hosted by Lloyd and Andy
Mick McGarry GMB Main Stage
Saturday:
- 12.00 – 12.40: Tony Beacock Band
- 13.00 – 13.40: Spare Hands
- 14.00 – 14.40: Ellie Pollard and Dave Watts
- 15.00 – 15.40: Sam Martyn and Wolfy O’Hare
- 16.00 – 16.40: Ramble Gamble
- 17.00 – 17.50: Carrie Martin
- 18.00 – 18.40: Monkey’s Fist
- 19.00 – 19.40: Edwina Hayes
- 20.00 – 20.40: TBD
- 21.00 – 21.40: Pavey Ark
- 22.00 – 23.00: Hillbilly Troupe
Sunday:
- 12.00 – 12.45: Hebble
- 13.00 – 1.45: Dogfinger
- 14.00 – 14.45: Sherburn Bartley Sanders
- 15.00 – 15.45: Hase Waits
- 16.00 – 16.45: 54 North
- 17.00 – 18.00: Black Kes
Dan Thomas Maritime & Traditional Stage
Saturday:
- 12.00 – 12.30: Maggie Graham
- 12.45 – 13.15: Cod Ends
- 13.30 – 14.00: Kevin Young
- 14.15 – 14.45: Shanty Jack
- 15.00 – 15.30: The May Geslins
- 15.45 – 14.15: Ralph and Helene Marks
- 16.30 – 17.00: Sam Martyn
- 17.15 – 18.00: Paul and Liz Davenport
In addition to the scheduled performances, the festival will feature informal sessions where singers and musicians can come together to perform in a more casual setting. These sessions will take place at local pubs like The Minerva and The Whittington & Cat, ensuring that the music continues long into the night. There is also a Busker’s Stage on Sunday, August 25, at the Humber Street Gallery.
Organised by Folk in Hull, a registered charity dedicated to preserving and promoting folk music, the Hull Folk and Maritime Festival is a significant event in the city’s cultural calendar. The festival originally began as the Hull Sea Shanty Festival in 1990 and has since evolved, integrating broader folk traditions while keeping its maritime roots alive​.
Whether you’re a folk music enthusiast, a history buff, or just looking for a great way to spend a summer weekend, the Hull Folk and Maritime Festival offers something for everyone. The festival is family-friendly, and many events are free to attend, making it accessible to all.
To stay updated on the latest announcements, line-up changes, or to learn more about the history of the festival, you can visit the official Hull Folk and Maritime Festival website​.
