Sessions Festival is returning on the 18th - 20th April 2025!

We can’t wait to welcome you all back to Sheffield again this year! We’ll be updating the website with our programme closer to the event, and we’ll have a physical copy at the festival. Please note that as the online version is likely to change, so we’d recommend coming to the website instead of downloading it to ensure you have the latest copy.

Please keep an eye out on our Facebook Page for more updates!
https://www.facebook.com/SheffieldSessionsFestival

What is Sheffield Folk Sessions Festival?

Sheffield Folk Sessions Festival is a whole, free weekend of Folk sessions in the fantastic pubs of the Kelham Island area of Sheffield. We have no paid acts or formal concerts; all our events are based on the idea of shared music. If you’re a folk Singer or Instrumentalist, you’ll find something great at our event. Watch the video on this page to see what 2024 was like!

The festival has grown from a small event in its inaugural year and is now attended by hundreds of musicians from around the world who come for over 180 hours of varied folk sessions over the weekend. Sessions are themed, everything from Morris tunes to Irish, “Nasty Ballads” to Bagpipes, there’s something for everyone. 

What is a session?

A folk session is (generally) an informal gathering of musicians playing or singing with each other socially for the enjoyment of music - often, but not always, at a pub. While we absolutely welcome people coming and simply enjoying the music, this festival is mostly targeted toward folk musicians who want to actively take part in the music.

Where is it?

The festival takes place at a number of local Sheffield pubs who kindly let us takeover for the weekend. Please find more information on our Pubs & Accessibility page!