NASC goes to Manchester!

On Saturday 22 March, NASC and Access Folk are partnering with Manchester Folk Festival to run a shorter 1-day convention in Manchester.  We will be at Social Refuge in the Northern Quarters close to the other festival venues. Tickets will be available through the festival booking system soon and thanks to funding from Access Folk we are able to offer tickets very cheaply, but book early as tickets are limited. 

Join Emma Björling and Lotta Andersson (Sweden), Brian Ó hEadhra (Scotland), Rosie Hodgson (England), Dr Esbjörn Wettermark (Access Folk) and Manchester’s own Kit Knight for an inspiring day! 

Programme

10.00-10.20 - Arrival, coffee/tea and welcome. 

North Atlantic Song Convention’s co-founders Brian Ó hEadhra and Emma Björling , and Esbjörn Wettermark from Access Folk will get the day started. 

10.20-10.50 Keynote presentation: “Folk singing in contemporary England - findings from a large-scale folk song survey.” (Esbjorn Wettermark)  

NASC events always include a mixture of presentations, conversations, workshops and singing. This time, Esbjorn will present some findings from Access Folk’s ongoing research with folk singers in England.

11.00 -11.45  Workshop: Swedish mouth music (Emma Björling och Lotta Andersson)

Join Lotta Andersson and Emma Björling from the acclaimed vocal group Kongero in a Swedish mouth music (diddling) workshop . With focus on songs for dancing, you will learn some of the unique vocal techniques and rhythmic patterns used in traditional Swedish folk singing. Open to all levels—no prior experience or language skills required.

11.45 - 12.45 Song circle 

A chance to sing, listen and share songs together. Rosie, Kit and the rest of our hosts will start us off and anyone is welcome to join in or bring a favourite song to share. 

12.45-13.45 Lunch break (not provided) 

13.45 - 14.30 Scottish Gaelic Song Workshop (Brian Ó hEadhra)

Join Highland based singer and educator Brian Ó hEadhra for a relaxed Scottish Gaelic song workshop. Learn a few of traditional Gaelic songs, explore their cultural background, and get helpful tips on pronunciation. This workshop is open to all, whether you’re new to Gaelic song or looking to deepen your knowledge.

14.30 Coffee/tea

15.00 - 15.45 Rosie Hodgson and Kit Knight in conversation with Brian Ó hEadhra. 

Rosie and Kit are both deeply involved in the folk singing scene in England. They will talk to Brian about their approach to running singarounds in Sheffield and Manchester and how to create an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere. With opportunity for audience questions and comments.

15.50-16.50 Song circle

A chance to sing, listen and share songs together. Rosie, Kit and the rest of our hosts will start us off and anyone is welcome to join in or bring a favourite song to share. 

17.00 END

Hosts

Esbjörn Wettermark (Sheffield/Sweden) Swedish folk artist and Access Folk researcher based in the UK. 

Rosie Hodgson (Sheffield): Folk singer and educator, The Wilderness Yet and Forge and Fledge

Kit Knight (Manchester): Folk singer and co-host of Manchester’s long established Sunday Singaround.

Brian Ó hEadhra (Scotland):  Gaelic folk singer, educator and director of Scotland’s Traditional Music Forum. 

Emma Björling och Lotta Andersson (Sweden):  Folk singers and educators in the Internationally acclaimed Swedish folk acapella group Kongero.

Timings and Venue

Saturday 22 March, 10am-5pm at Social Refuge, 27 Great Ancoats St, Ancoats, Manchester M4 5AJ

Tickets

£10 plus £1 booking fee. BOOK YOUR TICKETS HERE

Questions?

For information about NASC, Access Folk and the event please contact Esbjörn Wettermark (e.wettermark@sheffield.ac.uk). For information about the venue and ticket sales please contact Manchester Folk Festival.