DESPITE the postponement of the full 2020 Dartmoor Folk Festival this August, the festival’s traditional competitions and some fun activities will still be going ahead on-line.

The festival was due to take place at South Zeal near Okehampton on August 7, 8 and 9.

Instead, on Saturday, August 8, the traditional Dartmoor Step Dance and Broom Dancing competitions will take place via zoom meetings.

For further details and to enter either of the competitions, please visit: www.dartmoorfolkfestival.org.uk .

The website also has instructional videos on how to learn the steps for the dances.

Please note that the broom dance is open to children of primary school age only.

Judges will judge the dance competitions and the results will be announced afterwards.

The Festival’s Artistic Director, Mark Bazeley, explained: "We are very sad that the Dartmoor Folk Festival won’t be running this year, nothing can replace the great music, company and atmosphere of the festival, but we thought we could try and keep the wonderful step and broom dancing traditions running.

"Thanks to Matt Norman and Richard De Salis we’re going to be taking to the internet via zoom and YouTube to bring you step dancers and broom dancers from their own homes competing in the competition."

If anyone has any questions, please email: [email protected] .

RISE AND SHINE

Another important and increasingly popular part of the annual Dartmoor Folk Festival is the Children’s Festival which is directed by Entertainingly Different’s Rob Pudner.

Rob explained: "Normally I am in charge of organising a jam packed weekend of performances and workshops for young people led by guest practitioners and performers.

"It has become tradition that we kick start proceedings on the Saturday and Sunday mornings with ’Rise and Shine’ and draw things to a close on the Sunday evening with the ’Mini Music Hall’."

Rob recently launched a variety of online entertainment for his audiences on social media with free family friendly interactive shows since April including the aforementioned “Rise and Shine”.

"I’ve had all of my work either postponed or cancelled altogether since mid March and am sorry not to be taking part in my favourite festivals and events this Summer - Dartmoor is always a highlight and usually comes at the start of a very busy August.

"I’m delighted to say that I will be streaming my ever popular ’Rise and Shine’ show on the Dartmoor Folk Festival Facebook page live at 9.30am on Saturday, August 8."

The fun festival favourite will be fully interactive and suitable for young and old alike. Jam packed with interactive songs, stories, silliness and shout outs - smiles and giggles are guaranteed - proper job! 

The 43rd Dartmoor Folk Festival is due to take place on August 6, 7 and 8, 2021 and will include a packed weekend of concerts, ceilidhs, workshops, song and music sessions, children’s festival, craft displays, folk service, Dartmoor ramble and much more.

Those who have booked tickets for this year will automatically have their tickets rolled over or, if requested, full refunds will be made. 

John and Katie Howson who run the Veteran CD stall at the festival each year are running a virtual CD stall which can be found at: www.veteran.co.uk/festivalstall.htm .

To find out more about the "Rise and Shine" show, Rob and his services see: www.entertaininglydifferent.co.uk .