Youth Festival

Finally, what you’ve all been waiting for. The Reef will be bursting at its seams with an action-packed programme of events just waiting for you to jump in.

Whatever tickles your fancy, there’ll be something for you at the Reef from making music, unleashing your inner artist, making new friends or testing your acrobatic nerve.

All the legendary trad music and dance workshops will be back, bigger and better than ever before, as well as some completely different fresh new youth-only events to keep you on your toes over a jam-packed weekend.

With more chances to strut your stuff on the stage, learn some completely awesome new skills and just chill out with new friends, if you’re aged 11-20, the Reef will definitely be the place to be. So don’t miss it!

Please note: workshops marked *progressive workshop* will be leading to a performance on Monday afternoon and so priority will be given to participants who attend from the first session on Saturday. Workshops marked *give it a go* are open to anyone to drop in (subject to maximum numbers). A sign-up list will be used for henna and other workshops when they are full – sign up will be available at the start of the first workshop and throughout the weekend.

THE MASTERCLASSES*

Join two exciting young musicians from BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award Nominees Granny’s Attic.

Fiddle:

Fiddle maestro, Lewis Wood, will show you how to bring your tune playing alive with both traditional and modern styles of folk music, suitable for intermediate to advanced players.

Guitar:

Take your guitar playing to the next level with George Sansome’s tips and tricks to accompany tunes and songs, suitable for intermediate to advanced players.

*Places limited: first come, first served!

ALL-STAR BIG BAND

Yes, the world renowned All-Star Big Band is back featuring all the most up-and-coming folk talent – yes, that’s you! So whatever and however you play, come and make some seriously spectacular sounds with Matt, Dave, Tim and Jared. *progressive workshop*

SUPER-CHOIR

What better way to blow the cobwebs away than by raising the roof off the Reef – join Cait and Harriet for some fantastic harmony song from all over the world that’s guaranteed to get your toes tapping, your lungs pumping and your spirits soaring. *progressive workshop*

RAPPER

The legendary Four Corners Rapper return to Shrewsbury Folk Festival to show you how to do the nut, the choker and the cramper, or even the toast rack… Believe, it or not, this isn’t a form of medieval torture but is actually a dance with swords at breakneck speed – what could possibly go wrong?! *progressive workshop or give it a go if there are enough people to make a team*

WEST AFRICAN PERCUSSION

Experience the joyful sounds of West Africa with as you mix upbeat rhythms on djembes as well as balafon, calabash, tama, a go-go bells and more. Never heard of some of these? No problem! Get yourself down to the Reef and Joliba Drums will show you everything you need to know to get the whole festival site up and dancing. *progressive workshop*

ACROBATICS

There’s no need to run away and join the circus, you can unleash your inner acrobat in the Reef. With expert instruction from Organised Kaos, learn some impressive gymnastic feats and “tumble” across the floor with ease. No experience required, make sure to wear comfy clothes. *give it a go*

HENNA TATTOOING

We’ve all got our fingers crossed for an Indian summer, but even if the clouds prevail we’ll be making the most of it as the beautiful eastern art of Mehndi comes to the Reef. Check out what this fabulous body art is all about and create your own unique designs using natural henna pastes. N.B. This is a super popular workshop and places will be limited per session. You can sign up for sessions over the weekend from 5pm on Friday at the first henna workshop. *give it a go*

REFOLKUS TUNEWORKS

The famous Tuneworks session returns to the Reef! A session is where musicians get together to play tunes. It’s one of the most important parts of our musical tradition and any budding folk musician should definitely give it a go. Make sure to download the Tuneworks tune book from www.tuneworks.co.uk, it’s even available in B flat and E flat! Tunes will be played at a steady speed. You can try to learn some by heart but you’re also welcome to bring the book along if you prefer. *give it a go*

SLACKLINING

Put your balance to the test on the mighty slackline. Slacklining is an extreme balance sport that stems from tightrope walking. Relying on your agility, stability and focus, just try to make it across the line or give some tricks a go, it’s up to you! *give it a go*

SKY CIRCUS

Feeling daring? Here’s your chance to “fly through the air with the greatest of ease” and discover your inner acrobat with Organised Kaos Youth Circus. Test your balance, grace, coordination, agility and courage out with a range of aerial skills such as Static Trapeze, Silks, Corde Lisse and Aerial Hoop on Organised Kaos’s epic aerial rig under the watchful eye of their highly skilled aerialists. *give it a go*

REFOLKUS SHOWCASES

Don’t miss the Big Band, Super-Choir and West African Percussion performances in the Sabrina Marquee and the Rapper performance on the Village Stage!