ArtHouse Jersey presents the Jersey Folk Festival for a day of music, dance & Island spirit
Saturday 15 November at L’Auberge, St. John
Pictured: Shindig Céilí band in action, by Max Young
Daytime 1pm-5.30pm (free entry, reserve here).
Evening 6pm-10.30pm (£15 tickets via Eventbrite, book here)
Building on the Island’s rich and informal grassroots gatherings, ArtHouse Jersey is delighted to present the Jersey Folk Festival; a celebration of live music, storytelling and Island spirit transforming L’Auberge - The Farm House in St. John into a hive of community celebration. Taking place all day and evening on Saturday 15 November the festival is curated by the arts charity in collaboration with Colin Lever, Jo Thorpe and Tom Oxenham and offers a full day of performances, activities, and folk-inspired revelry, bringing together musicians, dancers, and audiences from across the Island.
From soulful ballads and punk folk to traditional Jèrriais tunes, the daytime programme (1pm-5.15pm) is free and open to all, with two performance spaces hosting a vibrant mix of local artists including Sula, Parish 13, Rick Jones, Colin Lever, and The Jersey Lillies. Upstairs in the Ship’s Bar, audiences can enjoy intimate ‘folk-in-the-round’ sessions Jo Thorpe & Tom Oxenham, and Colin & Ross. Families, friends, and musicians of all levels are warmly encouraged to come along, listen, or join in the fun. Children are welcome until 5.15pm, and dogs are welcome in the bar.
As night falls, the festival shifts gears for Jersey Folk Festival by Night (6-10.30pm), a ticketed evening of song, dancing, and laughter. The programme begins with Jo Thorpe & Tom Oxenham’s rousing sea shanties, followed by a lively Céilí led by Shindig Céilí Band with gentle guidance from The Jersey Lillies for anyone keen to join the dancing revellery. The night concludes with the high-energy Gonzo Gypsy Goodtime Band, bringing their signature punk folk sound to close the festivities.
Food and drink will be available throughout the day from L’Auberge’s renowned kitchen, serving lunch between 12-2pm and dinner between 6-8pm, with advance table bookings recommended via Randalls online or by calling 861697.
Tickets for the evening event are £15 and available via Eventbrite. The daytime programme is free to attend, no booking required.
Producer for ArtHouse Jersey, Robyn Cabaret, said “For ArtHouse Jersey, Jersey Folk Festival is about more than music. It is about celebrating the ways people come together through song, dance, and storytelling. Jersey’s folk scene is shaped by many influences, from local voices to traditions brought here over generations, and this event reflects that mix. It’s a chance to celebrate community in all its diversity, to welcome new audiences, and to share the simple joy of live music made together. We’re thrilled to stage a day where seasoned singers, first-time dancers, and families just soaking it all in can all make memories together. It’s exactly the kind of lived, public culture we exist to support.”
Event Details:
Where: L’Auberge - The Farm House, St. John
When: Saturday 15 November 2025
Daytime: 1pm-5.30pm (Free)
Evening: 6pm-10.30pm (£15 tickets via Eventbrite)
Access:
There is step-free access to the Bar, Restaurant and Function Room. Please note, the Ship's Bar is accessed by a winding granite staircase and through a low door so is not suitable for those with limited mobility.
Links:
Book tickets for the evening event:
LINE-UP A-Z:
Colin Lever: Bringing sing-along spirit and island storytelling, with wit and warmth.
Colin & Ross: Accordion and Jèrriais traditions interwoven in spirited, home-grown harmony.
Gonzo Gypsy Goodtime Band: High-energy folk fused with punk anarchy; from The Pogues to Gogol Bordello and beyond.
The Jersey Lillies: Keeping the joyful beat of English Morris dancing alive and well in Jersey.
Jo Thorpe & Tom Oxenham: Breathing new life into forgotten folk songs and weaving originals inspired by the Island’s stories and shores.
Parish 13: A riot of rum-fuelled folk-punk energy; original tunes bursting with rhythm and rebellion.
Rick Jones: Atmospheric guitar, soulful voice - heartfelt songs from a seasoned local storyteller.
Shindig Céilí Band: Bringing folk-floor energy, rowdy reels and céilí magic to the dance floor.
Sula: Irish folk and Americana meet in an uplifting blend of tunes, songs and easy charm.
