Dartmoor Folk Festival

It was back in 1978 that local musician Bob Cann had the idea of starting his own folk festival to help revive and preserve the traditions of Dartmoor, in particular its traditional music, dance, song and crafts. The first three festivals were held in the grounds of Wood Country House near South Tawton, before it moved in 1981 to its present home in the village of South Zeal, on the edge of Dartmoor.

Now in its fifth decade, the festival has grown to welcome folk artists from near and far while keeping its reputation as a friendly, traditional event. Its heart remains the free workshops, sessions and afternoon entertainment, including the Dartmoor Step Dance and Broom Dance competitions that Bob Cann revived, alongside a full programme of concerts and ceilidhs, with the Dartmoor Pixie Band -- the band Bob himself led -- still playing on today.