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Meals

There will be very reasonably priced meals available throughout the weekend (except Sunday night when we go to Settle for the concert) and we hope many people will choose to eat communally.

It will be healthy home made vegetarian food. We can cater for most special diets (allergies and intolerances) if you let us know on the application form.

On Sunday night it will be possible to self-cater at Clapham Village Hall (but not at other times) or we can suggest places to eat in Settle before the concert.

General Notes about Teaching

You’ll be asked to choose between dance or music workshops on the application form. The workshops are progressive, and with limited space, so it isn’t appropriate to mix the two. However, those doing the music workshops will be able to attend 2 optional dance workshops, and those doing the dance course can join in sessions, playing for dancing, or go to the optional singing or hardingfele workshops.

Dance: No previous experience of Scandinavian dance and no partner is needed, as you will be encouraged to change partner (and role). You do need to have had some dancing experience and be able to learn, by looking, listening and feeling - whichever works best for you. As the workshops are progressive, it would not normally be appropriate for anyone to just drop in to them. This year we will focus on a dynamic Norwegian springar (running dance). If you have them, we recommend you bring smooth soled dance shoes. However you may also want to bring some dance shoes with a slightly less slippery sole in order to have options and to give your feet a rest. (But please don't worry if you have no alternatives, just bring the shoes you normally wear!)

Music: Tuition will be in three groups, so we don't overcrowd any of the classrooms. The tutors will move between the groups.

All melody instruments are welcome, though there will be some emphasis on fiddle technique. The workshops are not suitable for beginners on their instrument. You should be comfortable learning by ear, though we will make resources available (recordings, video and possibly notation) after the event.

You’ll be asked about your experience of playing Scandinavian music, and your preferred pace of learning, on the application form. This will help us allocate you to an appropriate group. You will be able to move between groups if space is available.

Evening Activities

On Friday evening: we'll introduce the tutors, who will each give a short presentation. Afterwards you'll be able to play for dancing, or dance – or both!

On Saturday evening: you'll again get the chance to dance and play for dancing.

For Musicians- we'll send a list of common “allspel” tunes a few weeks before the event, so everyone gets a chance to play together. There will also be opportunities to play solo or in smaller groups – or dance to our visiting tutors. The Outdoor Classroom* will be also be available for sessions in the afternoon and evenings.

On both Friday and Saturday evenings we'll be in Clapham Village Hall.

We need to finish by midnight.

On Sunday evening: we go to the Victoria Hall in Settle for a concert from our guests, followed by more playing and dancing – including an opportunity to showcase what we've learned so far. We share transport so don't worry if you don't have a car.

Venues

The main venue for the 2024 festival will again be Clapham village, 1.5 miles west of Austwick and within the Yorkshire Dales National Park, a small but bustling village with a pub, cafés, village shop, pretty walks, and everywhere mentioned is within a few minutes’ walk.

The Friday and Saturday evening meals, Monday lunch and all breakfasts, the Friday evening introduction, Saturday evening dance and all the dance workshops are at Clapham Village Hall (LA2 8DZ).

The Sunday evening public concert will be held at Victoria Hall, Settle, an attractive market town within 15 mins drive of Clapham (BD24 9DZ).

All music workshops are at Ingleborough Hall*. We also use this venue for Saturday and Sunday lunches. It is a few minutes’ walk from the dance hall, across a bridge and along a stream, and has gorgeous grounds.

Accommodation

Many people book their own, but please remember to do so in good time.

Unfortunately there are fewer cottages and B&B's in the area than in previous years.

We have already reserved the Swallows Nest for our visiting artistes.

Ingleborough Hall.

We can offer bunk-bed spaces within Ingleborough Hall* at £40 per night. This is an increase from previous years, but is the price set by Bradford Council. These are double bunks within rooms of either 8 or 10 bed-spaces, however we hope to limit occupancy so that no-one has to sleep on a top bunk. Bedding is included and there are plenty of showers. *You will need to bring your own towel*

Camping within Clapham

We have the use of a private farm camping field next to the village car park, with public toilets. You can also use the showers and other facilities in the Outdoor Classroom* at Ingleborough Hall*. The cost is £3.50 per person per night and will need to be booked through Scandimoot.

Campervans

We have permission from Ingleborough Hall* to accommodate a limited number of campervans. They have to fit into normal car parking spaces, so no large vans, sorry.
There are no hookups, but you will be able to use the basic shower/washing/toilet facilities in the outdoor classroom. Pricing will be £22 per van per night.

*Please contact us first if you wish to book a space*

There are other campsites, the nearest being:

The Dalesbridge (which also has cabins): <dalesbridge.co.uk> tel: 015242 51021

Guest Houses & Hotels

The New Inn in Clapham: <newinnclapham.com> tel: 01524 748500

In Austwick, try the Game Cock Inn: <gamecockinn.co.uk> tel: 015242 51226

Otherwise try the online booking sites, for cottages try <sykescottages.co.uk>