Taking it back to Weymouth...

Taking part in an American Roots/Bluegrass session
during the Wessex Folk Festival 2015

Weymouth in Dorset has a thriving folk scene with a strong emphasis on Americana. It centres on a Wednesday night session in the Sailor's Return pub and the annual Wessex Folk Festival on Weymouth quayside. There is also a monthly folk club in Hope Square and an American Roots/Bluegrass session on the coast road to Bridport. Since discovering the Sailors Return session by chance six years ago, the festival has been an annual fixture.

A predominance of Americana was not something I'd previously experienced. While it took a few years for the penny to drop, Weymouth was the main inspiration for my conversion from English to American roots music. Since my 'switch-over' last August and the invaluable experience I've since gained at the Orpington Folk & Blues Club's Grand Ole Orpy sessions, this May's WFF was my first opportunity to attend the festival as a singer/player of Americana.

I was able to join a number of sessions. Judged subjectively, it seemed to go well and I certainly enjoyed it.