UPCOMING FOLK EVENTS AT EXETER PHOENIX
Published August 4, 2026
Here at the Exeter Phoenix, we deliver a broad music programme, and we are always excited to bring a variety of artists and genres to Exeter's music scene.
Sidmouth Folk Festival is in full swing and so, we thought it was the perfect time to spotlight some of our folk gigs coming up over the Autumn season. Discover an eclectic mix of folk acts hand-picked by Alex from our Work Experience team. From urban indie-rock-folk to emotionally rich, story-driven sing-songwriters, there's something for all folk enthusiasts at Exeter Phoenix.
Dennis Ellsworth
Thu 03 Sep | 7.30pm
Dennis Ellsworth is a singer-songwriter from Charlottetown, Canada. His path began with listening to his parents’ records and cassettes, which inspired him to teach himself guitar and write his own songs. His position is that there is no end to growing as a songwriter. This shows up in his themes, his language, and his ability to switch moods and styles of music to suit his current head or heart space. Ellsworth is making his return to the UK and with him, he will have a standout four-piece band.
Find out more and book your tickets here>>>
Jeffrey Lewis & The Voltage
Mon 14 Sep | 7.30pm
Jeffrey Lewis & The Voltage are a mind-spinning indie-rock/folk/art group who are critically acclaimed for their unusual, word-dense songs. Creating a scuzzy urban style, they are like a 21st Century mash-up of Sonic Youth, Pete Seeger and R. Crumb. Jeffrey’s band have played countless gigs all over the world, including playing as the opening act for icons like The Mountain Goats, Dinosaur Jr, The Fall, Pulp, The Vaselines, and more.
‘Weird? Very… but also downright inspiring’ (★★★★) – Rolling Stone
Find out more and book your tickets here>>>
Sam Carter Sings Nic Jones
Thu 24 Sep | 8pm
Nic Jones was a towering figure of the English folk reviva with, his emotive singing and groundbreaking guitar style continuing to inspire generations of musicians and listeners. In 1982, Nic’s career was cut short by a devastating car accident. Yet his influence endures, shaping generations of folk musicians. Among them is BBC Folk Award-winning singer and guitarist Sam Carter, who is bringing Nic’s timeless arrangements back to the stage in this heartfelt celebration.
Find out more and book your tickets here>>>
Madra Salach
Wed 30 Sep | 7pm
Irish alternative-folk six-piece Madra Salach are fast emerging as one of the most talked-about acts of the year. Their debut EP 'It’s a Hell of an Age' released in January 2026 and reached No. 3 on the Irish Albums Chart. Fuelled by a feverish word-of-mouth buzz, they are currently in the midst of their first UK headline tour. The band will also be supporting Kneecap at their massive Crystal Palace show this June.
Find out more and book your tickets here>>>
Tom McRae
Thu 22 Oct | 8pm
Brit Award and Mercury Prize nominated British singer-songwriter Tom McRae presents his career-spanning solo show. Join Tom for an evening of live music and storytelling that moves between the beloved and the overlooked, with the wit and honesty that has made him one of Britain’s most enduring singer-songwriters. Alone on stage with a guitar, Tom will play from his catalogue that has quietly accumulated some of the finest songs in British folk and alternative music.
Find out more and book your tickets here>>>
Ellie Gowers
Sat 07 Nov | 7.30pm
Ellie Gowers is a UK singer-songwriter crafting emotionally rich, story-driven music described as a ‘sunset-hued 70s folk-pop hug.’ Blending folk, indie, and acoustic pop influences, she has gained acclaim through her debut album 'Dwelling by the Weir'. Ellie’s new material explore the aftermath of life on the road and navigate complex emotions that only early adulthood can throw at you.
Find out more and book your tickets here>>>
Baskery
Sat 21 Nov | 7.30pm
Baskery are Greta, Stella and Sunniva Bondesson, a trio of sisters from Stockholm, Sweden. The three sisters have successfully toured the world and have worked with acts such as Robbie Williams, Seth Lakeman, and Brandi Carlile. They have made appearances at festivals like Glastonbury, Shrewsbury Folk Festival and Solfest.
In February 2022 the band teamed up with producer Sean Lakeman in a timeless Devon hideaway studio to record their 5th album. The collaboration between producer and band was mutually inspiring and the result is a diverse sound landscape.
Find out more and book your tickets here>>>
Our Sidmouth Folk Festival pick of the week
Tim Edey plus Blair Dunlop are playing a set in The Ham on Mon 03 Aug at 12pm - 1pm
Find out more and check out the Sidmouth Folk Festival Programme>>>
And, if you enjoy Blair Dunlop's performance at Sidmouth Folk Festival then why not come and see his show at Exeter Phoenix on Sun 22 Nov, with support from Liz Stringer.
Find out more and book you tickets for Blair's show at Exeter Phoenix here>>>
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Barleycorn
Sun 20 Sep | 7.30pm
Acclaimed folk theatre company Riddlestick Theatre present a new musical comedy inspired by English lore, folk horror, and ‘wyrd’ 1970s telly, featuring traditional and original music and dance.
It’s been raining all summer. But that’s not going to stop the residents of Hopley Drew gathering in The Barleycorn Inn for their annual Harvest show. Some say it’s just typical British weather, but others say it’s something much more sinister…
Find out more and book your tickets here>>>