We are certain that you are all well aware of the ongoing situation with the Covid19 pandemic, so we don’t expect it to come as any surprise that we sadly have to announce the postponement of Didmarton 2020 until 2021. It was not an easy decision or one that the committee wanted to have to make, but as with so many festivals and events this year we are out of options and up against deadlines. With government guidelines as they stand and the pandemic continuing, there is simply no way it can happen.

As we can’t gather to watch music, chat, catch up and play music together this year, we will be looking to host something like a virtual festival on our Facebook page over the usual Didmarton festival weekend. Videos of bands that should have been performing this year and videos from previous festivals, that we can all watch together at the same time. It won’t be the same, but at least we’ll be able to connect with each other in our love of bluegrass music. (We are investigating a simultaneous broadcast here, on our website too, so keep an eye out for any news)

Do not despair, we will be be back next year!

Stay safe, look out for each other and keep on pickin’.

Important Update:

We just wanted to let you all know that planning and preparation for Didmarton 2020 is continuing behind the scenes and at this time we still plan to hold the 32nd Didmarton Bluegrass Festival on the 4th-6th September. However, given the current situation regarding the Coronavirus worldwide and with advice and information from the government changing daily, the committee has decided to delay the sale of Early-Bird tickets at this time. There are still 24 weeks until our festival, so it would seem prudent to monitor the situation a bit longer to have a better understanding of the long term implications, before we start to sell tickets. We are closely monitoring the situation, as are all of you and hope to be able to give you positive news soon. In the meantime, please stay safe, take care of yourselves and each other, don’t panic and keep on pickin’. See you in September.

Hi folks, we’re sorry to say that someone named Mrs. Lily Thomas, who claims to be in the U.S., is contacting American bands under false pretences, claiming they are representing us and wish to book them for Didmarton Bluegrass Festival 2020. Please be aware this has nothing to do with us, we don’t know who they are and they do not represent us in any way shape or form! So far we have heard from two U.S. bands who have received communications from this person and we have found another UK festival (non-bluegrass) is having similar problems. There is little we can do, other than to warn bands not to have any contact with this person. This is as frustrating for us as it is for the bands involved, but luckily, so far the bands have contacted us directly first before giving over any of their details or information. We hope by posting this publicly on Facebook and our website, we can warn bands to be wary and to please contact us directly to confirm whether we know of any offer from agencies or promoters, before imparting information to third parties.
Thank you
DBF Committee.

Here it is folks, put the dates in your diary now because you don’t want to miss Didmarton 2020! Join us for another fabulous weekend on 4th to 6th September! Keep a close eye on this website and our Facebook and Twitter feeds for news of the fantastic music we will have in store for you and when you can buy your Early Bird tickets. ??

It is with great sadness that we have to announce that Joe K. Walsh has had to return home for a family emergency and will not be able to play for us with Grant Gordy on Saturday night, our thoughts are with him and his family and hope to see him back in the UK soon. The good news is Grant Gordy will be playing a solo set with the possible addition of some guests to mix things up.

For several years Brooklyn-based guitarist Grant Gordy has been a major voice on the American “acoustic music” scene, and one of the most highly regarded young instrumentalists of his generation. Having held the guitar chair in the legendary David Grisman Quintet for six years, he’s also worked alongside such musical luminaries as Edgar Meyer, Steve Martin, Tony Trischka and Darol Anger. Grant has performed all over North America and Europe. You do not want to miss seeing and hearing one of the finest flatpicking guitarists in the world today!

http://www.grantgordy.com/

The full line-up for Didmarton 2019 has been announced and it’s a bumper year for amazing music! Check out the ‘Line-Up’ page for the full list. Top of the bill are the incredible Grant Gordy and Joe K. Walsh from the USA, you really do not want to miss this pair!

Early-Bird tickets are still on sale until the 1st June when the Advance ticket price will come into effect, so don’t wait, grab a bargain while you still can! At £65 for Early-Bird tickets you will not find a better value festival, 14 bands, workshops, camping included for 4 nights, a communal bonfire, trade stalls, lots of picking sessions, an Open Mic stage, real ale bar, the list is almost endless! Plus, if you are a member of the British Bluegrass Music Association you can get a further discount on the Early Bird Ticket Price. Don’t wait, buy your tickets today!

You may remember at Didmarton 2018 there was a collection being held to raise funds for a young boy called Jackson who suffers from an undiagnosed neurological condition, between OGRI MCC and Didmarton Bluegrass Festival goers the amazing amount of £2011 was raised. We have just been sent a link to a newspaper article about the Lucy Air Ambulance which flew Jackson to Great Ormond Street Hospital for specialist tests and we thought you would like to read it too.

https://www.newspostleader.co.uk/news/grand-support-for-children-s-air-ambulance-1-9625719

You can find out more about Jackson on his website:

https://www.thelittleweeman.org/