The Folk Society has been the hub of all things folk at Exeter University since it was founded in 1959. The folk tradition is inclusive and welcoming—and we're no different! Regardless of ability or experience, if you’ve got energy, you’re perfect! 

What we offer: 

Folk band: We are always open for new members to join our band Pigasus! We accommodate all skill levels, so feel free to come along to our band practice sessions, held every Thursday (7pm-9pm) in Cornwall House.

Pub sessions : Once a fortnight on a Wednesday (7:30pm-10pm), members meet up at a local pub for a relaxed music session and sing-song.  

Folk dance sessions: Focused mostly on Rapper (English sword dancing) and Appalachian step dancing. Wednesday, 5pm-6:30pm, in Cornwall House Activity Room 2 on the week when there isn’t a pub session. 

Special events: 

End of term ceilidhs: A ceilidh (pronounced KAY-lee) is a social gathering involving social dance and folk music (performed live by our band!). These are our most popular events, so make sure not to miss them!

Local folk events: We also participate in local folk events including concerts, ceilidhs, and balfolk. Become a member to be informed of our plans via newsletter.
 

And last but not least...

The Inter Varsity Folk Dance Festival (IVFDF): A three-day folk dancing extravaganza held by different universities across the country—this year in Sheffield! We hosted it at Exeter in 2023, and in 2024, we organised a society trip to the University of York. The highlights from the past two years include Techno-Folk crossovers, Sea Shanties, Continuous Contra and a Balkan Ceilidh. Find out more at IVFDF 2025