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 Ensemble Room.

Pub sessions : Once a fortnight on a Friday (7:30pm-10pm), members meet up in a local pub (usually at the Bowling Green) for a relaxed music session and sing-song.
New this year: as we've faced enquires, some of our session will also be open to the general public! Join us for a relaxed student-only session on the first Friday of every month, or come meet some folky locals and jam with some pros on the third Friday of every month.

Folk dance sessions: Focused mostly on Rapper (English sword dancing) and Appalachian step dancing. Wednesdays, 5pm-6:30pm, in Cornwall House Activity Room 2.

Singing sessions: A brand new event for the 2025/26 academic year! Come join us every other Friday for some folk songs and games in the Cornwall House Ensemble Room (7:30pm-9pm).

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 York! We hosted it at Exeter in 2023, and in 2024 and 2025, we organised society trips to the University of York and the University of Sheffield. The highlights from the past years include Techno-Folk crossovers, Sea Shanties, Continuous Contra and a Balkan Ceilidh. Make sure to join our society for more information on the festival and our travel plans!