St Albans Folk Music

26/09/2026

21/09/2026

**From the press release for this Sunday’s concert - Patakas with support from the Sandringham School Ceilidh Band**

St Albans Folk Music’s 2026-27 season opens with a concert on Sunday September 27 at 7.30pm at St Saviour’s Church, Sandpit Lane AL14DL featuring the exceptionally accomplished brothers Joe and Will Sartin, performing as Patakas (pronounced pa : ta : kus), a refined and dynamic acoustic duo continuing to make a strong impression on the folk scene. Support will come from members of Sandringham School Ceilidh Band

With Joe’s rich expressive voice and masterful guitar work, alongside Will’s agile and intricate mandolin playing, the Sartin brothers demonstrate a deepening musical maturity and confidence. Rooted in a strong family tradition, their sound has evolved to blend intricate rhythms, nuanced arrangements, and inventive harmonies.

Drawing on both traditional material and their own growing catalogue of original songs and tunes, Patakas delivers performances that are deeply authentic, timeless, and grounded in the folk tradition.

Alongside his other pursuits, Will Sartin, mandolin and vocals, also finds time to dance with Five Rivers Morris and is an active member of the folk scene in Sheffield and beyond. For many years, he was part of the lively and well-known five-piece festival ceilidh band, Out of Hand, performing at many of the major folk festivals across the UK. This experience shapes the selection and energetic drive of the tunes that Patakas arranges for its performances.

In addition to his traditional folk repertoire, with both Patakas and the trio Renard, and penning original songs, Joe Sartin, guitar and vocals, manages and performs with rock band, Mojo & The Royal Restitution. He composes music across multiple genres and is currently working on compositions for the video game market, other musical collaborations and projects in folk, jazz and rock; influences which contribute to the unique musical identity of Patakas.

The Sandringham School Ceilidh band was set up five years ago and plays a variety of music at school concerts inspired by English, Irish, Scottish and American folk music and is led by members of the ensemble. This evening members of the ceilidh band will be playing some of their own compositions as well as more traditional folk songs. The ceilidh band members have changed over the years and tonight will include Rebecca, Edward (violins), Rose (viola) and Alice (flute).

Tickets for the concert cost £15, with £10 concessions for under18’s and students. They can be booked online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/stalbansfolkmusic, by phone on 0333 666 3366 or by paying on the door. Doors and the licensed bar open at 7pm.

Buy tickets for St Albans Folk Music's upcoming events. Click the link for further information and to secure your tickets now!

18/09/2026

After a bit of a break following our festival in June, we are now back with a brilliant autumn concert series, starting with the brilliant Will and Joe Sartin on 27 September at St Saviour's Church, St Albans. Details will follow here shortly, or check out our ticket source page: https://www.ticketsource.com/stalbansfolkmusic. We hope to see you there!! 🪕🎻🪗🪉🪈😀

19/06/2026

08/06/2026

08/06/2026

Thanks again to Máire Ní Chathasaigh & Chris Newman (Irish Harp & Guitar), to the brilliant support acts, and to all who came for a fantastic night on Saturday!

Huge thanks to Alison MacFarlane and all the committee of St Albans Folk Music Festival for having us for a most enjoyable concert at St Saviour's Church (pictured) in the beautiful town of St Albans last Saturday night! And many thanks too to Tim Brooks for doing a great job on the sound and to Val and Chris Argue for their kind hospitality. We had a wonderful time! We even got to see the Cathedral with its early 1200s wall paintings and the restored 14th c. shrine of St Alban before leaving yesterday morning...

08/06/2026

Thank you to everyone who came along to our Maypole Workshop at St Saviour's Church, St Albans for the St Albans Folk Music Family Fun Day as part of the St Albans Folk Festival! Was fantastic to get so many participants along trying out traditional maypole dancing for the first time 🌸🌷🌹🏵💐

07/06/2026

Have you ever done Maypole dancing in a church?! With the brilliant Young Miscellany at St Saviour's Church, St Albans 😀

07/06/2026

07/06/2026

Our family fun day is about to start at St Saviour's Church, St Albans!