New Year House Party
Celebrate the New Year in style – folk style that is! See out the Old Year and bring in the New with dancing, singing, music and games in the glorious setting of Halsway Manor.
With good food, good music and a packed programme of activities for musicians and dancers, plus with workshops and evening dances. There will be plenty of activities to keep you entertained, or room by the fire to relax with a good book. If the weather is fair, optional walks will be arranged, and you can expect playing sessions too; pack your walking boots and instruments.
Enjoy the Manor is its festive finery and see in the New Year with good company!
Who is it for?
An enjoyable New Year break for anyone who wants to enjoys folk music and dancing, and a ‘Country House’ style New Year!
The Team
The team returns for 2026, led by Bridget Flett, with music provided by Rod & Frances Stradling as the house band. Rod and Frances have an energetic style, with a broad variety of repertoire that covers all styles of English and Scottish dancing and much more. Bridget will be assisted by Anne & Fritjof Koerber, Jane Thomas, and Beverley Tapper.
Bridget Flett, a Somerset based caller for Ceilidhs, Folk Dance Groups and Scottish Country Dancing, looks forward to welcoming you to the festivities at Halsway.
Jane Thomas is a regular on the Devon and West Country folk dance scene who will help you make the most of your week at Halsway.
Anne Koerber, who sings with a Bristol based classical choir and leads two West Gallery choirs, looks forward to singing with you.
Rod (accordion) and Frances Stadling (percussion) will be your music for the period. They play for English, Scottish and International dancing and, being active dancers themselves, will provide lively music to keep you going through the day.
Beverley Tapper runs a U3A Folk Dance Group in Taunton and calls for other groups in the area. She is also a Scottish dancer and a member of Sou'westers - the South West region handbell orchestra.