We're inviting you to swap the wooded parkland of Hatfield House for your gardens and homes; it’s time for friends, folkies and families to unite online and share in an evening brimming with exceptional folk musicians, artistic creations and shared moments of well-being!
This not-for-profit virtual event will raise money both for our Nest Fest performers, so many of whom have lost their livelihood due to the recent situation, and for our partner charity Willow who provide special days for seriously ill young adults.
Over the last 12 years Folk by the Oak have raised a phenomenal £81,000 through ticket contributions, the generosity of the crowd on the day, and further donations, all going to support Willow's vital work. With no festival this summer Willow are facing a real blow to their fundraising efforts and we couldn't let a year go by without supporting them in some way.
Willow beneficiary and musician Eirra will act as an ambassador for Willow at the 'Family Nest' Fest, as well as performing her own set.
Find out more about Willow at www.willowfoundation.org.uk
Running simultaneously to The Main Stream, The Unwinding Stream will go live here at 5pm on 19 July. You can have it running on another screen throughout the festival or come back here at any time to see how the painting is progressing.
A unique opportunity to see a visionary artist carefully breathe life into one of her more ambitious large-scale works of art.
We are overjoyed to be joined by the 2019 Kate Greenaway medal-winning artist Jackie Morris (co-author of The Lost Words with Robert Macfarlane) who will be conjuring a peaceful painting of calm, hope and meditation inspired by her breath-taking new book The Unwinding, in real time! The Unwinding Stream is a place which will slowly and gently inspire dreams. Watch the painting gradually unfold, and relax amid an oak woodland soundscape created by sound artist Chris Watson.
The Unwinding, Jackie's astonishing new book, is available from the following indie bookshops who are well worth supporting:
The Bookshop Band have written a song called The Binding inspired by The Unwinding, which they will play in their Nest Fest set. It is a book of healing and calm, described by the band as "Less a prescription, more a potion of colour."
The evening is also filled with heartfelt good wishes from our regular festival stallholders.
Expect crafty demos, storytelling, face-painting, gemstone mandalas, tiny healing gardens, an oak wishing tree, a willow meadow of goodwill, puppeteers and walks into nature!
Here's how you can join in and spread some kindness by sharing photos of your crafty creations on social media beforehand and on the day.....
We'd love you to make some oak leaves - you can knit, crochet, draw, paint, sculpt or collage - just like the ideas here - anything goes! Each one of your oaky offerings sent through to us via our social media pages represents a good wish to be displayed on our 'Family Nest' Fest Wish Tree which will appear periodically throughout the event - keep an eye out for yours! Guaranteed to bring warmth and kindness to the festivities.
When you see Eirra's amazing song video 'Alive' at the 'Family Nest' Fest you will discover the heartfelt inspiration for this special 'make'. Each flower represents a gesture of support for Willow, and your flower will be displayed amid a willow meadow at intervals throughout the event. Share your photos on our social media pages beforehand or on the day - we are looking forward to seeing them!
Be as creative as you like, or for inspiration see below for Eirra's origami tutorial...
The talented Stephanie from Whatsaface, who has been with us since the very first Folk by the Oak festival in 2008, has created some ‘very easy to do at home’ festival face painting videos. We’d love to see your creations, so send us your photos via our social media pages and you may see your decorated face on screen!
Come back soon for Stephanie's face painting tutorials...
We have teamed up with the mixologists at Cocktails For Home to bring you special 'Family Nest' Fest cocktail kits. Order a parcel full of delicious, mouth-watering ingredients to enjoy at home. A donation from every purchase will go towards the Nest Fest Fund. Cheers!
Click here to order your Nest Fest-inspired cocktails!
Folk by the Oak’s ever-inventive baker Karen Russell can deliver delicious gluten-free wholesome homemade cakes and biscuits to your home! She’s prepared a special ‘Family Nest’ Fest menu of goodies so be sure to visit her website and order yours for the festival www.treatsfromthekitchen.co.uk or come back here soon for a special recipe just for you 'Family Nest' Fest visitors!
Treat yourself to a one-off T-Shirt so you can say you were there! All the participating artists will be listed on the reverse. Order here from 19 July, with funds going towards covering the costs of the 'Family Nest' Fest.
Dig out your festival best: crowns, oak leaves, bunting, picnics, twinkly lights and, of course, your past Folk by the Oak T-shirts. We’d love to see some photos! Share them with us and your fellow Nest Fest goers using our social media sites at the bottom of the page.
