A group of dancers who performed traditional Czech, Moravian and Slovak folk dances at the Swanage Folk Festival in Dorset, were delighted to discover the story of World War Two Swanage hero Trevor Chadwick who was responsible for saving the lives of hundreds of Czechslovakian children from Prague.
The Swanage Folk Festival which took place from Friday 11th to Sunday 13th September 2026, attracted around 650 dancers to the town including the Kvitek and Kvet dance groups based in London.
Before performing in the folk festival, the Kvitek and Kvet dance groups had laid flowers at the Trevor Chadwick statue
Swanage’s link to the former Czechslovakia
The Kvitek and Kvet dance groups first travelled to Swanage to perform at the folk festival a few years ago and happened to spot by chance the Trevor Chadwick statue on the Recreation Ground after dancing at the bandstand.
Wanting to find out more about the link between the wartime history of their homeland and Swanage, the dance organisers contacted the Trevor Chadwick Memorial Trust.
The deputy chair Mike Bonfield was delighted to meet the dancers at the statue during this year’s festival, to explain how in 1939 the Swanage teacher rescued children from Prague, who were threatened by the impending German occupation. The majority were Jewish but others were the sons or daughters of Czech and Slovak anti-Nazis.
In order to honour Trevor Chadwick’s role in the Kindertransport which saved the lives of 669 children at the start of World War Two, the local community in Swanage raised the money to commission a bronze statue of the unsung hero. The much admired statue created by local sculptor Moira Purver was unveiled in August 2022.
Colourful costumes
The main stage at Sandpit Field
Chair of Swanage Folk Festival Jon Baker (left) with Swanage town mayor Chris Tomes
“Swanage filled with so many happy people”
While some of the folk festival visitors were learning more about Swanage, others were enjoying the long weekend of music, dance and family entertainment, which was blessed with fine weather and attracted an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 visitors to the town.
Chair of the Swanage Folk Festival, Jon Baker said:
“In the five folk festivals I have been involved with, I have never known so many people tell us how good the whole event was – the dance, the music, the fringe and, above all, the friendly atmosphere.
“People have called it our best line-up yet, but what really stood out was seeing Swanage filled with so many happy people. That is exactly what the festival is about.”
Swanage sea shanty group Kelp perform in The Showbar at The Mowlem
Extraordinary hats
The traditional parade took place along Swanage seafront
Folk festival 2026 in numbers
The Saturday and Sunday evening concerts both sold out and behind the scenes, the bar served nearly 1,900 pints of local ale and cider.
The event was made possible by more than 80 volunteers who worked throughout the weekend to deliver the festival.
- 650 dancers
- 339 individual dance displays
- 55 music acts
- 57 sets played across 11 stages and venues
Entertainment was provided on Sandpit Field along with the trade stands
Thousands flocked to Swanage for the folk festival
Swanage town mayor Chris Tomes led the parade
“Showcasing Swanage to visitors from near and far”
Swanage town mayor Chris Tomes said:
“What a fantastic weekend for Swanage Folk Festival! A huge congratulations to everyone involved in making this year’s Swanage Folk Festival such a brilliant weekend. The town has been full of music, colour, dancing and, most importantly, a fantastic community spirit.
“It was a real honour and a personal highlight to lead the parade along Swanage seafront on Saturday as mayor. Seeing so many people lining the streets and joining in the celebrations was a reminder of what makes our town such a special place.
“I’m incredibly proud to see events like the folk festival bringing people together, supporting local businesses and showcasing Swanage to visitors from near and far.
“A massive thank you to all the organisers, performers, volunteers and everyone who helped make the weekend such a success. Well done Swanage Folk Festival – you should all be very proud!”
Dancers and pirates!
Wareham town crier Jacquie Hall joined in the fun
Dancing outside St Mary’s church after the Sunday church service
An impressive performance
Celebration day
The festival is already a finalist in the Dorset Tourism Awards for its 2025 event and the organisers hope the success of this year’s festival will put it firmly in contention again.
Swanage Folk Festival 2027 takes place from Friday 10th to Sunday 12th September 2027, and tickets are on sale now, while the Swanage Folk Festival Celebration Day is on Saturday 9th January 2027 where any profit made from the festival will be donated to local charities and community organisations.
Blooming marvellous!
The folk festival really is right by the sea
Always hard to find a quiet spot to have your lunch during the Swanage Folk Festival!
Further information
- More about Swanage Folk Festival
