Last few places! - contact info@michaelmesser.co.uk

Michael Messer & Phillip Henry’s UK Slide Guitar Festival returns to Folkestone

13–15 November 2026 | Folkestone

Following a sold-out inaugural event, world-renowned slide guitarists Michael Messer and Phillip Henry are bringing the UK Slide Guitar Festival back to Folkestone for a second year.

Watch the promo video: https://youtu.be/5uByw9J0Wz8

Taking place from 13–15 November 2026 at voco The Clifton Folkestone, the festival offers an immersive weekend of acoustic and resonator slide guitar tuition, informal workshops, shared playing and live music.

Open to players of all levels, from complete newcomers to experienced slide guitarists, the event is designed to be relaxed, friendly and highly personal. Numbers are deliberately limited, giving everyone the opportunity to learn directly from Michael and Phillip, ask questions and share knowledge with fellow players.

The weekend will explore a wide range of slide guitar styles and techniques using acoustic and resonator guitars, including Dobro, Weissenborn and Indian slide guitar influences. A special live concert will also take place in Folkestone on Saturday evening.

Michael Messer is one of Britain’s leading blues and slide guitar innovators, with a career spanning more than 45 years. Johnny Cash wrote the liner notes for his album Rhythm Oil, while his records have topped both the US Living Blues and iTunes Blues charts.

BBC Folk Award winner Phillip Henry is an internationally acclaimed performer and tutor whose distinctive playing brings together blues, British folk and global influences, including Indian classical slide guitar.

Residential packages are available for those travelling from across the UK and include two nights’ accommodation, meals, all classes and admission to the Saturday concert. Non-residential and Saturday-only options are also available.

Places are limited and the previous festival sold out well in advance.

Dates: Friday 13–Sunday 15 November 2026 Venue: voco The Clifton Folkestone, 1–6 Clifton Gardens, Folkestone, Kent CT20 2EB Information and bookings: info@michaelmesser.co.uk Website: michaelmesser.co.uk

Double Header! Three greats team up for an intimate evening of breathtaking playing and great songs.

We are so pleased to have been able to reschedule this show which was due to have taken place in October. Michael Messer is widely regarded as an innovator, songwriter and guitarist who could give Ry Cooder a serious run for his money. He has released many acclaimed albums in a career spanning several decades. Chaz Jankel is best known for his enormously successful work with Ian Dury and the Blockheads. He was Ian's songwriting partner and also co-wrote Ai No Corrida which gave Quincy Jones a worldwide hit. Prepare yourself for a jaw-dropping musical adventure.

Michael and Chaz's band featuring.... Billy Fuller - bass & backing vocals - Billy was Robert Plant’s bass player for 17 years and as well as extensive touring, he co-wrote and recorded three albums with Robert Plant. Billy has also worked with Alicia Keys, Portishead, Massive Attack, Kula Shaker, Baxter Dury, Beak, Billy Nomates and others. Clive Deamer - drums & backing vocals - Clive spent 7 years playng with Radiohead. Clive played with Robert Plant for 6 years and also played for many years with Portishead. In addition, Clive has played with Jeff Beck, Alison Moyet, Dr John, Roni Size and more.