The Slide Guitar Festival

Michael Messer and 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.

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

Date and Time:
Starts: Fri, Nov 13, 26 (12:00 PM)
Ends: Sun, Nov 15, 26 (10:00 PM)

Category: Live Music

Price:
General Admission: GBP 0.0

Artists : Michael Messer, Phillip Henry