Costa Portugal 2025 Booklet by harmonyvoyages

Portugal 2025

30 sePteMber - 6 oCtober

WelCoM e to Costa Festival

What an absolute pleasure it is to welcome you to Costa Festival Portugal 2025. I am absolutely thrilled to be here again celebrating live music and friendship with every single one of you. What a privilege it is to be back at this stunning location on the Portuguese Algarve coast! As I write this welcome, having just experienced another wonderful UK festival season - taking in everything from intimate folk gatherings to major celebrations of music - I’m reminded once again of the incredible power of live music to bring people together.

This week we celebrate the legendary storytelling of Ralph McTell, who is now celebrating more than 50 years on the road, the award-winning harmonies of The Young’uns, and the unrivalled vocal talents of Daphne’s Flight, and that’s not all…

I’m particularly excited to welcome some remarkable international talent this year, including JUNO Award Nominees, Rum Ragged, who bring the distinct folk music of Newfoundland with their creative, contemporary edge. We also welcome the returned visit from the wonderfully daft and spontaneous Fistful of Spookies, as well as the retro pop-rock sounds of Joshua Burnell Band, whose latest work has been compared to “a lost out-take from Spiders-From-Mars-era Bowie.”

While you may be familiar with some of our returning favourites; Phil Beer, Chris While and Julie Matthews, and Miranda Sykes, I do hope you’ll discover some ‘new to you’ music that you’ll choose to support long after this week ends. Every single musician performing with us is passionate about their craft, and your enthusiasm and support truly does make a difference to their musical journeys.

I’m delighted to tell you that we are once again operating a completely sold-out event! The demand for Costa Festival Portugal continues to grow, and with our other festivals filling up rapidly, we truly appreciate your trust in joining us for this magical week.

Whatever your reason for joining us, I hope you find joy, new friendships, and musical memories that will last a lifetime. Get your singing voices ready, grab the suncream, put on your dancing shoes, and prepare yourself for five incredible days of music, laughter, and pure Costa magic.

The festival officially begins at 2pm on Wednesday, 1st October, and I’ll be around all week. I genuinely love meeting everyone and hearing your stories so don’t be strangers! If you’re experiencing the Costa Festival for the first time, please do come and say hello at the ‘newbies’ meeting, the team will be there to answer any questions and help you make the most of every moment.

Here’s to an unforgettable week ahead!

With love,

Festival Director, Harmony Voyages

YourFestiva l at a glanCe

a ChanCe to Meet

A popular more intimate, often a question-and-answer session to learn a little bit more about the artists. Thu – Sun, 11:30am at the Garden Stage, hosted by Tim Walker (Banter).

aF ternoon & evening ConCerts

Each day you’ll be able to enjoy both the afternoon and evening concerts on the outdoor Grande Real Garden stage. Bring something warmer to wear in the evenings, just in case. Your Principal Compere Jack Westwood will be in situ to ensure the smooth-running order of the day.

Ceilidhs – late night

Banter return to provide the music and calling for ceilidhs. Always great fun!

Choir / Costa enseMble

See pages 22-23 for further details

Club 18-80 With dJ ‘siMon Care

Always popular and great fun - head on down to the Grande Real Indoor Stage for some seriously cheesy pop music. Hosted by DJ Simon Care, you get to relive those days of the school disco. Seems like a great reason to dig out the brightest shirts/clothing you can find.

late sessions

These will be in full swing every night in the Grande Real foyer, hosted by Geoff Lakeman with various other musicians joining in. Usually some of the most talked about events of the festivals! Play, drink and chat until the sun comes up.

oPen MiC

Your host for the week is Robbie K Jones. Put your name down (from 9:15am each morning) on the list on the Festival Noticeboard if you would like to take part.

Pilates With rosie / tai Chi With Melvin

See schedule for times & festival site map on page 26-27 for location.

singaround

Informal singaround led by Nigel - bring your voices. See schedule for time and location.

tunes session

Informal session led by Cathy - bring your instruments. See schedule for time and location.

ukuleles

See page 22 for details.

WaterColour arts Classes

See page 20 for further details and the timetable of classes.

general in ForMation

CurrenCY / Cash

The hotel accepts cash and card. There is an ATM inside the hotel for cash withdrawal.

exCursions

Please keep an eye on the Festival Noticeboard in hotel reception for any further information.

Festival & harMonY voYages desks

9am – 5pm for all your festival and Harmony Voyages enquiries.

Festival notiCeboard

Located in the Grande Real foyer, near the Festival/Harmony Voyages Desks

Open Mic sign up sheet (9:15am daily), any venue / programme changes, your flight departure times and anything else you might need to know will be posted here - please check it regularly.

hotel reCePtion

The Hotel Reception is open 24 hrs.

MealtiMes & bars

Breakfast & Evening meals are included for all Grande Real hotel guests.

real Cozinha restaurante (hotel)

7:30am – 10:30am – Breakfast 12pm – 3pm – Lunch & light snacks

6pm – 9:30pm – Dinner

real bar

8pm – late

venue Changes

atlantiCo restaurante (overlooking the sea) 9am – 6pm – Bar 12noon – 11pm – Restaurant

Pool & Main stage bars

When concerts are on.

As the festival is Hotel based it may occasionally be necessary to change some of the venues, depending on capacity and weather. All amendments will be shown on the Festival Noticeboard along with additional signage around the hotel.

general in ForMation

MerChandise

New designs for Portugal 2025 - on sale from 9:30am Wednesday 1 October at the Festival Desk in the Grande Real foyer. Always popular – make sure you visit early.

neW to Costa Festivals

If this is your first time with us, you are very welcome. Please join us at 9am on Wednesday 1 October in the Grande Real Indoor Stage where the Harmony Voyages team would love to say hello, answer any questions, and give you any further information you might need.

shuttle bus to the old toWn & albuFeira

Please ask at Hotel Reception for the timetable.

sMoking / vaPing

The Grande Real Hotel is a NON-SMOKING/VAPING Hotel, and we respectfully ask that you observe this. Please be mindful of others when smoking/vaping outdoors and refrain from smoking/vaping during outdoor concerts.

solo travellers

Come and meet Jean and fellow solo travellers and start building new friendships. 9:30am, Wednesday 1 October on the Grande Real Indoor Stage.

suPerM arkets / PharM aCY

There are various supermarkets nearby, all within walking distance of the hotel: Algar Favorita - Right out of main drive, on opposite side of road. 11 mins walk, 800m.

Spar Supermarket - Left out of main drive, 14 mins walk, 1.1Km.

Intermarché - Left out of main drive, 16 mins walk, 1.2Km.

Intermarché Olhos de Água - Right out of main drive, 24 mins walk, 1.9Km.

Mini Mercado Alfagar - Right out of main drive, 7 mins walk, 550m.

There is also an Aldi nearby, reachable by taxi/uber.

WiFi

Wi-Fi connection from your room or anywhere in the hotel is free. Please request a password for access at Reception.

ralPh MCtell

We are delighted and honoured that Ralph McTell will join us in Portugal in October 2025.

One of the great storytellers, Ralph has spent over 50 years on the road. Known for his virtuoso guitar style, he is above all a prolific and gifted songwriter. His music invites you into a unique world, weaving narratives that are both poignant and profound. Ralph made his debut in 1968 with Eight Frames a Second and his 1974 release Streets of London earned him an Ivor Novello Award. In 2002, he received the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards’ prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.

the Young‘uns

The Young’uns’ live shows are renowned rollercoaster rides: heart-on-the-sleeve storytelling, warm harmonies, beautiful lyrics and relentless repartee. Sean Cooney, Michael Hughes and David Eagle (also an award-winning stand-up) write and sing folk songs for today.

Born from empathy, crafted with care, fired by hope, their songs have been called “a heartfelt secular hymnary for these troubled times and a rallying call for humanity” (The Scotsman). The trio have won three BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards (including Best Album in 2018) and created the acclaimed international theatre show The Ballad of Johnny Longstaff.

da Phne‘s Flight

Featuring four of the finest singer-songwriters of their generation, Daphne’s Flight create a magical blend of styles, striking harmonies and infectious on-stage chemistry. Their music is moving, relatable and uplifting, uniting folk, blues, jazz and pop with sensitivity, beauty and power. Think the songwriting sparkle of The Traveling Wilburys, the vocal prowess of Sweet Honey in the Rock, and the warmth and humour of The Derry Girls – that’s Daphne’s Flight. With thought-provoking lyrics, rich instrumentation and an energy that inspires, they are a unique and unparalleled force. Quite simply, Daphne’s Flight are a band to be reckoned with.

a Fist Ful oF sPookies

Guaranteed to woo, charm, cheer and delight, A Fistful of Spookies bring magnificent fun wherever they go. Made up of professional singers and choir leaders from across the UK, all of whom have toured with Australia’s legendary Spooky Men’s Chorale, they recreate the full Spooky canon of achingly beautiful and wonderfully daft songs.

Expect everything from anthems about power tools and doing nothing, to ancient hymns, Georgian work songs and award-winning covers of Abba, Bowie, Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen and Queen.

M elrose quartet

From deep roots in Sheffield’s vibrant music, song and dance scene to acclaimed concert appearances across the UK and abroad, Melrose Quartet have earned a reputation for music that truly connects. All four are internationally renowned singers, instrumentalists and writers, and in 2017 became proud patrons of Whitby Folk Week.

Their repertoire ranges from carousing chorus songs and lively dance tunes to timeless stories and new pieces reflecting modern life. Known for outstanding workshops in harmony singing and accompaniment, they also perform as The Melrose Ceilidh Band –combining instruments and voices to create a unique, uplifting ceilidh experience.

Wilson & WakeM an

Damian Wilson, renowned songwriter and vocalist, has featured on over 70 albums, performed with Headspace, Threshold and Rick Wakeman’s English Rock Ensemble, released five solo albums, and starred as Jean Valjean in Les Misérables.

Adam Wakeman, acclaimed keyboardist and musical director, has worked with Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath and Annie Lennox. A classically trained pianist, he has released four solo albums and toured worldwide with Slash, Travis and 10CC. Together, Wilson and Wakeman deliver outstanding songs, exceptional musicianship and plenty of humour – a show not to be missed!

Phil beer trio

An opportunity to see world renowned multi-instrumentalist Phil Beer share the Blues roots of his musical life. Supported by his long-time collaborator Miranda Sykes on Bass guitar and Sian Monaghan on percussion, they will confidently guide you through the music of Blind Willie Johnson, The Rev Gary Davis, Davy Graham, and John Mayall.

Phil will introduce the music of the Great British Blues interpreters and pioneers, whilst giving it that inimitable Phil Beer ‘twist’. Following the success of his 2020 album ‘The Blues Hour’, the Phil Beer Trio’s Blues and Beyond… tour promises three great musicians at the top of their game, combining effortlessly to create an evening of songs and random anecdotes from an extraordinary life in music, this time from the Bluesy side of the street.

Chris While & Julie M attheWs

With 30 years of unrivalled partnership, Chris While and Julie Matthews are one of Britain’s most beloved and prolific female duos. Together they’ve played over 2,600 gigs, appeared on 100+ albums, and written hundreds of songs that have reached millions worldwide. Also members of Daphne’s Flight and St. Agnes Fountain, they remain as fresh and vital as ever.

Acclaimed singers, songwriters, musicians and producers, Chris and Julie bring boundless energy and commitment to every performance. Recording from their own Pennine studio, far from the London-centric industry, they continue to inspire as two of the finest musicians on the world folk scene.

the hunCh

The Hunch are five friends and musicians whose diverse tastes and global influences fused into a unique sound when the band formed in 2017. Blending crafted arrangements of originals and classics, they deliver close-knit five-part harmonies, soulful vocals, blues harmonica, Uillean pipes, and dynamic instrumentation spanning folk, rock, Americana, jazz, and reels.

Michael Doonan, Bob Thomas, Tony Bacon, Chris Hanks and Marcus Frost combine outstanding musicianship with on-stage wit and camaraderie, creating performances full of energy, humour and heart. Expect toe-tapping tunes, surprising twists, and irresistible songs that will leave you with the unmistakable feeling – you’ve got The Hunch.

M iranda sYkes

Miranda Sykes began her musical career in 1996 at just 18, touring with a country rock band before joining folk-rock outfit Pressgang for two years of international touring. What followed was a period of musical variety, performing with Firebrand, Little Johnny England, Robb Johnson, Bill Jones, Steafan Hannigan, Reg Meuross, Kirsty McGee, The Phil Beer Band, Martyn Joseph and The Scoville Units. In 2004 she stepped in for Pete Zorn with Show of Hands and went on to spend the next 20 years as a core member. Alongside, she released albums with the Miranda Sykes Band, mandolinist Rex Preston, and as a solo artist. In 2024 she returned with new collaborations, festival appearances, and her solo album Out Of The Woods.

Joshua burnell band

Joshua Burnell makes retro pop-rock for the modern world. His latest album Glass Knight - hailed by the Financial Times as “a lost out-take from Spiders-from-Mars-era Bowie” - won widespread acclaim in 2023. Expect hooky melodies, retro-synth textures, reverbing guitars, lush harmonies and lyrics that surprise and provoke.

Compared to The War On Drugs, Genesis and Peter Gabriel, Joshua and his band deliver shows full of infectious energy, from a standing ovation at Fairport’s Cropredy to major festivals nationwide. With imaginative songwriting that blends glam, psychedelia and folk-pop, Burnell continues to redefine retro rock for today’s audiences.

honeY & the bear

Honey & The Bear are a British folk and roots duo whose interweaving harmonies and evocative songwriting have made them a force on the UK festival circuit. Their spirited live shows shift seamlessly from fast and furious rhythms to tender ballads, telling stories of Suffolk folklore, courageous lives and a love of nature.

Multi-instrumentalists Jon and Lucy Hart (guitars, bass, bouzouki, ukulele, banjo, mandolin, percussion) are joined on stage by Evan Carson (percussion), Toby Shaer (fiddle, flutes, whistles) and Archie Churchill-Moss (diatonic button accordion), creating rich textures and dynamic arrangements that have won acclaim at major venues and festivals nationwide.

ruM ragged

JUNO Award nominees Rum Ragged take a bold, contemporary approach to the folk music of their home island of Newfoundland. With bouzouki, fiddle, bodhrán, banjo, guitar and button accordion, they breathe new life into East Coast traditions with honesty, humour and heart.

Since forming in 2016, they’ve toured internationally, released four acclaimed albums, and earned a reputation as one of the finest groups to emerge from Atlantic Canada. Renowned for striking harmonies, staggering musicianship and captivating storytelling, Rum Ragged’s live shows are an unforgettable celebration of a living tradition – both deeply rooted and refreshingly new.

robbie k Jones & Friends

Introducing… Robbie K Jones & friends! The multi-instrumentalist and hugely talented Robbie K Jones will invite various musicians who are with us at the festival to join him for impromptu unrehearsed mayhem and merriment. We never know quite what to expect from this set…. except fabulous entertainment!

Robbie tours the UK, Spain and Ireland as a member of Track Dogs comprising of 2 Irishmen, 1 Englishman and 1 American. The band came together in 2011 to make their unique brand of acoustic music. Featuring a veritable 4x4 of voices and instruments, their style is a dynamic fusion of folk, Latino, Americana & bluegrass.

hannah sCott

“Your music moved me to tears.” This is what contemporary folk artist Hannah Scott often hears after her performances. A consummate storyteller, Hannah’s powerful lyrics and familiar, emotive voice explore human stories, family, love and loss with universal appeal.

From BBC Radio 2 sessions to Grey’s Anatomy features, festival stages and intimate venues, she connects deeply with audiences, leaving them moved and inspired. Suffolk-born and self-taught on guitar, Hannah has just completed her third self-produced album, exploring love, parenthood, grief, and resilience. Her music is heartfelt, poignant, and unforgettable.

banter

Prepare to be swept away by Banter, a dynamic quartet blending traditional English folk with bold contemporary energy. Since forming in 2015, they’ve captivated audiences at Glastonbury, Cambridge, Sidmouth and across Europe. With foot-stomping rhythms, soaring vocals and masterful instrumentation—from melodeon, keyboards, bass, fiddle, percussion and guitar - their setlists mix reimagined English repertoire with tracks from acclaimed albums like HEROES. Endorsed by legends including Ashley Hutchings and Ralph McTell, Banter’s exhilarating performances combine humour, passion and innovation, making them “the world’s smallest big band.” Tradition meets transformation: expect spellbinding music that leaves audiences enchanted and inspired.

nina zella

Singer and keyboard player from Banter, Nina Zella has been writing music and songs since she was old enough to sit at the piano and is now embarking on a solo project. Nina’s music combines elements of all the styles of music she loves - folk, jazz, soul, blues... all wrapped up with heartfelt lyrics from a lifetime of adventures.

Recently likened to Christine McVie by BBC Radio 2’s Mark Radcliffe, she is now regarded as a songwriter, composer, musician and singer of the highest calibre gaining critical acclaim and praise across the music press and receiving airplay for her work around the globe.

late night sessions W ith

Geoff is a veteran and mainstay of the West Country “session" scene. He's seen and heard at two sessions a month in his local pub on Dartmoor, which is only 50 yards from his ancient cottage and he also meets up with other musicians all over Devon and his native Cornwall.

He has the broadest musical taste and will encourage everyone to play what they willEnglish and Irish trad, both tunes and song, contemporary singer-songwriter material, a cappella, Blues or Old Time, Americana, comic songs or shanties. Just come along and make it happen folks!

tiM Walker

Tim Walker is the versatile multi-instrumental member of the British folk band Banter, where he showcases his extraordinary musical talents playing drums and trumpet simultaneously, along with percussion, vocals, guitar, and bass. Beyond his captivating live performances, Tim is also the enthusiastic and friendly host of “Tim Walker’s Folk,” the rapidly growing and popular BBC UK folk music radio show. Through this platform, he has interviewed a stellar lineup of folk luminaries.

quaCk quaCk, the duCks are baCk!

Each day starting on Wednesday afternoon, 100 ducks will be bobbing about in the water feature at the front of the hotel. Simply “hook a duck" and bring it to the festival desk where you will find out if your number has won. 90 people will win nothing/nada... BUT 10 lucky winners will claim a prize every day! The ducks will be placed in the water daily at approximately 1.30pm. First come first served but play nicely please, only one duck per person.

Various prizes to be won, including bottles of fizz, Costa merchandise and vouchers between £25 - £200!

quiz, bingo & Panel ga Me With nina & Friends

You simply can’t miss these! AND there are prizes to be won! See the Schedule (page 16-17) for times and location.

sPookY songing sesh

Stephen Taberner, musical director and dreamer of The Spooky Men’s Chorale (Aus), leads a surprising singing workshop with an unexpectedly diverting denouement. All welcome. Don’t miss the chance! ‘Sheer musicalexcellence–liketheghostsofchoristerslong gone’ - Sydney Morning Herald

Morning & aF ternoon entertain

Wed 1 oCt thurs 2 oCt lisboa

9:30am - 10:30am Choir Choir outdoors (see Festival

10am - 10:45am Pilates Pilates grande real indoor 10am - 11am

9:30am - 11am Tunes Session Tunes Session

10:30am - 11:45am Singaround Singaround outdoors (see Festival

11am - 11:45pm Tai Chi Tai Chi grande real i 11:15am - 12:15pm Costa Ensemble Costa Ensemble M ain bar

11:30am - 12:30pm Quiz with Nina Bingo with Nina

Progra MMe CorreCt at tiMe oF

entertainMent sChedule

Fri 3 oCt sat 4 oCt sun 5 oCt

rooM

site M aP For loCation)

Pilates

indoor stage

terraCe

Tunes Session

rooM

Singaround

site M aP For loCation)

Tai Chi

ndoor stage

Costa Ensemble

terraCe

PubliCation - subJeCt to Change

Pilates

Tunes Session

Singaround Singaround

Tai Chi

Costa Ensemble

Tai Chi

Costa Ensemble

12:30pm - 1:30pm

Panel Game with Nina & Guests

Weds 1 oCt thurs 2 oCt garden stage (aCross

11:30am - 12:15pm Chance to Meet: Chris While & Julie Matthews

12:30pm - 1:15pm Hannah Scott grande real stage

2pm - 2:50pm Phil Beer Trio Banter

3pm - 3:50pm Hannah Scott The Hunch

4pm - 5pm Joshua Burnell Band Wilson & Wakeman lisboa

5:15pm - 6:15pm Ensemble Drop In Ensemble Drop In grande real indoor

5:30pm - 6:30pm Open Mic Open Mic grande real stage 8:30pm - 9:30pm Wilson & Wakeman Joshua Burnell Band

9:45pm - 10:45pm Daphne’s Flight Phil Beer Trio

lisboa 10pm - late Session with Geoff Lakeman Session with Geoff Lakeman

aF ternoon & evening entertain Progra MMe CorreCt

entertainMent sChedule

Fri 3 oCt sat 4 oCt sun 5 oCt

ross the bridge)

Chance to Meet: Honey & The Bear

Chance to Meet: The Young’uns

Nina Zella Singers Showcase

(M ain Pool area)

Melrose Quartet

Chris While &

Julie Matthews

Chance to Meet: Rum Ragged

Choir / Ukulele / Ensemble Showcase

Robbie & Friends A Fistful of Spookies

Rum Ragged

Ralph McTell The Young’uns

Honey & The Bear

Melrose Quartet

rooM

Open Mic

indoor stage

Stephen Taberner’s Singing Workshop

(M ain Pool area)

Honey & The Bear

rooM

Ensemble Drop In

Open Mic

Miranda Sykes Rum Ragged

The Hunch A Fistful of Spookies

Session with Geoff Lakeman

PubliCation - subJeCt to Change

Session with Geoff Lakeman

Ralph McTell

Session with Geoff Lakeman

WaterColour art Classes

We are delighted to welcome Paul Clark and Margot Lofts back to Portugal to take the Watercolour Art Classes.

Paul Clark is a published author, professional artist who has been teaching watercolour painting and drawing techniques to adult learners of all levels for over 40 years. Margot Lofts, a watercolourist in her own right, works alongside Paul to take extra classes to provide a varied programme.

£30 / €35 per session OR £180 / €210 for all 7 sessions

Payment in resort by cash (sterling/euros), credit card (sterling) or BACS (sterling)

Class sChedule

Wed 1 oCtober

thurs 2 oCtober

Fri 3 oCtober

sat 4 oCtober

sun 5 oCtober

10:00 - Book your classes

10:30 - 1:00

Short Intro followed by ‘Painting in Monocolour’ with Paul

10:00 - 12:30

Paint-A-Long

‘A Village Scene’ with Paul

10:00 - 12:30

‘En Plein Air’

A lesson in learning to sketch/ paint outdoors - with Paul

10:00 - 12:30

Paint-A-Long

‘Painting a Seascape’ with Paul

10:00 - 12:30

Paint-A-Long

‘Painting a Landscape’ with Paul

2:00 - 4:30

Paint-A-Long

‘Boy Gone Fishing’ with Margot

2:00 - 4:30

Paint-A-Long / Paint & Sip

‘Let’s Paint Geckoes’ with Margot

alPhabetiCal order oF aPPearanCe

A Fistful of Spookies

Banter

Chris While & Julie Matthews

Daphne’s Flight

Geoff Lakeman (Late Night Sessions)

Hannah Scott

Honey & The Bear

Joshua Burnell Band

Melrose Quartet

Miranda Sykes

Nina Zella

Phil Beer Trio

Ralph McTell

Robbie K Jones & Friends

Rum Ragged

The Hunch

The Young’uns

Pilates & tai Chi

Pilates With rosie - 10a M - 10:45a M, Wed - sun - see M aP (Page 26-27) For loCation

Join Rosie at the daily Pilates class which will definitely help improve your posture, flexibility, strength, balance and set you up for the day ahead. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a towel.

tai Chi With Melvin - 11a M - 11:45a M, Wed - sun - see M aP (Page 26-27) For loCation

The sessions have been developed to give absolute beginners an understanding of the foundations/practice of tai chi and provide an opportunity for the more experienced to explore a wider range of activities.

ukulele WorkshoP

10a M - 11a M, Weds - sun - grande real indoor stage

Join Andy at the daily ukulele sessions running at Costa Festival. With just four strings and unlimited chords, this is a great instrument to get into even if you haven’t played much before. You will learn how to play a few songs but most importantly have fun whilst doing so then on the final day of the festival you will perform to the Costa audience.

Choir

9:30a M - 10:30 a M, Weds - sun, lisboa rooM

We are delighted that Celia will once again run the Costa Choir. The choir will perform for everyone in Sunday's Showcase, along with the ukulele and ensemble groups. Sunday at 12:30pm on the Garden Stage.

Costa enseM ble

11:15a M - 12:15PM, Weds - sat & 5:15PM - 6:15PM Weds, thurs & sat - lisboa rooM

Joe Broughton and Tom Chapman (Conservatoire Folk Ensemble, Urban Folk Quartet etc.) are back to run these extremely fun and ultra-accessible ensemble workshops!

Everyone can join in, so whether you just got your first two ukulele chords together, or you’ve been playing guitar at your local session for years, this is an opportunity for you to be part of a band, to learn something, and to have a good time. Bring your instrument if you can, and if not you can join the percussion/singing/dancing section…!

There will be a daily one-hour morning workshop for everyone that wants to be involved, and there will be an additional daily one hour “drop-in” session at teatime, for anyone that wants a bit of extra help, or even wants to do something more challenging… or just wants to chat about music or ask questions. Absolutely all instruments and abilities are welcome.

asPeCial t hank You

Costa Festival Portugal isn’t just a festival, it’s a holiday with fantastic music and incredible people. We call it a festival because we celebrate a series of organised concerts and other events during the week. Put the holiday, the people and the music together and that’s when you get the ‘magic dust’ that makes every Costa Festival special. What a week we’ve shared together!

An incredible amount of planning, preparation and serious hard work goes into ensuring everything comes together perfectly during the festival.

This week would not be possible without the dedication and long hours worked by the Harmony Voyages team. We are quite a small team and together, I believe we achieve great things. I am supported by my fellow directors, Andy & Steve, along with our incredible team: Lioux, Kieron, Emma, Lauren, Alice, Andy W and Maddie.

Special thanks also go to:

Every single artist who performed this week Programme Director - John Watterson Artist Liaison - Steve & Terri Sheldon Production Manager - Chris McNeil Sound & Lights - Stefan Care / Jamie Thompson Tech – Ignacio, Georgia, Victor, Monica, Diego, Jonathan, Antonio 1, Antonia 2, Bartolo, Salvador and Oscarmanuel

The Costa team of amazing festival stewards - Nick, Claire, Chris, Karen, Harvey, Fi, Mike, John, Jean and Julie Principal Compere - Jack Westwood

Our wonderful activity leaders: Rosie Clegg, Melvin Samuel, Celia Ketchell, Joe Broughton, Tom Chapman, Andy Webster, Nigel Hammill, Cathy Taylor, Banter, Paul Clark, Margot Lofts, Jim Coyle, Robbie K Jones, Alice Jones, Geoff Lakeman & Nina Zella. The Grande Real Hotel staff who have looked after us all so brilliantly throughout the week.

Thank you for being part of the Costa family. Thank you for singing along, for dancing at the ceilidhs, for trying new chords in the ukulele workshops, for discovering your artistic side in the watercolour classes, and for creating the warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes Costa Festival so special.

To those experiencing their first Costa Festival this week—welcome to the family! And to our returning Costa friends—thank you for continuing to trust us with your precious holiday time and for helping to create that magical atmosphere that newcomers fall in love with.

Go safely home, keep smiling, cherish the memories made this week, and I’ll look forward to seeing you all again soon—whether that’s at Costa Festival Ibiza, our Summer or Winter festivals, or back here in Portugal next year.

Angela Schofield Festival Director, Harmony Voyages