It was first organised in 1983 by the White Horse Folk Club and grew considerably over thirty years, being located both at Beverley Leisure Centre and at local venues in the town.

[1] Over the years it grew steadily in size and became based at Beverley Leisure Centre, with the venue hosting the main stage, with further music and craft tents on the adjacent site along with the campsite.

[2] Past line-ups have ranged from folk legends such as The Watersons, Steeleye Span, Oysterband, Ralph McTell, Lindisfarne, and the Peatbog Faeries, to Billy Bragg, Barbara Dickson and The Proclaimers.

Contemporary performers have included Levellers, Chumbawamba, Seth Lakeman, Bellowhead, Eliza Carthy and Blackbeard's Tea Party.

Reflecting very much the festival origins and roots, a reformed and expanded Fringe Festival ran over the planned three days with performances at venues including The Tiger, Sun Inn and Monks Walk public houses, Memorial Hall, East Riding Theatre, as well in and around the town centre.