Here, you can find out more about each of the four concerts, and all of the performers.
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THE DEMON BARBERS XL
WINNERS OF ‘BEST LIVE ACT’ @ BBC RADIO 2 FOLK AWARDS
Renowned for their no holds barred approach to their live shows The Demon Barbers return to the concert stage with a new repertoire, extra band members and a modern twist to their multi-award winning Roadshow.
Since winning ‘Best Live Act’ at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards The Demon Barbers have been immersed in the development of their Folk & Hip Hop Dance Extravaganza ‘The Lock In’. Following a number of successful UK tours, including high profile shows at Glastonbury Festival and 5 star reviews for their 2 week run at Edinburgh Fringe, The Demon Barbers now bring some of the UK’s most exciting young Clog, Sword, Hip Hop & Break dancers onto the concert stage to create the live folk music & dance spectacular of the year!
THE XL SHOW FEATURES NEW MATERIAL FROM THEIR LATEST ALBUM ‘DISCO AT THE TAVERN’, A COLLABORATION WITH GRAMMY & EMMY AWARD WINNERS DONAL HODGSON AND KIPPER, BEST KNOWN FOR THEIR WORK WITH STING.
Combining solid traditional acoustic instruments and songs with the added oomph of a superbly tight rhythm section they create a unique and captivating sound. Energetic fiddle and passionate, distinctive vocals ‘with driven punchy tunes and songs, drum ‘n’ bass grooves, the odd touch of ska and an ever present feel that this lot know how to party’ result in ‘one of the most exciting acts around… check them out….’ fRoots
“The inspiration comes from Damien Barber, front man of the award-winning folk band The Demon Barbers, who supply the floor-shaking live music that alone justifies the price of the ticket” The Independent review of The Lock In
“One of the best live bands I’ve ever seen. If you get a chance to see them – don’t miss it – they are brilliant” Mike Harding, BBC Radio 2
“Lovely, hooky, mellow’”– Acoustic Magazine
“Highly accomplished musicianship” – Folkwords “Gorgeous” – Tom Robinson, BBC 6 Music
“Outstanding…refreshingly natural” – R2 Magazine
“Wow...!” Martin Carthy
“Beautiful” – Roger Day, BBC Radio South
Tinderbox are an award winning acoustic band formed by Dublin born Monique Houraghan with a distinctive ‘honey-like’ vocal, and Dan Tucker with an intricate finger style guitar technique. For several years talented singer-songwriter and session musician Bob Burke has been a mainstay of the group.
In addition to countless headline shows in the UK, Ireland and America Tinderbox have played support for many high profile acts including Joan Armatrading, 10cc, Cara Dillon, Hazel O’Connor, Jon Allen, Eleanor McEvoy, Ben’s Brother, Ralph McTell, Ed Sheeran collaborator Amy Wadge, Squeeze’s Chris Difford and Ade Edmondson.
BBC 6 Music’s Tom Robinson described the music as “Gorgeous”. R2 Magazine’s Dai Jeffries added “…tunes (that) stick in the memory from the start”, and BBC Radio South’s Roger Day branded them “an early Fairport Convention”.
With a solid reputation amongst the UK folk and acoustic scene this is a perfect opportunity to experience Tinderbox live in a warm and intimate atmosphere.
Roisin Ban are a four piece Celtic folk band based in Yorkshire in the UK. They play songs and tunes which are mainly traditional songs and tunes from Ireland, Scotland, England & Brittany, plus Paddy doing some sean nos (old style) Irish dancing. Here’s the full low-down…..
Steve Lacey: guitar, tenor guitar, mandolin, tenor banjo & vocals
Despite Steve constantly trying to convince us that he's a Yorkshire man, he actually hails from Dorset! He was brought up in a musical household with both parents being involved in the local folk scene. Steve has been playing guitar from an early age, but stumbled upon traditional Irish music shortly after moving to Huddersfield in the early ninties, and was instantly hooked. Since then he has extended his musical armoury to include the Mandolin, Tenor Banjo, and most recently the Tenor Guitar. Over the years Steve has played in a number of bands, and is a familiar face at local sessions and Folk festivals country wide.
Tom Leedale: flute & whistles
Tom has been surrounded by folk music all of his life with both parents being involved in folk music & dance. Tom loves his traditional music and learned his first tunes from his dad who played accordion. After visiting Ireland in 1994, he took up the flute and his love for the music was born. The many great sessions and musicians in Leeds cemented Toms enthusiasm for the tunes which is as strong as ever. He has played professionally with some of the Irish dance shows & been on tours in the far east.
Chris Dyson: fiddle, octave mandola & vocals
Chris has been playing Irish & traditional music on the fiddle for many decades now & has been in numerous bands over the years, including fronting the celtic–rock band `Gaelforce` in the 90s & the Irish dance & music show `Damhsa`. He is also a member of the Leeds branch of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri na Eireann & has been a member of the `All Britain Champion` Leeds Ceili band. During this time he has made several albums & performed at many folk festivals in the UK & Europe. He currently also plays in Mike Hardings band; the William Small Orchestra. Chris has a deep love of folk & traditional music.
Paddy Heffron: melodeons, vocals & sean nos dancing
From an Irish background Paddy grew up with the lilt of jigs and reels which has helped shape his repertoire of tunes, comical songs and impromptu Sean nos (old style) solo dancing. A member of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann (Irish Musicians Association) he has performed all over England and Ireland at many a ceili and stage shows. He has also performed in America and even China with other groups. Paddy has a deep rooted love of the tradition and the heart and drive of the music, in particular the old melodeon style of playing.
The Wilsons - how do you sum them up!?
The Wilsons have been performing since 1974. Mainstays of the British folk scene ever since, they have recorded many seminal albums of traditional songs and contemporary social comment, and still they power on! In 2011 they sang at The BBC Proms at The Albert Hall in a collaboration with Kathryn Tickell and The Northern Sinfonia, and followed that up, in 2013, when they recorded with Sting on his memorable project “The Last Ship”.
They then performed those songs with Sting at a series of 10 benefit concerts, held at the Public Theatre, New York, in September and October 2013. The show was broadcast by the BBC on 22 December 2013, and featured the group performing songs from the upcoming The Last Ship stage show and an additional unaccompanied song from their own repertoire, a version of a Rudyard Kipling poem "Big Steamers", put to music by folk musician and friend of the Family, Peter Bellamy.
The Wilsons in a few of their own words….
“It seems unbelievable, though inescapable, that 2016 marks 43 years since Tom, Chris and Steve made their first, tentative foray into harmony group singing. Even more incredible is that it’s almost 30 years since Pat, Ken and Mike joined in, and the line-up has barely altered in that time.
We couldn`t claim that it has remained unaltered, not least because a reduction in overall hair volume and colour immediately exposes the truth! However, what we hope has remained very consistent is the nature, style and content of the songs and performances.
Whilst we have, inevitably, developed our own sound and presentation, we have always tried to keep faithful to those early influences, which so much informed our early years.
So, it seems that, with a fair wind following, this is merely the "end of the beginning" and we will be continuing our "folk Odyssey" for some time to come.”
High-energy, lovingly crafted indie folk/pop from award-winning songwriter and classically trained multi-instrumentalist.
Joni's first solo performance was aged 12 at the Montreux Jazz Festival. Since then she has honed her craft the traditional way, performing extensively in the UK, mainland Europe and North America.
Featured as an 'inspirational teenager' by The Independent and 'one to watch' by PRS for Music, Joni is the only UK alumna of Phil Collins' Little Dreams Foundation and an unprecedented double winner of the Make it Break it Songwriting Contest, judged by Chris Martin and awarded by Sir Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Institute for the Performing Arts.
Joni's 4-track EP, “Letters From The West Coast”, was released in May 2015, recorded at The Cottage Studio, on the banks of Loch Fyne and at home on the West Coast of Lancashire. Following Joni's success as the only solo artist to reach the Indie Week Europe final showcase in Summer 2015, Joni took her unique live show to Toronto for Indie Week Canada in October 2015.
But for the complete Joni experience, catch one of Joni's high-energy, instrument swapping solo performances, combining sublime musicianship with groundbreaking looping techniques to build a wall of sound live on stage.
Nina Szifris (vocals, guitar and bodhran), Jonathan Trout (violin), Joy Gravestock (piano, violin, viola and vocal) and Mike Scott (vocals and octave mandola) playing their mix of traditional and contemporary music. The regular residents and organisers of the whole Festival and Folk Club shebang, HoH have a unique approach to combining folk and classical elements with close harmonies, whether the song is from Robert Burns, Leonard Cohen or their own. Jonathan is conductor of The Derby Concert Orchestra, don’t you know, while Joy was part of The Lucy Ward Band of 2014 and 2015.
Lucy Ward is an award winning singer-songwriter from Derby. She plays guitar, ukulele and concertina but considers her voice to be her first instrument.
After getting her first guitar at the age of 14, Lucy ventured into acoustic clubs, it was there that she first heard the traditional music that she now loves. Captured by the lyrics and stories of traditional song Lucy delved further into the world of folk music, visiting clubs and sessions up and down the country before getting booked to play gigs in her own right. In 2009 Lucy reached the final of the BBC Young Folk Award and she hasn’t looked back since!
After winning the Horizon Award for best newcomer at the 2012 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, Lucy’s career has gone from strength to strength establishing her as one of the hottest performers on the UK Folk scene, pulling a full capacity audience for her Cambridge Folk Festival debut.
In 2013 it was announced that she had been nominated for the acclaimed “Folk Singer of the Year” at the 2014 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, making Lucy one of the youngest people ever to be nominated for this most prestigious award.
Her debut album “Adelphi Has To Fly” was released in June 2011 by Navigator Records and was met with widespread critical acclaim. Lucy was named by MOJO as ‘Britfolk’s most vibrant and forthright new young talent’ and attracted four star reviews from The Guardian and Maverick Magazine among others.
Her brilliant second album ‘Single Flame’ (again for Navigator Records), was released on 19 August 2013 to rave reviews. Produced by Stu Hanna (of folk duo Megson), ‘Single Flame’ showcased a maturity from her debut and showed the development in Lucy’s music, singing and musicianship.
Her 3rd album “I Dreamt I Was A Bird”, was released on 2nd October 2015.
As well as her own music Lucy has written for both film, theatre and has been involved with many, varied projects.
MCB continue to astonish and excite audiences across the UK with their heady mix of traditional jigs and reels, combining accordion, Scottish Borders fiddle, octave mandolin and dub-heavy electric bass, augmented by drums and laptop providing extraordinary rhythms. They have had so many hugely successful festival appearances including Malaysia, Russia, Bestival, Knockengorroch, Glade, Sidmouth, Broadstairs, Purbeck and Cambridge … and The National Forest, too! The band features Kieran Szifris on octave mandolin, Shona Mooney on fiddle, Dave De la Haye (also of Jez Lowe’s Bad Pennies) on bass, Amy Thatcher (also of Kathyn Tickell and The Side, The Shee) on accordion, Grace Smith on fiddle, and Joe Truswell on drums.Time to free-dance, bop, shuffle about, tap toes and groove along to one of the UK’s best modern bands - ever!
“They are fresh, folky and they rock”. So said The Brecon Fringe, and we think you are bound to agree! Immensely successful and talented band, they are set to win you over at the opening of this concert with their vibrant songs and musicianship.
Long-time friend of the Festival, Richie will be closing the concert with the considerable assistance of musician friends from across the Festival line-up.
Sing along with him, dance and party. it’s the perfect way to end this Saturday extravaganza!
Jig Doll is a new project created by Hannah James. A rarity in folk music, Hannah is a singer, musician and innovative clog dancer. Jig Doll combines all of these disciplines in a beautiful new show exploring the life of the travelling player: sometimes exotic, sometimes frightening, it’s a world where home changes daily, and the only touchstones are the skills you carry with you, and the people you meet on the way.
Jig Doll is the culmination of Hannah’s career thus far, allowing her to combine all of the disciplines for which she’s become known and take them to exciting new places. Much more than a concert, Jig Doll features newly-composed music in a magical setting woven around percussive dance. What’s more, there are opportunities to take part in the project through free video tutorials here on the website, as well as following Hannah’s journey through her video diary and blog.
Originally from the Isle of Wight and now living in Surrey, Jon self-manages his roles as a session musician, a triple award-winning wedding guitarist/singer and a guitar tutor by day, whilst the evenings provide him time to perform his original music. He has enjoyed tours to LA and Belgium in previous set ups, receiving airplay on ABC radio, but is now focused on making his latest material – he alludes to his releases as his most exciting, captivating and inclusive to date.
"A masterful guitar player" Guitar World
He has now added percussive hooks, layered harmony and the occasional beatboxing to formulate a set with depth and incredible energy.
In 2014, Jon was featured as Acoustic Magazine’s ‘The Next Big Thing’, following a successful performance at the 2014 London Acoustic Guitar Show.
"A terrifically accomplished musician"
Pete Donaldson - Absolute Radio
Mark is a thrilling, rhythmic finger-picker and slide player, with a very distinctive style and sound. He plays a 1934 National resonator guitar and a 12-string guitar.as well as singing. He has been described as 'one of the UK's foremost acoustic blues performer
Mark is doing something fresh and different, tapping into the timeless quality of the early blues to produce music totally relevant to the present day. His highly distinctive songs cover a wide range of non-standard topics. They all have something to say or a story to tell. They'll make you move, make you think, make you smile.
Mark Harrison's unique songs are attracting a lot of attention and he has established a growing reputation for the individuality of his music. He takes elements of blues and folk, adding his own twist to produce something totally original. His music, with its memorable tunes and strong and compelling rhythms, has been going down very well with audiences of all kinds and ages.
'one of the top blues men in the UK with a big following and rightly so'
(Frank Hennessy, BBC Radio Wales)
'wonderful rootsy blues ... innovative'
(Jazz FM)
Oka Vanga are Angela Meyer and William Cox, a folk and roots duo based Hertfordshire. Their talent for writing original music has been critically acclaimed , with their album “Pilgrim” awarded Instrumental Album of the Year by FATEA Magazine in 2015. They continue to receive positive reviews for their rich repertoire of songs with the recent release of “Tales of Eyam”, a concept E.P.
Reviews:
“Great musicianship and really fine songs. “ Mike Harding
“Exceptionally brilliant …they are so in tune with each other that the rhythm and lead swap back and forth between them like a thread being woven into a complex tapestry.” Pete Bradley, FATEA
“Perfect folk Fayre”, Mike Ainscoe, Bright Young Folk.
“Wholly engrossing – spellbinding technique, delightful expression, scintillating synergy and a world-spanning, hypnotic folk and roots vibe.” Charlie Elland, Folk words.
“Lush music … and a damned fine voice!” Neil King, FATEA
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CONCERT A - FRIDAY EVENING - Tickets £18
Concert times: 19.00 - midnight
Buy tickets for 2 concerts and deduct £5
Buy tickets for 3 concerts and deduct £10
A weekend ticket saves you £15
A further 10% deduction on Weekend Ticket applies if purchased before June 1st (that’s a ticket to EVERYTHING for £47.70!)
To get tickets, go to Tickets Info Page
Click on the performers’ names for more information about them
Buy tickets for 2 concerts and deduct £5
Buy tickets for 3 concerts and deduct £10
A weekend ticket saves you £15
A further 10% deduction on Weekend Ticket applies if purchased before June 1st (that’s a ticket to EVERYTHING for £47.70!)
To get tickets, go to Tickets Info Page
Click on the performers’ names for more information about them
The Demon Barbers XL
THE DEMON BARBERS XL
WINNERS OF ‘BEST LIVE ACT’ @ BBC RADIO 2 FOLK AWARDS
Renowned for their no holds barred approach to their live shows The Demon Barbers return to the concert stage with a new repertoire, extra band members and a modern twist to their multi-award winning Roadshow.
Since winning ‘Best Live Act’ at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards The Demon Barbers have been immersed in the development of their Folk & Hip Hop Dance Extravaganza ‘The Lock In’. Following a number of successful UK tours, including high profile shows at Glastonbury Festival and 5 star reviews for their 2 week run at Edinburgh Fringe, The Demon Barbers now bring some of the UK’s most exciting young Clog, Sword, Hip Hop & Break dancers onto the concert stage to create the live folk music & dance spectacular of the year!
THE XL SHOW FEATURES NEW MATERIAL FROM THEIR LATEST ALBUM ‘DISCO AT THE TAVERN’, A COLLABORATION WITH GRAMMY & EMMY AWARD WINNERS DONAL HODGSON AND KIPPER, BEST KNOWN FOR THEIR WORK WITH STING.
Combining solid traditional acoustic instruments and songs with the added oomph of a superbly tight rhythm section they create a unique and captivating sound. Energetic fiddle and passionate, distinctive vocals ‘with driven punchy tunes and songs, drum ‘n’ bass grooves, the odd touch of ska and an ever present feel that this lot know how to party’ result in ‘one of the most exciting acts around… check them out….’ fRoots
“The inspiration comes from Damien Barber, front man of the award-winning folk band The Demon Barbers, who supply the floor-shaking live music that alone justifies the price of the ticket” The Independent review of The Lock In
“One of the best live bands I’ve ever seen. If you get a chance to see them – don’t miss it – they are brilliant” Mike Harding, BBC Radio 2
Tinderbox
“Lovely, hooky, mellow’”– Acoustic Magazine
“Highly accomplished musicianship” – Folkwords “Gorgeous” – Tom Robinson, BBC 6 Music
“Outstanding…refreshingly natural” – R2 Magazine
“Wow...!” Martin Carthy
“Beautiful” – Roger Day, BBC Radio South
Tinderbox are an award winning acoustic band formed by Dublin born Monique Houraghan with a distinctive ‘honey-like’ vocal, and Dan Tucker with an intricate finger style guitar technique. For several years talented singer-songwriter and session musician Bob Burke has been a mainstay of the group.
In addition to countless headline shows in the UK, Ireland and America Tinderbox have played support for many high profile acts including Joan Armatrading, 10cc, Cara Dillon, Hazel O’Connor, Jon Allen, Eleanor McEvoy, Ben’s Brother, Ralph McTell, Ed Sheeran collaborator Amy Wadge, Squeeze’s Chris Difford and Ade Edmondson.
BBC 6 Music’s Tom Robinson described the music as “Gorgeous”. R2 Magazine’s Dai Jeffries added “…tunes (that) stick in the memory from the start”, and BBC Radio South’s Roger Day branded them “an early Fairport Convention”.
With a solid reputation amongst the UK folk and acoustic scene this is a perfect opportunity to experience Tinderbox live in a warm and intimate atmosphere.
Roisin Ban
Roisin Ban are a four piece Celtic folk band based in Yorkshire in the UK. They play songs and tunes which are mainly traditional songs and tunes from Ireland, Scotland, England & Brittany, plus Paddy doing some sean nos (old style) Irish dancing. Here’s the full low-down…..
Steve Lacey: guitar, tenor guitar, mandolin, tenor banjo & vocals
Despite Steve constantly trying to convince us that he's a Yorkshire man, he actually hails from Dorset! He was brought up in a musical household with both parents being involved in the local folk scene. Steve has been playing guitar from an early age, but stumbled upon traditional Irish music shortly after moving to Huddersfield in the early ninties, and was instantly hooked. Since then he has extended his musical armoury to include the Mandolin, Tenor Banjo, and most recently the Tenor Guitar. Over the years Steve has played in a number of bands, and is a familiar face at local sessions and Folk festivals country wide.
Tom Leedale: flute & whistles
Tom has been surrounded by folk music all of his life with both parents being involved in folk music & dance. Tom loves his traditional music and learned his first tunes from his dad who played accordion. After visiting Ireland in 1994, he took up the flute and his love for the music was born. The many great sessions and musicians in Leeds cemented Toms enthusiasm for the tunes which is as strong as ever. He has played professionally with some of the Irish dance shows & been on tours in the far east.
Chris Dyson: fiddle, octave mandola & vocals
Chris has been playing Irish & traditional music on the fiddle for many decades now & has been in numerous bands over the years, including fronting the celtic–rock band `Gaelforce` in the 90s & the Irish dance & music show `Damhsa`. He is also a member of the Leeds branch of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri na Eireann & has been a member of the `All Britain Champion` Leeds Ceili band. During this time he has made several albums & performed at many folk festivals in the UK & Europe. He currently also plays in Mike Hardings band; the William Small Orchestra. Chris has a deep love of folk & traditional music.
Paddy Heffron: melodeons, vocals & sean nos dancing
From an Irish background Paddy grew up with the lilt of jigs and reels which has helped shape his repertoire of tunes, comical songs and impromptu Sean nos (old style) solo dancing. A member of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann (Irish Musicians Association) he has performed all over England and Ireland at many a ceili and stage shows. He has also performed in America and even China with other groups. Paddy has a deep rooted love of the tradition and the heart and drive of the music, in particular the old melodeon style of playing.
CONCERT B - SATURDAY AFTERNOON - Tickets £16
Concert times: 12.00 - 17.00
Buy tickets for 2 concerts and deduct £5
Buy tickets for 3 concerts and deduct £10
A weekend ticket saves you £15
A further 10% deduction on Weekend Ticket applies if purchased before June 1st (that’s a ticket to EVERYTHING for £47.70!)
To get tickets, go to Tickets Info Page
Click on the performers’ names for more information about them
Buy tickets for 2 concerts and deduct £5
Buy tickets for 3 concerts and deduct £10
A weekend ticket saves you £15
A further 10% deduction on Weekend Ticket applies if purchased before June 1st (that’s a ticket to EVERYTHING for £47.70!)
To get tickets, go to Tickets Info Page
Click on the performers’ names for more information about them
The Wilsons
The Wilsons - how do you sum them up!?
The Wilsons have been performing since 1974. Mainstays of the British folk scene ever since, they have recorded many seminal albums of traditional songs and contemporary social comment, and still they power on! In 2011 they sang at The BBC Proms at The Albert Hall in a collaboration with Kathryn Tickell and The Northern Sinfonia, and followed that up, in 2013, when they recorded with Sting on his memorable project “The Last Ship”.
They then performed those songs with Sting at a series of 10 benefit concerts, held at the Public Theatre, New York, in September and October 2013. The show was broadcast by the BBC on 22 December 2013, and featured the group performing songs from the upcoming The Last Ship stage show and an additional unaccompanied song from their own repertoire, a version of a Rudyard Kipling poem "Big Steamers", put to music by folk musician and friend of the Family, Peter Bellamy.
The Wilsons in a few of their own words….
“It seems unbelievable, though inescapable, that 2016 marks 43 years since Tom, Chris and Steve made their first, tentative foray into harmony group singing. Even more incredible is that it’s almost 30 years since Pat, Ken and Mike joined in, and the line-up has barely altered in that time.
We couldn`t claim that it has remained unaltered, not least because a reduction in overall hair volume and colour immediately exposes the truth! However, what we hope has remained very consistent is the nature, style and content of the songs and performances.
Whilst we have, inevitably, developed our own sound and presentation, we have always tried to keep faithful to those early influences, which so much informed our early years.
So, it seems that, with a fair wind following, this is merely the "end of the beginning" and we will be continuing our "folk Odyssey" for some time to come.”
Joni Fuller
High-energy, lovingly crafted indie folk/pop from award-winning songwriter and classically trained multi-instrumentalist.
Joni's first solo performance was aged 12 at the Montreux Jazz Festival. Since then she has honed her craft the traditional way, performing extensively in the UK, mainland Europe and North America.
Featured as an 'inspirational teenager' by The Independent and 'one to watch' by PRS for Music, Joni is the only UK alumna of Phil Collins' Little Dreams Foundation and an unprecedented double winner of the Make it Break it Songwriting Contest, judged by Chris Martin and awarded by Sir Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Institute for the Performing Arts.
Joni's 4-track EP, “Letters From The West Coast”, was released in May 2015, recorded at The Cottage Studio, on the banks of Loch Fyne and at home on the West Coast of Lancashire. Following Joni's success as the only solo artist to reach the Indie Week Europe final showcase in Summer 2015, Joni took her unique live show to Toronto for Indie Week Canada in October 2015.
But for the complete Joni experience, catch one of Joni's high-energy, instrument swapping solo performances, combining sublime musicianship with groundbreaking looping techniques to build a wall of sound live on stage.
Gary Edward Jones
From the age of 11, Gary began writing songs imitating those of his idols, Lennon & McCartney, Elvis, Crowded House and the legends of Motown.
Whilst studying woodcarving and cabinet making at college, his passion for music continued and Gary joined the band, ‘Day Without Rain’. The band played many of London’s iconic venues and the lure of the big city proved too much when, in his mid-twenties, Gary moved to London.
The best art imitates life and Gary soaked up the atmosphere of the capital for the next five years, a time which saw the twin events of the joyous birth of his son and the breakdown of the relationship with the mother of his child. These incredible highs and lows brought about a drive to write more and more original songs.
Trips to America and chance meetings have brought about great contacts and lasting friendships and the confidence to put together Gary’s debut album – The Cabinet Maker.
Hand On Heart
Nina Szifris (vocals, guitar and bodhran), Jonathan Trout (violin), Joy Gravestock (piano, violin, viola and vocal) and Mike Scott (vocals and octave mandola) playing their mix of traditional and contemporary music. The regular residents and organisers of the whole Festival and Folk Club shebang, HoH have a unique approach to combining folk and classical elements with close harmonies, whether the song is from Robert Burns, Leonard Cohen or their own. Jonathan is conductor of The Derby Concert Orchestra, don’t you know, while Joy was part of The Lucy Ward Band of 2014 and 2015.
CONCERT C - SATURDAY EVENING - Tickets £18
Concert times: 19.00 - midnight
Buy tickets for 2 concerts and deduct £5
Buy tickets for 3 concerts and deduct £10
A weekend ticket saves you £15
A further 10% deduction on Weekend Ticket applies if purchased before June 1st (that’s a ticket to EVERYTHING for £47.70!)
To get tickets, go to Tickets Info Page
Click on the performers’ names for more information about them
Buy tickets for 2 concerts and deduct £5
Buy tickets for 3 concerts and deduct £10
A weekend ticket saves you £15
A further 10% deduction on Weekend Ticket applies if purchased before June 1st (that’s a ticket to EVERYTHING for £47.70!)
To get tickets, go to Tickets Info Page
Click on the performers’ names for more information about them
Lucy Ward
Lucy Ward is an award winning singer-songwriter from Derby. She plays guitar, ukulele and concertina but considers her voice to be her first instrument.
After getting her first guitar at the age of 14, Lucy ventured into acoustic clubs, it was there that she first heard the traditional music that she now loves. Captured by the lyrics and stories of traditional song Lucy delved further into the world of folk music, visiting clubs and sessions up and down the country before getting booked to play gigs in her own right. In 2009 Lucy reached the final of the BBC Young Folk Award and she hasn’t looked back since!
After winning the Horizon Award for best newcomer at the 2012 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, Lucy’s career has gone from strength to strength establishing her as one of the hottest performers on the UK Folk scene, pulling a full capacity audience for her Cambridge Folk Festival debut.
In 2013 it was announced that she had been nominated for the acclaimed “Folk Singer of the Year” at the 2014 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, making Lucy one of the youngest people ever to be nominated for this most prestigious award.
Her debut album “Adelphi Has To Fly” was released in June 2011 by Navigator Records and was met with widespread critical acclaim. Lucy was named by MOJO as ‘Britfolk’s most vibrant and forthright new young talent’ and attracted four star reviews from The Guardian and Maverick Magazine among others.
Her brilliant second album ‘Single Flame’ (again for Navigator Records), was released on 19 August 2013 to rave reviews. Produced by Stu Hanna (of folk duo Megson), ‘Single Flame’ showcased a maturity from her debut and showed the development in Lucy’s music, singing and musicianship.
Her 3rd album “I Dreamt I Was A Bird”, was released on 2nd October 2015.
As well as her own music Lucy has written for both film, theatre and has been involved with many, varied projects.
Monster Ceilidh Sound System
MCB continue to astonish and excite audiences across the UK with their heady mix of traditional jigs and reels, combining accordion, Scottish Borders fiddle, octave mandolin and dub-heavy electric bass, augmented by drums and laptop providing extraordinary rhythms. They have had so many hugely successful festival appearances including Malaysia, Russia, Bestival, Knockengorroch, Glade, Sidmouth, Broadstairs, Purbeck and Cambridge … and The National Forest, too! The band features Kieran Szifris on octave mandolin, Shona Mooney on fiddle, Dave De la Haye (also of Jez Lowe’s Bad Pennies) on bass, Amy Thatcher (also of Kathyn Tickell and The Side, The Shee) on accordion, Grace Smith on fiddle, and Joe Truswell on drums.Time to free-dance, bop, shuffle about, tap toes and groove along to one of the UK’s best modern bands - ever!
The Lonesome Stampede
“They are fresh, folky and they rock”. So said The Brecon Fringe, and we think you are bound to agree! Immensely successful and talented band, they are set to win you over at the opening of this concert with their vibrant songs and musicianship.
Ritchie McCabe
Long-time friend of the Festival, Richie will be closing the concert with the considerable assistance of musician friends from across the Festival line-up.
Sing along with him, dance and party. it’s the perfect way to end this Saturday extravaganza!
CONCERT D - SUNDAY AFTERNOON - Tickets £16
Concert times: 12.00 - 17.30
Buy tickets for 2 concerts and deduct £5
Buy tickets for 3 concerts and deduct £10
A weekend ticket saves you £15
A further 10% deduction on Weekend Ticket applies if purchased before June 1st (that’s a ticket to EVERYTHING for £47.70!)
To get tickets, go to Tickets Info Page
Click on the performers’ names for more information about them
Buy tickets for 2 concerts and deduct £5
Buy tickets for 3 concerts and deduct £10
A weekend ticket saves you £15
A further 10% deduction on Weekend Ticket applies if purchased before June 1st (that’s a ticket to EVERYTHING for £47.70!)
To get tickets, go to Tickets Info Page
Click on the performers’ names for more information about them
Hannah James' Jigdoll
Jig Doll is a new project created by Hannah James. A rarity in folk music, Hannah is a singer, musician and innovative clog dancer. Jig Doll combines all of these disciplines in a beautiful new show exploring the life of the travelling player: sometimes exotic, sometimes frightening, it’s a world where home changes daily, and the only touchstones are the skills you carry with you, and the people you meet on the way.
Jig Doll is the culmination of Hannah’s career thus far, allowing her to combine all of the disciplines for which she’s become known and take them to exciting new places. Much more than a concert, Jig Doll features newly-composed music in a magical setting woven around percussive dance. What’s more, there are opportunities to take part in the project through free video tutorials here on the website, as well as following Hannah’s journey through her video diary and blog.
Jon Hart
Originally from the Isle of Wight and now living in Surrey, Jon self-manages his roles as a session musician, a triple award-winning wedding guitarist/singer and a guitar tutor by day, whilst the evenings provide him time to perform his original music. He has enjoyed tours to LA and Belgium in previous set ups, receiving airplay on ABC radio, but is now focused on making his latest material – he alludes to his releases as his most exciting, captivating and inclusive to date.
"A masterful guitar player" Guitar World
He has now added percussive hooks, layered harmony and the occasional beatboxing to formulate a set with depth and incredible energy.
In 2014, Jon was featured as Acoustic Magazine’s ‘The Next Big Thing’, following a successful performance at the 2014 London Acoustic Guitar Show.
"A terrifically accomplished musician"
Pete Donaldson - Absolute Radio
Mark Harrison
Mark is a thrilling, rhythmic finger-picker and slide player, with a very distinctive style and sound. He plays a 1934 National resonator guitar and a 12-string guitar.as well as singing. He has been described as 'one of the UK's foremost acoustic blues performer
Mark is doing something fresh and different, tapping into the timeless quality of the early blues to produce music totally relevant to the present day. His highly distinctive songs cover a wide range of non-standard topics. They all have something to say or a story to tell. They'll make you move, make you think, make you smile.
Mark Harrison's unique songs are attracting a lot of attention and he has established a growing reputation for the individuality of his music. He takes elements of blues and folk, adding his own twist to produce something totally original. His music, with its memorable tunes and strong and compelling rhythms, has been going down very well with audiences of all kinds and ages.
'one of the top blues men in the UK with a big following and rightly so'
(Frank Hennessy, BBC Radio Wales)
'wonderful rootsy blues ... innovative'
(Jazz FM)
Kirsty Bromley & Lucy Wise
Rising UK folk star Kirsty is joining forces with Australian folk singer-songwriter Lucy for just four weeks as they bring THE TWO HEMISPHERES TOUR to these shores.
The idea for the tour came about when Kirsty met Melbourne-based Lucy while travelling across the Southern Hemisphere. Kirsty will return to Australia early next year to link up with Lucy for the Australian leg of the tour, before reuniting with her on British soil in June for the second leg.
Kirsty is a young contemporary folk singer based in Sheffield who draws upon a wide range of traditional music. She has a most disarmingly transparent voice, but also the uncanny and beautiful knack of drawing attention to the song rather than the messenger, by the manner in which she employs it. Her debut album 'Time Ashore' features original songs as well as carefully curated folk gems.
"Kirsty Bromley is a singer of songs of social justice, traditional songs and songs from the heart. Her voice is effortless yet stirring, at times ethereal but always earthy and with strong roots. Musical and beguiling." - Nancy Kerr
Hailing from the far South Western corner of Australia, singer-songwriter Lucy Wise has delighted audiences across Australia, New Zealand and the UK with her unique blend of folk, chamber and pop music combined with masterful storytelling. Drawing inspiration from her background in Appalachian and Celtic folk music, as well as legendary songwriters such as Joni Mitchell and Bob Dylan, Lucy’s songs sketch universally recognisable stories that are grounded in the realities of everyday experience.
“A wonderfully natural singer and uncommonly gifted writer. Prediction: within this decade Lucy will be a noted songster, worldwide.” - Doug Spencer, ABC Radio National
Oka Vanga
Oka Vanga are Angela Meyer and William Cox, a folk and roots duo based Hertfordshire. Their talent for writing original music has been critically acclaimed , with their album “Pilgrim” awarded Instrumental Album of the Year by FATEA Magazine in 2015. They continue to receive positive reviews for their rich repertoire of songs with the recent release of “Tales of Eyam”, a concept E.P.
Reviews:
“Great musicianship and really fine songs. “ Mike Harding
“Exceptionally brilliant …they are so in tune with each other that the rhythm and lead swap back and forth between them like a thread being woven into a complex tapestry.” Pete Bradley, FATEA
“Perfect folk Fayre”, Mike Ainscoe, Bright Young Folk.
“Wholly engrossing – spellbinding technique, delightful expression, scintillating synergy and a world-spanning, hypnotic folk and roots vibe.” Charlie Elland, Folk words.
“Lush music … and a damned fine voice!” Neil King, FATEA