Acts

From their earliest days as a noisy, politicised ceilidh band in the late Seventies, Oysterband have never stopped evolving or providing soundtrack to the changing times.

Initially meeting at Canterbury in Kent, at a time when pubs were alive with folk clubs and music sessions, the Oyster Ceilidh Band (as they were known then), were a band on a simple mission to get dancefloors bouncing. But with a chemistry between its members and music that made a profound connection with its audiences, greater things soon beckoned as the times became more complicated.

Emerging in the early 80s from their ceilidh band days they infused both the traditional and their own songs with a passion and energy that was electrifyingly fresh for the time. Polkas, politics and a heaving dance floor somehow seemed perfectly right for Thatcher’s Britain. Signing to new roots label Cooking Vinyl, headlining English Roots Against Apartheid, playing Glastonbury and the Fleadh several times each, touring with The Pogues in Europe and Billy Bragg in North America, hosting the Big Session Festival. All gained them a large and loyal following both at home and internationally.

Releasing music with relative prolificacy, from their debut as Oyster Ceilidh Band ‘Jack’s Alive’ in 1980; through classics like ‘Step Outside’ (1986), ‘Wide Blue Yonder’ (1987), ‘Ride’ (1989) (as Oyster Band); to mid-period Oysterband wonders like ‘Deserters’ (1992), ‘Holy Bandits’ (1993), ‘Trawler’ (1994), and latter period gems like ‘Rise Above’ (2002) or ‘Diamonds On The Water’ (2014)’; Oysterband have been a constant and uplifting presence in music throughout the decades and have ratcheted-up dozens of studio releases throughout their career.

Their collaboration with June Tabor in 1990 produced the cult favourite album ‘Freedom & Rain’, and it was renewed 21 years later for ‘Ragged Kingdom’, one of the best-selling folk-rock albums of the new millennium.

Winners of several BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, including Best Band twice, Oysterband’s song-writing has never stood still, and hits such as “The Oxford Girl”, “When I’m Up I Can’t Get Down” (Best Song at the Canadian East Coast Music Awards, performed by Great Big Sea), “Everywhere I Go and Put Out The Lights” are now renowned staples of the folk canon. The band released what stands as their final album in 2022, the acclaimed ‘Read The Sky’, which found the band taking a political stand for their environmental beliefs. As true to their political roots as they ever were, the album was released to chime with the COP26 summit in Glasgow of that year. The album hit the Official Folk Album Chart No.1, a testament to their enduring popularity across the ages.

The creative heart of Oysterband is still here after 45 years: John Jones (vocals, melodeon), Alan Prosser (guitars) and Ian Telfer (violin), with Al Scott, their longtime producer, on bass, Adrian Oxaal (cello and guitar) and newest member Sean Randle on drums.

Most recently, Oysterband undertook an extensive tour of Europe, plus a special “Decades” tour across the UK where they explored their back catalogue in greater depth. Announcing a series of shows with June Tabor in 2024, Oysterband will be going out on a high as they bid “A Long Long Goodbye” to fans and friends with a series of unmissable shows.

They’ve travelled the world but they still play with the fire of that dance band back in Kent.

Multi-award winning Merry Hell offer joyful, uplifting folk-rock, with a message of hope for troubled times. Native to the North-West of England, the 8-piece musical charabanc emerged from the embers of the much-loved folk-punk band The Tansads, before developing a life and feel all of its own. Their energy and passion is complemented by their love of what they do and desire to share hope and togetherness with as many people as possible. Through 6 well-received albums and hundreds of gigs, they’ve offered voices of hope and beacons of light to anyone valuing both melody and positive humanity. Their live appearances have won many admirers, a recent review referred to 'every performance a celebration' and they are currently holders of Folking.com's Best Live Band Award. The group performs as either a full electric 8-piece or a slimmed down, more acoustic 6-piece but offer all the songs, all the spirit and all the energy. Emergency Lullabies, their latest album, gained wonderful reviews, significant airplay and a place in the UK Official Folk Chart, with the 2021 single When We Meet Again hitting No.8 in the USA Folk Radio charts – all confirming that this is a band on the rise!

Judie Tzuke is one of the UK's finest Singer/Songwriters and is known all over the world for her timeless song, 'Stay With Me Till Dawn', with many top 10 albums, including the revered classic, 'Welcome to the Cruise' and her exquisite live shows. Judie will be showing once again what an extraordinary artist she is!

"Much of the audience has been in love with her since Stay With Me Till Dawn echoed around their bedrooms the first time they got their hearts broken" - The Independent

"The voice has lost none of its cool, plaintive appeal; it's still an instrument of icy allure" - The Times'

Founded in Barnsley Rock City in 2006, The Bar-Steward Sons of Val Doonican are on a mission! Far from being your typical folk band, this cult-like collective of like-minded knit-wear enthusiasts are determined to follow in their spiritual father’s immortal footsteps and keep his legacy alive. Scott Doonican and his wayward brother-from-another-mother, the Reight Reverend Jeremiah Rickenbacker Doonican III, have quite the talent for Bar-Stewardizing other famous people’s songs with new satirical comedy lyrics, on folk instruments, and to complete their outrageously understated image, the brothers Doonican have become instantly recognisable for their immaculate hair and their stylish choice of sexy knitwear, and instantly memorable for their lairy, no-holds-barred, anarchic live shows.

An act that is both perpetually on the move, ever-evolving and joyously independent, they have played over 1300 side-splitting shows to date, and have brought smiles and belly-laughs to audiences across the UK; from Barnsley to Barnstaple, from Glastonbury to Glasgow. They continue to wow audiences with a fine selection of their greatest hits, including the likes of “Jump Ararnd”, “The Lady In Greggs”, "How Deep Is Your Glove?", "Paint 'em Back", "Goat Yoga", and “If I Could Punch A Face… It’d Be Justin Bieber’s”.

The Bar-Steward Sons of Val Doonican can’t wait to bring their shindig to close proceedings on Friday at West Coast Folk u and they promise that they WILL rock you... but gently!

“Ashley Hutchings, the Guv'nor of Folk-Rock, has a brand new show. Entitled "100 not out", it celebrates and draws heavily from his 100th album release, "More Songs From The Shows" (2022)

Ashley is joined once again by one of the country's finest singers & accompanists, Becky Mills. Together they will perform many of Ashley's favourite songs from his repertoire, ranging from "Crazy Man Michael" to "Bird on a Wire", plus a number of favourites from the songbook of Bob Dylan, with whom Ashley has formed a close personal friendship.

A very special words and music performance, "100 Not Out" is presented by Ashley Hutchings on vocals and bass, with Becky Mills on vocals and guitar.

“Ashley Hutchings is the single most important figure in English Folk rock. Before that his group Fairport Convention recorded some of the best versions of my unreleased songs. Listen to the bass playing on Percy’s Song to hear how great he is”. Bob Dylan 2015

"Reflective, traditional, and incredibly powerful … essential for any lovers of English folk" (House of Prog)

One of England’s most revered folk performers, widely acknowledged as one of the finest acoustic and slide guitar players in the world, Martin's interpretations of traditional songs are masterpieces of storytelling. His remarkable solo shows are intense, eclectic, spellbinding and deeply moving. Always prolific, and never one to rest long without a guitar in his hands and a song in his head, Martin Simpson continues to travel the length and breadth of the UK and beyond giving rapt audiences passion, sorrow, love, beauty, tragedy and majesty through his remarkable intimate solo performances. Martin has been nominated an astounding 32 times in the 18 years of the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards - more than any other performer - and has won numerous awards.

Martin’s new solo album, Skydancers, will be released in April 2024 on Topic Records. The album is a twin release featuring a live CD recorded on recent gigs and a studio CD including some of Martin's absolutely favourite musicians.

The Dunwells are a successful Leeds based indie-folk-pop band with strong vocals, powerful melodies and heartfelt lyrics. Their debut album ‘BLIND SIGHTED FAITH’ was released to much global acclaim and spawned the singles ‘I COULD BE A KING’, ‘FOLLOW THE ROAD’ (performed on the NBC Jay Leno show) and the title track ‘BLIND SIGHTED FAITH’.

The band have since released 3 further studio albums, a live album and a number of standout EP’s and singles.

The Dunwells have found favour with audiences across the world having performed live and toured extensively in the USA, Europe and the UK as well as having supported artists including Mumford & Sons, Elbow, Tom Jones, Scouting for Girls and Bryan Adams on UK tours.

They are passionate and prolific singer-songwriters having written material for notable artists and with joint collaborators as well as other high profile up and coming musicians.

The Dunwells have performed and been featured on many TV Shows on the BBC, ITV, NBC and multiple music and national/regional press publications. The Dunwells have also received significant radio play throughout their career.

In addition, The Dunwells have recorded numerous podcasts, performed record breaking virtual gigs over the lockdown period and have amassed a loyal and passionate global following.

Their ‘LIGHT UP THE SKY’ and ‘SOMETHING IN THE WATER’ albums have generated countless esteemed singles, demonstrating the quality and depth of The Dunwells song writing ability underpinned by the strength and conviction of the vocal and lyrical harmonies the band have become famous for. Both albums have generated some of their most popular and acclaimed tracks such as ‘COMMUNICATE’, ‘SHORT STORIES’, ‘I CARE’, ‘LUCKY ONES’ and‘NOTHING LEFT’

Released on May 19th this year, ‘TELL ME WHAT YOU WANT’ is The Dunwellsfourth, full length, studio album recorded and self-produced from their own studio in Leeds, UK. All tracks have been co-written by song-writing combo of brothers Joseph and David Dunwell, mixed by Tim Palmer and Chuy Flores and mastered by Gavin McGrath.

‘TELL ME WHAT YOU WANT’ is a collection of 12 new tracks, written over the last 2 years and has been described as The Dunwells “most creative, inspired and personal work to date, reflecting a wide range of musical and lyrical influences”. The singles ‘SUMMERTIME’, ‘DAYDREAMER’, ‘THIS IS LOVE’ and ‘HOW WILL THEY REMEMBER US?’ have all been successfully and recently released from the album.

The Salts who are one of the most exciting and energetic concepts around performing original material alongside their own interpretations of traditional songs we all know and love. Their live shows have been going down a storm throughout the UK at festivals and venues alike. Their latest album ‘ Brave’ has received rave reviews across the board and got radio plays all over the world. The band feature five seasoned musicians collectively performing a mixture of instruments as well as great harmonies and are guaranteed to get the crowd singing and dancing along.

A London-based Gibraltarian poet, singer-songwriter and musician with more than twenty years experience in the alternative-folk & Americana scene, playing on stages in Barcelona, London, New York, Gibraltar and Naples.

Influenced by the likes of Cohen, Callahan, Cave and other poetical artists, Moreno is known for beguiling, seductive performances and his endless stream of passion.

With four albums with Amber Records and Poetry Mondays Records; ”Love & Decadence" (2015) "Farewell Belief" (2019), “Whiskey with Angels" (2020) and "The Year Of The Rat" (2022) as well as multiple EP’s.

He performs with a troupe of highly acclaimed musicians from the London and Barcelona Alternative Folk scene which includes Platinum record artist Fiona Bevan, Rough Trade signed musician Adam Beattie and piano maestro Ned Cartwright (Heartworn Highways.)

In 2019 at The Great British Folk Festival, Moreno with his band The Quivering Poets, were voted best act by the audience for their performance on the Introducing Stage. Because of this, the quartet were invited back to play on a main stage at the Festival and in November last year, they did just this and captured the hearts of a packed Centre Stage, with a truly inspirational performance that left the audience wanting more.

That year Moreno was also appointed Cultural Ambassador for his home nation: Gibraltar.

Acclaimed by Cerys Mathews BBC Radio 6 Music and other BBC radio presenters across the country, Moreno is now on the road with The Quivering Poets and presenting his new album, “The Year Of The Rat.” which will be launched at The Tower Theatre in Stoke Newington London on 4th February 2022.

Frequently heard on BBC Radio 2, including its Pick of the Week show, and described by countless audience members and reviewers as ‘uplifting’ and ‘inspirational’,Mark Harrison is a totally original songwriter, a stunning guitarist, and a master storyteller.His highly individual musictakes him to some of the top venues and festivals in the UK, attracting acclaim wherever he goes.

Mark’s live shows are well-known not only for the memorable melodic songs but also for his introductions to them, often described as ‘wry’ and ‘dry’. With a very distinctive guitar style, he takes elements of folk and blues to create something new that is very much his own genre. Constantly touring and multi-awards-nominated, he is widely considered one of the top artists in UK roots music.

Mark’s songs are about all manner of non-standard subjects. With catchy tunes, lyrics than intrigue and engage, and striking rhythms, they make you smile, think and move.

Mark has released seven albums which have been unanimously acclaimed across a wide range of areas of the music world, receiving a very great deal of airplay and highly enthusiastic reviews in the UK, Europe and the US.

Indomitable folk musician and ornate songstress, Lizzy Hardingham, is paving her way as a powerhouse performer with "beautifully delivered songs that sing straight to the heart". This paragon of vocal vigour and songwriting sorcery has supported the likes of Lady Maisery, Gilmore&Roberts and Bob Fox (to name a few) and is emerging gracefully into the world of headline shows. 2019 saw her storm the UK folk club and festival scene, including Cambridge Folk Festival, while in 2020 she captivated online audiences with "a voice that could fill a stadium and the sensitivity to bring a room to attentive silence". During 2021 Lizzy worked closely with the English Folk Expo and Michael Hughes, focusing on "firmly nailing her place as one of the rising stars of the folk scene”.

'It’s not often you come across a voice with such controlled power: even at the emotional heights and depths of the songs, Rob’s voice retains a purity and focus that is all too rare. Wherever his songwriting leads him, his voice adapts to the genre, from pop through folk and roots. A classic voice for classic music.

Jon Palmer Acoustic Band is a high energy 6-piece folk, roots and rock & roll band based in West Yorkshire. They have been described as “a cross between The Pogues and The Oyster Band, with a bit of The Waterboys, The Saw Doctors and the Bruce Springsteen Seeger Sessions Band thrown in”. Original material penned by Jon Palmer speaks to roots in the tradition as well as sharp edged commentary on the world today.

Accomplished musicians, the band are no strangers to the intimacy of a club setting, the warmth of a theatre or a full-blown festival stage. The band’s most recent album, ‘One Fine Day’ has received plaudits from fans and reviewers alike. Building on its success they are currently working with producer David Crickmore (Steve Tilston, Pete Coe) on a new album called “Vacca Wall” set for release in Summer 2023.

‘Kelvin Davies & Chloe Turner are rooted in beautifully harmonised voices and intricate guitar work. Their soulful voices and heartfelt performances are captivating. Tapping deep into the history of acoustic roots music and delivering sounds from a past time, expect to hear stunning versions of songs by folk legends such as The Carter Family, The Delmore Brothers and more. Their new EP, ‘Some Songs That We Like’ is certainly one to be on the look out for!’

Discover the heartfelt, soulful melodies of London-Irish folk singer Linda Moylan. A natural songwriter and storyteller, Linda's earthy and beautiful voice intertwines with moving, relatable narratives. Drawing comparisons to Kirsty McColl & Natalie Merchant, her unique musical blend adds an enchanting Irish troubadour twist. Dive into her evocative sound and let your spirit be stirred.

Known as “one of the hardest-working duos on the UK folk scene” (Mike Harding, 2018), Winter Wilson have entranced audiences worldwide since becoming full-time musicians in 2012. In recent years they have completed multiple tours of Australia, New Zealand and Canada, as well as the UK and Europe.

Kip Winter (vocals, flute, piano accordion, guitar) “simply has a voice to die for” (John Roffee, Maverick Magazine), whilst Dave Wilson (vocals, guitar, banjo) is now widely recognised as one of the UK’s very best contemporary folk and blues songwriters, with his songs sung in folk clubs the world over.

With ten critically-acclaimed albums in their back-catalogue, the couple have just released number eleven, to be called “Home”. As ever, there are songs of love, loss, social comment and the odd “bit of fun”. And also as ever, there will be the stunning harmonies and superb musicianship that WW’s many fans have come to love.

In live performance Kip & Dave present their sublime music with passion, punctuated between the songs with real natural humour. Nothing is off limits – they are a couple in life as well as on stage, and it shows.

Hazjak are Lynne O'Malley and Steve Chapman Smith, both well-known and respected musicians on the Northern acoustic scene.

Together they play an eclectic style of Americana, Roots and Folk music with close harmonies.

Their live performances are filled with passion and storytelling, but also laughter and fun.

Pen and Stu play original contemporary folk - with BIG whistles and tenor guitars.

Their songs, written by Pen, tell stories about famous characters from history and folklore, heroes, villains and pirate queens.

Pen and Stu were Folkscape Live artist of the month for March 2024. They are in excellent company – the Folkscape Live artist of the month for February 2024, was Seth Lakeman.

They were also the inaugural performers in the Folkscape Live ‘The Black Box’.

Recent post-graduates of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s Traditional Music course, Eleanor Dunsdon & Gregor Black are a Glasgow-based harp and percussion duo.

Blending traditional with contemporary, vocals and electronics, they draw on jazz, folk and classical genres to create a sound that challenges perceptions of the harp and pushes the boundaries of the traditional music scene.

Danny Kyle award-winners at Celtic Connections 2024, the duo have appeared as FATEA Magazine’s featured artists at Southport’s Love Folk Festival, performed at the Edinburgh International Harp Festival and will showcase at Purbeck Valley Folk Festival this summer.

They were recently chosen as UKHA Emerging Artists and released their debut EP, 'Let No Man' in April 2024. Their music has featured on BBC Radio 3, BBC Radio Ulster, FATEA’s Showcase Sessions and Celtic Music Radio.

Liam Vincent & The Odd Foxes (LVOF) are a five-piece folk-rock band whose sound evokes the energy of bands like Levellers, Merry Hell, and Oysterband. Our debut album, Fabric of a Flawed Society, released in May 2023, was praised by RnR Magazine, who rated it 4/5 and described it as having "all the elements of a great political folk-rock album."

This year, we were named RnR Magazine’s 'Live Act of 2023' and haveplayed and headlined festivals including Bunkfest, Tewkesbury Live, and Alston Live. We’re set to debut at Ragged Bear Festival this October and will begin recording our next EP, Breath, Blood & Bone, soon for release in early 2025.

Playing a range of traditional and original folk, Nick has been performing around the South-East of England for over 15 years as well as spending 2 years performing around the Greater Toronto Area in Ontario, Canada.

Entertaining crowds at England's Medieval Festival, Rochester Sweeps Festival, Faversham Hop Festival, Eaglewood Folk Festival (Ontario) to name a few, and has been invited several times to perform on BBC Radio Kent shows such as Douglas Welch's “Kent Folk”.

DMB have gone from strength to strength since forming in 2001, ostensibly for a one-off pub gig as part of Otley Festival, the original ‘scratch band’ blew the place apart.

Two decades and many five-star albums later, still centred on Duncan’s acoustic & electric guitar work, the powerhouse rhythm section of Nick Pepper (drums) and Martin Ward (bass guitar) are elevated to yet greater heights by Anne Brivonese’s fiddle, Steve Fairholme’s melodeon and Steve Foster’s electric guitar.

Their heady blend of traditional folk and Duncan’s Trad-infused compositions, with driving rhythm and vibrant energy, has gone down a storm with festival audiences across the UK – don’t miss ‘em!

Singer songwriter originally from Warwickshire but now based in Lincolnshire, drawing influences from Traditional Folk to Americana. A writer of story telling songs based on myths, legends, people and events.

He supports local Folk music and is a committee member for the Annual Day of Lincolnshire Folk Festival.

An engaging performer who draws audiences into his songs, and has just released his debut CD “Treasures and Gold” which includes his award winning song “Nobody Listened to Miranda “

Robert Rundle is a folk-rock singer-songwriter who lives on the Wirral, Merseyside.

His songs are often inspired by nature and the elements and musically have been likened to the styles of Nick Cave and Neil Young.

John has been writing songs for more than 50 years, and regards himself as merely a troubadour. A teller of stories.

Folk clubs beckoned as John moved from Wales to Yorkshire in 2008. Here he found a thriving music scene and a growing audience who wanted to hear his songs. Songs flooded from his pen. Songs of love and loss, social commentary and environmental issues. Thought provoking songs and stories that the audience connected with.

When you hear him play, you are likely to be moved not only by the words and his rich warm voice, but also by the sound of his old 1954 Gibson J50 acoustic guitar. Moving bass lines, cascading harmonies and tumbling melodies that you will be humming as you make your way back home.

John won the Graeme Miles song competition at the 2016 Saltburn International Festival of Song and Dance and is a regular performer at local folk clubs and festivals. His songs have also been played on BBC Introducing and local radio.

Hailed as ‘an important contribution to the folk tradition’, South of Polaris, are an acoustic indie folk duo and an exciting addition to the UK folk scene. Danii Reales and Saul Diaz come together to create intriguing indie folk music, bringing flamenco influence from southern Spain, a love of folk and rock, and thoughtful, poignant lyrics to their unique sound.

Since playing together their music has been played on Alan Ritson's Fine Folk (Lincoln City Radio), The Folk Club (Burwell Radio), BBC introducing and Cambridge 105fm amongst others. They have travelled their music as far as Huelva in Spain and have played in many locations around the UK including Ventnor Fringe in the Isle of Wight, the Albany in London, The Horn in St Albans, The Bigg Theatre in Biggleswade, NEVolume in Stockton and Kontra Roots Club in Northamptonshire as well as various local festivals.

Gus Glynn is a singer songwriter and classically trained fingerstyle guitarist originally from Galway, now settled in Cheshire for over twenty years. His ever widening repertoire includes Original Songs, Traditional Folk and Blues, Fingerstyle Guitar Arrangements and Contemporary Acoustic Classics. A seasoned performer, Gus continues to tour his solo show 'Routes to Classics' with the National Rural Touring Forum to increasing acclaim.

Hailing from Oxfordshire, Restless Oceans taps into an eclectic blend of influences including Americana, folk, indie, rock, and pop.

The band fuses mandolin, violin, bass, cajon and guitars together with warming harmonies and poignant lyrics to create an incredible sound and memorable show that always connects with audiences. The sound has been likened to Fleet Foxes, Fleetwood Mac and First Aid Kit, amongst others. Restless Oceans recently supported Sam Kelly, Rusty Shackle, India Electric Co. and Afro Celt Sound System.

The band is looking forward to a busy 2025 that will see the release of a new EP, nationwide shows and a busy summer of festival appearances.