Kerr, Fagan, and Van Eyken are a distinguished trio in the folk music scene, comprising Nancy Kerr (fiddle, vocals), James Fagan (bouzouki, vocals), and Tim Van Eyken (melodeon, vocals). Each member is celebrated for their individual contributions to folk music, and together, they create a harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary sounds.

Nancy Kerr and James Fagan, an Anglo-Australian duo, have been performing together for decades, earning acclaim for their dynamic performances and intricate musicianship. Tim Van Eyken, a renowned actor-musician, gained prominence in the folk world with his adept melodeon playing and rich vocals. Their collaboration brings together a wealth of experience and a shared passion for folk traditions.

In 2025, Kerr, Fagan, and Van Eyken are reuniting for select performances, including a headline appearance at Bromyard Folk Festival in Herefordshire. Festival attendees can anticipate a captivating performance that showcases the trio’s exceptional talent and deep-rooted love for folk music.

The Furrow Collective, a renowned folk group featuring Alasdair Roberts, Emily Portman, Lucy Farrell, and Rachel Newton, is set to headline this year’s Bromyard Folk Festival. Known for their distinctive interpretations of traditional ballads and rich vocal harmonies, the group brings an inventive approach to folk storytelling, weaving together intricate melodies with evocative arrangements.

With a deep appreciation for traditional music, The Furrow Collective captivates audiences through their hauntingly beautiful harmonies and skillful instrumentation. Their ability to reimagine classic folk narratives while maintaining their authenticity has earned them widespread recognition in the folk scene.

Festival-goers can look forward to an unforgettable performance at Bromyard Folk Festival 2025, where the group will showcase their signature style—blending timeless folk traditions with fresh, contemporary interpretations.

Worcester-based folk trio Granny’s Attic will take to the stage at Bromyard Folk Festival 2025, bringing their trademark energy and masterful musicianship to the event. As Festival Patrons, the group—comprised of Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne (melodeon, concertina, vocals), George Sansome (guitar, vocals), and Lewis Wood (violin, vocals)—are proud supporters of the festival and its rich folk traditions.

Renowned for their dynamic performances and deep-rooted passion for traditional English folk music, Granny’s Attic have built a strong following since forming in 2009. Their latest album, The Brickfields, highlights their ever-evolving sound, seamlessly blending traditional tunes with original compositions.

Attendees can expect an exhilarating performance from this talented trio at Bromyard Folk Festival 2025, where their engaging stage presence and skillful musicianship will once again be a festival highlight.

The Wilderness Yet is a distinguished folk trio featuring singer Rosie Hodgson, traditional fiddler Rowan Piggott (previous Future of Young Folk Award winner), and guitarist-flautist Philippe Barnes. Together, they weave a rich tapestry of traditional and original songs, showcasing a cappella harmonies and lush instrumental arrangements. Their discography includes the self-titled debut album The Wilderness Yet (2020), the seasonal collection Turn The Year Round (2021), and their latest studio album, What Holds The World Together (2022).

In September 2025, The Wilderness Yet is set to perform at the Bromyard Folk Festival, scheduled from the 11th to the 14th in Herefordshire. Attendees can anticipate a captivating performance that highlights the trio’s exceptional musicianship and harmonious blend of voices.

The highly regarded folk group Crows will take to the stage at Bromyard Folk Festival 2025, bringing their signature harmonies and powerful storytelling to the event. Formed in the late 1970s, the band has built a strong reputation for their rich vocal arrangements and captivating interpretations of both traditional and contemporary folk music.

The group features Mick Ryan (vocals), James Patterson (vocals, guitar), Dave Bordewey (fiddle, vocals), and John Burge (concertina, vocals). Their notable albums, including Time To Rise and No Bones or Grease, have cemented their status as one of the finest folk ensembles in the UK.

Festival-goers can look forward to a stirring and memorable set from Crows at Bromyard Folk Festival 2025, where their timeless sound and masterful storytelling will add to the festival’s rich folk heritage.

The English Fiddle Ensemble is a distinguished folk group featuring Bryony Griffith, Jim Boyle, Ross Grant, and Rosie Butler-Hall. Each member is an accomplished fiddler, bringing their unique style and regional influences to the ensemble. Together, they celebrate the rich tapestry of English fiddle music, delivering performances that are both authentic and invigorating.

Bryony Griffith: Hailing from Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, Bryony is a renowned English fiddle player and singer with a rich repertoire of traditional dance tunes and songs. She has been an integral part of the English folk scene for over three decades, contributing to ensembles such as Bedlam, The Witches of Elswick, and The Demon Barbers. Bryony also collaborates with Alice Jones and serves as a tutor at Leeds Conservatoire.

Jim Boyle: An accomplished fiddler, Jim has collaborated with various folk ensembles, contributing his expertise to numerous projects. His involvement in The English Fiddle Ensemble showcases his dedication to traditional English music.

Ross Grant: Ross is a skilled fiddle player known for his work with groups like Inlay and his collaborations with artists such as Georgia Lewis. He has performed at prestigious venues and events, including a performance for Sir David Attenborough. Ross is also active in educational initiatives, offering workshops and lessons to aspiring musicians.

Rosie Butler-Hall: Rosie is a talented fiddler celebrated for her dynamic playing style and contributions to the folk music community. She has collaborated with various artists and ensembles, bringing her unique flair to traditional tunes. Rosie’s involvement in The English Fiddle Ensemble highlights her commitment to preserving and promoting English fiddle music.

Together, these musicians form The English Fiddle Ensemble, delivering captivating performances that celebrate the rich heritage of English fiddle music.

Holly Clarke is a traditional folk singer, guitarist, and composer from the Lake District in England. Her performances captivate audiences by breathing new life into age-old ballads and stories, delivering them with infectious energy and passion.

In 2015, Holly moved to Newcastle to study on the BA Folk and Traditional Music course at Newcastle University, immersing herself in the local folk scene.

Her dedication led to her selection as a semi-finalist in the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Awards in 2016.

Throughout her career, Holly has collaborated with esteemed artists such as Nancy Kerr, James Fagan, and Daoirí Farrell. She has graced stages at notable venues and festivals, including The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, Sidmouth Folk Festival, Bromyard Folk Festival, and Tiree Music Festival.

Beyond her solo work, Holly performs in a duo with George Sansome of Granny’s Attic and leads her trio, Holly and the Reivers, featuring Newcastle-based musicians Bertie Armstrong and Merle Harbron. In 2019, she was appointed as Artist in Residence at Sage Gateshead, focusing on traditional folk songs and ballads.

Holly is also a composer, with her tunes performed by artists like Norwegian Hardanger fiddle player Annbjørg Lien and Shetland fiddler Catriona Macdonald. In 2022, she initiated the concert series ‘Folk is Queer’ to platform LGBTQ+ folk musicians in the North East, fostering connections within the community.

Her contributions to the folk music scene have been recognized by peers and critics alike. Nancy Kerr praised her as “the possessor of a seemingly effortless and transporting folk voice,” while James Fagan described her as “a rising star in the folk firmament.”

Jack Rutter is a distinguished folk singer, guitarist, and multi-instrumentalist from West Yorkshire, England. He has garnered acclaim for his compelling interpretations of traditional songs and his engaging stage presence.

In 2017, Jack released his debut solo album, Hills, featuring traditional songs delivered with minimalistic arrangements. This was followed by Gold of Scar & Shale in 2019, which continued his exploration of traditional material. His latest album, This Is Something Constant, released in 2023, has been praised for its captivating storytelling and masterful musicianship.

Beyond his solo work, Jack has collaborated with various ensembles, including The Sea Song Sessions, Moore Moss Rutter and the Seth Lakeman Band, contributing his instrumental prowess and vocal talents. His contributions to the folk music scene have been recognized by peers and critics alike, with Folk Radio UK describing him as “one of the most enthralling folk singers, guitarists & musicians on the British folk scene today.”

Rebecca Hill and Charlie Stewart are a Glasgow-based harp and fiddle duo celebrated for their innovative blend of traditional and contemporary folk music. Their debut album, Thawcrook, released in 2023, showcases their unique approach, weaving together traditional tunes, original compositions, and improvisation to create a captivating musical experience.

Rebecca Hill, an accomplished harpist, was honored as the ‘Up and Coming Artist of the Year’ at the MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards in 2020 following the release of her solo EP, The Airing. Charlie Stewart, a distinguished fiddler, earned the title of ‘BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year’ in 2017 and has collaborated with numerous artists across various projects.

Together, they create a harmonious fusion of harp and fiddle, delivering performances that are both innovative and deeply rooted in tradition.

Enda Kenny is an Irish-born Australian folk singer-songwriter renowned for his evocative storytelling and engaging performances. Born in Dublin, he relocated to Melbourne in 1987 and has since become a prominent figure in the folk music scene. Over his career, Enda has released ten independent albums, with his latest, After the Interval, launched in 2024. His songwriting, characterized by thoughtful and descriptive narratives, has earned him accolades, including the Lawson Paterson Award for Songwriting at the Port Fairy Folk Festival. He was also honored as Artist of the Year at the Newstead Live Music Festival. Enda continues to tour extensively across Australia and internationally, captivating audiences with his memorable songs infused with humor and insight.

Jon Loomes is an English traditional singer, guitarist, and multi-instrumentalist celebrated for his engaging performances and deep knowledge of folk music. He has been a prominent figure in the folk scene, known for his solo work and collaborations with groups such as Pilgrims’ Way and Heretique. His solo album, Fearful Symmetry, has become a cult classic among folk enthusiasts. Jon’s instrumental versatility spans guitar, cittern, mandolin, bouzouki, banjo, piano, violin, viola, English concertina, melodeon, bagpipes, and hurdy-gurdy. He has performed at major British folk festivals and international venues, captivating audiences with his renditions of traditional ballads and intricate guitar accompaniments. Beyond performing, Jon is also a composer, luthier, and recording engineer, contributing to various projects within the folk community.

Lauren South is a Warwickshire-based folk singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist known for her enchanting voice and evocative storytelling through original and traditional songs. With her debut album Tiny Boat released in November 2023, she has earned recognition for melodic compositions that explore themes of love, motherhood, nature, and the night sky.

Her band arrangements are richly layered—with backing from tenor guitar, fiddle, shruti box, double bass, percussion, and harmony vocals – creating a warm, orchestral folk sound that has drawn comparisons to highly regarded artists in the UK folk scene.

Critics regularly praise Lauren’s work. Reg Meuross remarked, “I love Lauren’s voice! It has a distinctive and unique beauty that allows her to turn every word she sings into a kind of magic formula,” while At the Barrier highlighted her “angelic voice… perceptive and melodic songwriting” as key to her growing reputation.

Live, she’s built a devoted following across regional festivals and venues. Recent appearances include Bromyard Folk Festival and Chippenham in May 2025, as well as performing as part of the Lauren South Trio at Warwick Arts Centre in May 2025 – a performance lauded as bringing her songs to “even higher planes” in a richly arranged ensemble context.

As well as her solo work, Lauren performs in the duo Donnelly & South with Keith Donnelly. Her instruments include tenor guitar, fiddle, shruti box, and occasionally violin or vocals – offering versatile and emotionally resonant songcraft.

Cobblers Child is a group of four friends who began playing together during the pandemic lockdowns as a way to maintain their sanity in uncertain times. With a blend of melodeon, guitar, whistles, and Northumbrian pipes, they created a rich musical tapestry that perfectly complements Martin and Emma’s vocals. It wasn’t long before they discovered that their music and infectious enthusiasm resonated with others.

Their repertoire includes both traditional and contemporary compositions. Martin has a passion for unearthing forgotten gems that still resonate in today’s world, breathing new life into them with beautiful melodies and arrangements. Many of his songs are inspired by stories from the inland waterways, collected during their travels on a narrowboat. Paul contributes lively tunes that add to the band’s toe-tapping sets.

The Band

Paul Baker, a dedicated melodeon enthusiast and collector, began his folk music journey at the University of Sheffield, where he formed the ceilidh band Hekety alongside friends like Richard and Jess Arrowsmith (Melrose Quartet). Originally a guitarist, Paul’s strong sense of rhythm transitioned seamlessly to the melodeon. His diverse musical influences are rooted in his love of dance traditions, which he brings to Cobblers Child.

Martin Vogwell (Guitar/Mandola/Vocals) has been a touring musician for over 25 years, including a decade with Folklaw, performing across the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands. He has released four well-received solo albums and fronts the band Bewelian, known for their intricate arrangements. Martin’s songwriting is inspired by archival material and the stories of the canals. He also performs with his wife Emma as The Vogwells duo.

Emma Vogwell (Whistle/Vocals) has a long history as a touring musician, contributing vocals, saxophone, and whistle to various bands, both folk and beyond. As part of The Vogwells, she and Martin have been active in the Gloucestershire folk scene, collaborating on projects like the GlosTrad project with the late collector Gwilym Davies and Steve Rowley. They have performed at folk clubs from Edinburgh to Cornwall.

Polly Stirzaker (Northumbrian Small Pipes/Whistle) has deep roots in traditional music, having busked with highland pipes on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile in her youth. She has played fiddle, melodeon, and whistle with various ceilidh bands and hosts regular “slow sessions” for developing musicians. In Cobblers Child, Polly brings the distinctive sound of the Northumbrian Pipes, which she learned in an evening class while working in Newcastle.

Paul and Polly are also active dancers and musicians for the Cotswold Morris side Lassington Oak from Highnam near Gloucester, participating in many local folk traditions, including Wassailing, Harvest Home, and May Day celebrations.

Ross Folk Choir is a spirited and inclusive community choir from Ross-on-Wye, dedicated to celebrating the rich traditions of folk music through harmony, storytelling, and shared song. Open to all, regardless of experience, the choir brings together singers of all backgrounds with a common passion for folk music and the joy of group singing.

Their repertoire spans traditional songs from the British Isles and beyond—ranging from foot-stomping sea shanties to haunting ballads—each chosen to reflect the stories, culture, and emotion at the heart of the folk tradition. With a strong focus on community and participation, Ross Folk Choir creates a welcoming space where voices unite to powerful effect.

Known for their warmth, enthusiasm, and vibrant vocal blend, the choir regularly performs at festivals, concerts, and community events across the region. They’ve earned a loyal following for their engaging performances and the genuine sense of joy they bring to every stage.

We’re delighted to welcome Ross Folk Choir to Bromyard Folk Festival—come and experience the harmony, heart, and community spirit.