Bromyard Folk Music Festival 2025

Bromyard Folk Festival

11th-14th September 2025

Category: Ceilidhs

Throughout the weekend we have a series of ceilidh dances with traditional folk’s best bands and callers.

  • Banter

    Banter

    Banter consists of Simon Care on the melodeon, Nina Zella handling keyboards and vocals, Tim Walker on drums, percussion, brass, and vocals, in addition to calling dances, and Mark Jolley playing bass, fiddle, guitar, and also contributing vocals. This quartet of accomplished musicians, deeply rooted in the traditional English music scene, delights in pushing musical boundaries.

    Since their formation in 2015, their shared passion for the evolving traditions of English song and dance music has driven them to incorporate a broader range of musical styles into their repertoire.

    They have quickly made a name for themselves as a distinctively original force within the English traditional music scene, leading to performances at major UK festivals such as Glastonbury, Cambridge Folk Festival, and Sidmouth Folk Festival, among others, as well as international appearances in Europe.

    Their debut and follow-up albums, YES and DARE, released between 2017 and 2019, garnered critical acclaim, including high praise in FATEA, Songlines, and RnR Magazines, and they even performed a live Valentine’s Day session on Mark Radcliffe’s BBC Radio 2 Folk Show.

    Now recognized as one of the UK’s leading bands, their third studio album, THREE, offers fresh takes on beloved traditional songs and energetic dance tunes, featuring guest appearances by John Spiers and Phil Beer.

    Despite being a four-member band, they produce a sound so expansive they’ve been hailed as “the world’s smallest big band.”

  • Powerhouse

    Powerhouse

    Powerhouse is a dynamic five-member ceilidh band, composed of a melodeon, flute, electric guitar, bass, and drums ensemble. Their formation was fueled by shared passions for rock, metal, folk music, video games, and a penchant for geeky movies and TV series. They skillfully blend traditional melodies with rock elements and pop culture references, making their music irresistible to even those who typically shy away from the dance floor.

    Meet the Band:

    • Dr. Robobnik: The scientific mind behind the melodeons.
    • Judge Shredd: Contrary to the myth that he was engineered in a covert facility by members of Emperor, Nile, and Opeth for his guitar prowess, he actually hails from Stockport.
    • The Jenerator: She dictates the pace – the tempo is hers to command.
    • Robin of Rocksley: Never one to believe there’s such a thing as too many cheesy bass slides.
    • Triumphant C: Known for her powerful flute performances, C is still learning to juggle playing the flute and riding her motorbike simultaneously.
  • Definitely Contraband

    Definitely Contraband

    Definitely Contraband is an electrifying ceilidh band making waves on the dance scene, especially with their much-anticipated appearance at Bromyard 2024. Known for their high-energy performances and infectious enthusiasm, the band brings a fresh and dynamic sound to traditional dance music, ensuring that every ceilidh is a night to remember.

    At the heart of Definitely Contraband are the fiery fiddling talents of Martin Clarke and Nicky McConkey, whose intricate and spirited playing drives the band’s powerful sound. Their seamless interplay and vibrant melodies create a thrilling atmosphere that keeps dancers on their feet and fully engaged in the music.

    Supporting this fiddling duo is Ben Filmer-Sankey, who brings his expertise on both guitar and banjo to the mix. His rhythmic guitar work provides the perfect foundation for the tunes, while his banjo adds an extra layer of excitement and drive to the band’s sound. Tom Evans on bass rounds out the group, adding depth and groove that ensures the dance floor stays energized and the music stays tight.

    Together, this talented quartet delivers a ceilidh experience that is both invigorating and unforgettable. Their high-energy dance grooves are infused with a passion for the music that is palpable, creating an intoxicating atmosphere where the joy of dance and music combine. Whether you’re an experienced dancer or a newcomer to ceilidh, Definitely Contraband’s boundless enthusiasm and dynamic sound guarantee a fantastic time of dancing and fun.

  • The Cock & Bull Band

    The Cock & Bull Band

    The Cock and Bull Band is a lively and engaging ceilidh folk band, renowned for their vibrant performances and skillful musicianship. This dynamic group has been enchanting audiences with their infectious mix of traditional and contemporary folk music, guaranteed to get everyone up and dancing. With a rich repertoire that spans across the British Isles, The Cock and Bull Band skillfully blends a sound that is both authentic and innovative. Their energy and enthusiasm for folk music are palpable, making every performance a memorable experience. As veterans of the folk scene, they have graced many stages, promising to be offer festival-goers a chance to experience the joy and communal spirit of a true ceilidh. Whether you’re a folk aficionado or new to the genre, The Cock and Bull Band’s show is not to be missed.

  • Shane & Julia Day

    Shane & Julia Day

    Julia and Shane are a fiddle and accordion duo who are well known for playing for social dancing all over the country. They inspire people with their creative interpretations of Playford, American, English and Scottish dance tunes. The are well known for their rapport with the caller and dancers and hope you enjoy their playing as much as they enjoy playing for you.

  • The Falconers

    The Falconers

    The Falconers are a lively and accomplished folk dance band known for their ability to get toes tapping and dancers on their feet with their spirited performances. Specializing in traditional English folk dance music, The Falconers have become a staple in the folk dance scene, performing at ceilidhs, festivals, and community events across the UK. Their music is rooted in the rich traditions of English country dance, but they bring a fresh energy and enthusiasm to their performances that appeals to both seasoned dancers and newcomers alike.

    The Falconers are known for their tight musicianship and their ability to play with both precision and flair, ensuring that every dance is not only fun but also expertly accompanied.

    One of the key elements of The Falconers’ appeal is their strong connection with the dance community. They work closely with callers, who guide the dancers through the steps, creating an inclusive and enjoyable experience for everyone, regardless of their dance experience. The band’s repertoire includes a wide range of traditional dance tunes, from lively jigs and reels to more stately hornpipes and waltzes, all delivered with the infectious energy that The Falconers are known for.

    In addition to their work as a dance band, The Falconers are also committed to preserving and promoting traditional folk music. They often participate in workshops and educational events, sharing their knowledge of folk dance and music with the next generation of musicians and dancers. This dedication to both performance and education has made them a beloved and respected group in the folk community.

  • Cate Haynes

    Cate Haynes

    Cate has over 25 years of ceilidh calling experience and has honed many dances to suit all occasions, as well as some that she has written herself. A commanding performer, she is never afraid to put herself into the dance as a truly interactive, passionate and able teacher for young and old, novice or professional dancer alike.

  • Michael Catovsky

    Michael Catovsky

    Michael Catovsky is a highly esteemed caller known for his mastery of contra-ceilidh fusion, guiding you through electrifying dances that blend the structured patterns of contra with the spontaneous, lively spirit of ceilidh. His dynamic style brings together dancers of all levels.

  • Tim Walker

    Tim Walker

    On the success of our previous Medieval Dance Workshops and the many requests to do it again, Tim will bereturning to Bromyard this yea to perform and teach more medieval dances. Do not worry if you missed it before, Tim wil recap and then take you deeper in the mysteries of the dances that brought us to where we are today.

  • Ian Nichols

    Ian Nichols

    Ian is an experienced ceilidh caller, equally at home calling for family parties and local dances, or on the biggest festival stages, catering for novice and experienced dancers, alike.
    His choice of dances and enthusiasm is driven by his own fanatical desire to dance.

  • Rhodri Davies

    Rhodri Davies

    Rhodri Davies is a highly regarded ceilidh dance caller known for his engaging and approachable style, making him a favorite at ceilidhs, festivals, and community events across the UK. With a deep passion for traditional folk dance and an infectious enthusiasm, Rhodri has a unique ability to get people of all ages and experience levels onto the dance floor, ensuring that everyone has a great time.

    Rhodri’s approach to calling is characterized by his clear, concise instructions and his warm, encouraging manner. He has a knack for making even the most complex dances accessible to beginners, breaking down the steps in a way that is easy to follow. His experience and deep understanding of folk traditions allow him to select dances that are perfectly suited to the mood of the event, whether it’s a lively festival ceilidh or a more intimate community gathering.

    One of Rhodri’s strengths as a caller is his ability to read the room and adjust his calling to suit the energy and skill level of the dancers. He is known for creating a fun and inclusive atmosphere, where everyone feels welcome to join in, regardless of their experience with ceilidh dancing. His calls are delivered with a sense of humor and a genuine love for the dance, making each ceilidh an enjoyable and memorable experience for all involved.

  • Victoria Yeomans

    Victoria Yeomans

    Victoria Yeomans is a highly regarded ceilidh dance caller known for her clear instructions, infectious enthusiasm, and ability to create a welcoming atmosphere for dancers of all experience levels. With a deep passion for traditional dance and a wealth of experience, Victoria has become a sought-after caller at ceilidhs, festivals, and community events across the UK.

    Victoria’s approach to calling is both engaging and inclusive. She has a natural talent for making even the most complex dances accessible to everyone, whether they are seasoned dancers or complete beginners. Her clear, concise instructions are delivered with a warmth and humour that puts participants at ease, ensuring that everyone feels confident and enjoys the experience. This ability to connect with people and guide them through the steps with ease has earned her a loyal following within the folk dance community.

    Her repertoire includes a wide variety of traditional English, Scottish, and Irish dances, and she is skilled at choosing dances that suit the mood and energy of the event. Victoria’s experience allows her to quickly gauge the level of the dancers and adapt her calling accordingly, ensuring that everyone can participate and have fun. Her deep understanding of the music and the dance traditions adds an extra layer of authenticity to her calling, making each ceilidh she leads both enjoyable and culturally enriching.

    In addition to her work as a caller, Victoria is also involved in promoting traditional dance through workshops and educational events. She is passionate about passing on the knowledge and joy of ceilidh dancing to new generations, and her workshops are known for being both informative and fun.