Bromyard Folk Festival

10th-13th September 2026

Artist

  • Richard Thompson with Zara Phillips

    Richard Thompson with Zara Phillips

    Early life and musical background

    Richard Thompson was born in London in 1949 and developed an early interest in the guitar during the 1950s and 1960s. Immersed in the flourishing British folk revival, he became a founding member of Fairport Convention in 1967. The group played a central role in shaping British folk-rock, combining traditional material with contemporary songwriting and electric instrumentation. Thompson’s guitar playing and songwriting quickly distinguished him within the emerging electric folk movement.

    Zara Phillips is a British singer and music professional whose work has been closely associated with Richard Thompson’s touring and recording career. In addition to performing as a backing vocalist, she has undertaken significant managerial responsibilities within his professional activities.

    Career development and recordings

    Following his departure from Fairport Convention in 1971, Richard Thompson began a solo career that has continued for more than five decades. His early solo release, Henry the Human Fly (1972), was followed by a series of acclaimed recordings with the singer Linda Thompson, to whom he was married at the time. Albums including I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight (1974) remain central works within the British folk-rock canon.

    After the conclusion of that partnership in the early 1980s, Richard Thompson resumed a solo career encompassing both acoustic and electric projects. His recordings include Hand of Kindness (1983), Rumor and Sigh (1991), Mock Tudor (1999), Electric (2013), produced by Buddy Miller, and 13 Rivers (2018). Throughout this period, he has maintained an extensive touring schedule across the United Kingdom, Europe and North America.

    Zara Phillips’ professional involvement has developed alongside this later phase of Richard Thompson’s career. As tour manager and organisational lead, she has supported the logistical and strategic framework necessary for sustained international touring. Her responsibilities have included coordination with promoters, venues and festival organisers, ensuring the effective delivery of performances within the contemporary folk and roots circuit.

    Style and influences

    Richard Thompson is widely recognised for a distinctive guitar technique that integrates traditional British folk idioms with rock and other roots influences. His use of alternate tunings and complex picking patterns has become a defining element of his sound. Lyrically, his work frequently draws on narrative structures found in traditional song, alongside contemporary themes and character studies.

    Within live performance contexts, backing vocals form an integral part of the arrangements for much of Richard Thompson’s repertoire, particularly songs originally recorded with harmonised parts. Zara Phillips contributes backing vocals in concert settings, supporting the structural and harmonic dimensions of the material. Her role complements the established performance tradition within British folk and acoustic roots music.

    Notable performances and collaborations

    Across his career, Richard Thompson has appeared at major venues and international festivals, building a reputation as a leading figure in British folk music and folk-rock. In addition to his foundational work with Fairport Convention and his recordings with Linda Thompson, he has collaborated with a range of musicians within the British and American roots scenes.

    His compositions have been widely recorded by other artists, and his contribution to music has been recognised by industry bodies in both the United Kingdom and the United States. These honours reflect the enduring influence of his songwriting and musicianship within the broader landscape of acoustic roots and contemporary folk.

    Zara Phillips’ collaboration with Richard Thompson forms part of this sustained live and recording activity. Her combined artistic and managerial contribution represents a professional partnership that supports both the creative and operational aspects of performance at an international level.

    Recent work and current projects

    In recent years, Richard Thompson has continued to release new material and to tour internationally in both solo acoustic and full band formats. His later recordings demonstrate an ongoing commitment to original songwriting and to the continued refinement of his guitar work.

    Zara Phillips remains active within his touring ensemble and organisational structure, contributing to the delivery of concerts and festival appearances. Her dual role reflects the integrated nature of artistic and managerial practice common within the independent folk and roots sector.

    Appearance at Bromyard Folk Festival 2026

    Richard Thompson and Zara Phillips are scheduled to appear at the Bromyard Folk Festival in 2026. Established in 1968 to support and promote traditional folk music, song and dance, the festival has long presented artists whose work engages directly with the evolution of the British folk tradition.

    Richard Thompson’s foundational role in British folk-rock, together with his sustained engagement with traditional song and contemporary composition, aligns closely with the artistic values of Bromyard Folk Festival. Zara Phillips’ participation as a backing vocalist and as a key figure within the touring structure supporting these performances forms part of the collaborative framework that enables established artists to present their work within leading folk festivals in the United Kingdom.

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  • FARA

    FARA

    Origins and early development

    FARA is a fiddle-led Scottish folk group founded by Orkney musicians Jeana Leslie, Catriona Price and Kristan Harvey. The trio first performed under the name FARA in 2014 at Orkney Folk Festival, opening the festival’s late-night club. The name FARA is taken from the island of Fara in Scapa Flow, reflecting the group’s Orcadian roots.

    The founding members shared schooldays in Orkney before pursuing further study at leading conservatoires. Between them, they attended the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, the Royal Academy of Music and the Royal Northern College of Music, undertaking courses that encompassed traditional folk music, classical performance, improvisation and contemporary composition. Their collective background in both traditional and formal training has shaped FARA’s distinctive ensemble sound.

    From the outset, FARA’s performances centred on tight fiddle interplay, intricate arrangements and repertoire rooted in the traditions of Orkney and wider Scotland. The early response at Orkney Folk Festival led to further bookings, including appearances at major events such as Celtic Connections, Shetland Folk Festival, Cambridge Folk Festival and Tønder Festival.

    Line-up and musical backgrounds

    In 2019, FARA welcomed Highland pianist Rory Matheson to the line-up, following the departure of original fourth member Jennifer Austin. Rory Matheson, a finalist in BBC Radio Scotland’s Young Traditional Musician of the Year in 2018, hails from the north-west Highlands. He developed his musicianship through the Fèis Rois youth programme before studying at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland under leading folk pianists Mary McCarthy and James Ross.

    While at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Matheson broadened his stylistic range through the study of jazz and blues, developing a diverse melodic and harmonic vocabulary across both acoustic piano and digital Nord models. His addition expanded FARA’s sonic palette, providing harmonic depth and rhythmic drive to complement the trio’s layered fiddle arrangements.

    Kristan Harvey is also a member of Blazin’ Fiddles, one of Scotland’s most established fiddle groups. Catriona Price has received a Dewar Arts Award, and Kristan Harvey has been awarded the title of BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year. Jeana Leslie was a Radio 2 Young Folk Award winner as part of a duo with Siobhan Miller. Individually, the members have undertaken guest and session work with artists including Belle and Sebastian and Nicola Benedetti, as well as performing with Orcadian folk-rock group The Chair.

    Style and repertoire

    FARA’s music is rooted in the fiddle traditions of Orkney and the wider Scottish Highlands and Islands. Their arrangements are characterised by close-knit harmonies, rhythmic precision and a balance between tradition and contemporary composition. The interplay between the three fiddles forms the core of the ensemble’s sound, with piano providing harmonic structure and dynamic contrast.

    The group’s repertoire includes traditional tunes from Orkney and Scotland alongside original compositions. Their approach reflects both a respect for inherited material and a commitment to renewing and extending the tradition through new writing and arrangement. The blend of Orcadian and Highland influences has become a defining feature of the ensemble’s identity.

    Performances and recognition

    Since their formation, FARA have toured extensively across the United Kingdom and internationally, appearing at major folk festivals and concert venues. Early festival bookings beyond Orkney included Celtic Connections in Glasgow, Shetland Folk Festival, Cambridge Folk Festival and Tønder Festival in Denmark. These appearances established FARA as a prominent presence within the contemporary Scottish folk scene.

    The individual accolades of the members, combined with their conservatoire training and professional experience, have reinforced the group’s standing within British folk music. Their performances are noted for musical precision, ensemble cohesion and a strong connection to the traditions of Orkney.

    Appearance at Bromyard Folk Festival 2026

    FARA are scheduled to appear at the Bromyard Folk Festival in 2026. Founded in 1968 to support and promote traditional folk music, song and dance, the festival has long presented artists who combine deep regional roots with contemporary creativity.

    FARA’s fiddle-led exploration of Orcadian and Highland traditions aligns closely with the ethos of Bromyard Folk Festival. Their performance will bring the distinct musical heritage of Orkney and the north of Scotland to Herefordshire, continuing the festival’s long-standing commitment to showcasing the richness and diversity of folk traditions within the United Kingdom and beyond.

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  • Kris Drever & Cahalen Morrison

    Kris Drever & Cahalen Morrison

    Early life and musical background

    Kris Drever was born in Orkney, Scotland, and emerged as a significant figure within contemporary British folk music in the late 1990s and early 2000s. A guitarist, singer and songwriter, he became widely known as a founding member of the influential Scottish folk trio Lau. Lau’s innovative approach to traditional and original material positioned the group at the forefront of the modern folk scene in the United Kingdom.

    Alongside his work with Lau, Kris Drever has developed a substantial solo career, marked by a series of critically recognised albums and extensive touring across the United Kingdom and internationally. His music reflects both the song traditions of Scotland and a contemporary singer-songwriter sensibility.

    Cahalen Morrison originates from the high desert region of northern New Mexico in the United States. Over the past decade and more, he has established himself within American roots music through solo touring, as a duo with Eli West, and as a member of the roadhouse country group Western Centuries. His work spans old-time, country and acoustic roots traditions, informed by both regional heritage and contemporary songwriting practice.

    Career development and recordings

    Kris Drever’s solo discography includes albums such as Black Water (2006), Mark the Hard Earth (2008), Under My Breath (2010), and If Wishes Were Horses (2014). In addition to his solo output and his work with Lau, he has collaborated with a wide range of musicians within the British and international folk community. His recordings and live performances demonstrate a sustained engagement with both traditional repertoire and original composition.

    Lau has received significant industry recognition for its contribution to Scottish folk music, and Kris Drever’s songwriting has been an important part of that repertoire. His work is characterised by careful attention to melody, arrangement and lyrical structure.

    Cahalen Morrison has released solo recordings and has toured extensively across North America and Europe. As one half of the duo Cahalen Morrison & Eli West, he contributed to a body of work rooted in American traditional music, close harmony singing and acoustic instrumentation. With Western Centuries, he has explored classic country forms through original songwriting and ensemble performance.

    Beyond his own projects, Cahalen Morrison has appeared at major festivals internationally and has performed with artists including Tim O’Brien, Kelly Joe Phelps, Hot Rize, Crooked Still and the ensemble Transatlantic Sessions. These associations reflect his standing within the contemporary American roots and bluegrass community.

    Style and influences

    Kris Drever’s musical language draws from Scottish traditional song, contemporary folk, and broader acoustic roots influences. His guitar work is known for clarity of tone and rhythmic precision, while his songwriting often combines personal reflection with broader thematic concerns. As a singer, he is recognised for a distinctive baritone voice that has become closely associated with modern Scottish folk.

    Cahalen Morrison is equally at home on guitar, banjo and mandolin, and is known for his work in three-part harmony as well as unaccompanied singing. His songwriting reflects deep engagement with American traditional forms, while retaining an individual lyrical voice. Observers have noted his command of phrase and his ability to integrate traditional influences with contemporary composition.

    Together, Kris Drever and Cahalen Morrison represent a meeting of Scottish and American acoustic traditions. Their shared commitment to craft, close attention to song structure and respect for inherited repertoire provides a strong foundation for collaborative performance.

    Notable performances and collaborations

    Kris Drever has appeared at major folk festivals throughout the United Kingdom, Europe and North America, both as a solo artist and with Lau. His collaborative work has included participation in projects that bring together musicians from across the folk spectrum.

    Cahalen Morrison’s touring history includes appearances at international festivals and concert venues, both as a solo artist and within ensemble settings. His performances with established figures in American roots music have further reinforced his position within that tradition.

    The collaboration between Kris Drever and Cahalen Morrison builds on previous musical connections between the British and American folk scenes. Their partnership reflects a shared repertoire interest and complementary vocal and instrumental styles.

    Recent work and current projects

    Kris Drever continues to record and tour, balancing solo work with collaborative projects. His ongoing contribution to Scottish folk music remains central to his professional activity.

    Cahalen Morrison maintains an active schedule of recording and performance, including solo projects and ensemble work within American country and roots music contexts.

    Their joint performances bring together two established careers within contemporary folk, offering audiences a programme grounded in traditional song, original composition and transatlantic exchange.

    Appearance at Bromyard Folk Festival 2026

    Kris Drever and Cahalen Morrison are scheduled to appear at the Bromyard Folk Festival in 2026. Founded in 1968 to support and promote traditional folk music, song and dance, the festival has long provided a platform for artists whose work bridges tradition and contemporary expression.

    The collaboration between Kris Drever and Cahalen Morrison reflects the festival’s commitment to both the preservation and renewal of folk traditions. By bringing together Scottish contemporary folk and American acoustic roots music, their appearance at Bromyard Folk Festival 2026 continues the event’s long-standing engagement with international strands of the folk tradition.

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  • Chris Wood

    Chris Wood

    Early life and musical background

    Chris Wood is an English singer, songwriter and guitarist widely regarded as one of the leading figures in contemporary English folk music. Emerging during the late twentieth century folk revival, he developed a reputation for combining traditional song with original writing rooted in English vernacular culture.

    Before establishing himself primarily as a solo artist, Chris Wood was a member of several influential collaborations within the British folk scene. He performed as part of the duo Wood & Cutting with the accordionist Andy Cutting, and was also a member of the trio Wood, Wilson & Carthy alongside Roger Wilson and Martin Carthy. These formative projects placed him at the heart of the evolving English folk movement and shaped his commitment to traditional repertoire and contemporary songwriting.

    Career development and recordings

    Chris Wood’s solo career has been marked by a series of albums that draw on both traditional material and original compositions. His songwriting is noted for its close attention to English landscape, social history and everyday experience, articulated through direct, carefully crafted language.

    Over the course of his career, Chris Wood has received six BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, recognition that reflects the consistent critical regard for his writing and performance. His work has positioned him as a central voice within modern English folk, maintaining continuity with older traditions while addressing contemporary concerns.

    In addition to his solo recordings, Chris Wood has participated in collaborative projects that have broadened the scope of English folk music. He was a key member of The Imagined Village, a collective which brought together artists including Billy Bragg and Martin Carthy to reinterpret English traditional music within a modern framework. Through this project, Chris Wood contributed to renewed discussions about identity, tradition and innovation in English folk.

    Chris Wood has also worked with the Royal Shakespeare Company, contributing his musical skills within a theatrical context. This engagement demonstrated the adaptability of his approach and the wider cultural reach of his musicianship.

    Style and influences

    Chris Wood’s songwriting is frequently characterised by a strong narrative voice, social observation and an understated sense of irony. His work engages with themes of community, place and political life without resorting to slogan or simplification. The influence of traditional English song structures can be heard in his melodic phrasing and storytelling approach.

    As a performer, Chris Wood is known for a direct and unadorned stage presence. His concerts centre on the song itself, foregrounding lyric and narrative. The clarity of his diction and the restraint of his arrangements allow the thematic substance of his work to remain central.

    Within the contemporary English folk community, Chris Wood is recognised not only for his own output but also for his influence on younger artists. Musicians such as Stick in the Wheel and The Unthanks have acknowledged his impact on their thinking about tradition and modern songwriting. Broadcasters and fellow songwriters, including Tom Robinson and Chris Difford, have publicly expressed admiration for his work.

    Critical response has consistently emphasised the moral and social seriousness of his writing. FROOTS magazine described Chris Wood as comparable to film director Ken Loach in his approach to songwriting, noting both the political awareness and the compassion present in his work.

    Notable performances and recognition

    Chris Wood has appeared at major folk festivals and concert venues throughout the United Kingdom and beyond. His standing within English folk music rests on sustained touring, a substantial body of recorded work and a commitment to live performance that prioritises clarity and substance.

    The six BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards he has received underline the high regard in which he is held by peers and audiences alike. His involvement in projects such as The Imagined Village and his work with the Royal Shakespeare Company demonstrate the breadth of his contribution beyond the conventional folk club and festival circuit.

    Recent work and current projects

    Chris Wood continues to write, record and tour, maintaining a visible presence within the English folk scene. His later albums extend his exploration of English social themes, combining traditional song structures with contemporary commentary. He remains committed to performance formats that foreground the song and its narrative core.

    Appearance at Bromyard Folk Festival 2026

    Chris Wood is scheduled to appear at the Bromyard Folk Festival in 2026. Established in 1968 to support and promote traditional folk music, song and dance, the festival has long championed artists who engage deeply with the folk tradition while addressing the present.

    Chris Wood’s commitment to English traditional song, combined with his original writing rooted in contemporary experience, aligns closely with the artistic values of Bromyard Folk Festival. His appearance at the 2026 festival continues the event’s long-standing practice of presenting leading voices in British folk music whose work reflects both heritage and renewal.

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  • Granny’s Attic

    Granny’s Attic

    Formation and musical background

    Granny’s Attic are a Worcester-based English folk trio formed in 2009. The group comprises Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne on melodeon, anglo concertina and vocals, George Sansome on guitar and vocals, and Lewis Wood on violin and vocals. Since their formation, Granny’s Attic have developed a reputation for exceptional musicianship, close vocal harmony and an energetic commitment to traditional English folk music.

    Rooted in the song and tune traditions of England, the trio have refined their ensemble sound through sustained touring across the United Kingdom and Europe. Their playing reflects careful study of traditional repertoire combined with a clear sense of contemporary performance practice.

    Career development and recordings

    Over more than a decade of professional activity, Granny’s Attic have appeared at leading venues and festivals including Cambridge Folk Festival and Cecil Sharp House, the headquarters of the English Folk Dance and Song Society. These appearances affirm their standing within the contemporary English folk scene.

    In October 2021, Granny’s Attic released The Brickfields, an instrumental album presenting original tunes shaped by traditional influences. The recording highlights the trio’s compositional development and ensemble cohesion, demonstrating their ability to contribute new material that sits naturally within English folk idioms. Folk Radio described Granny’s Attic as “one of the most exciting and accomplished English folk acts on the scene right now,” reflecting critical recognition of their work.

    Across their recordings, Granny’s Attic maintain a balance between traditional material and original composition. This dual focus reflects a living tradition in which preservation and renewal operate together.

    Style and performance approach

    Granny’s Attic are known for dynamic live performances that combine technical precision with rhythmic drive. The interplay between melodeon, fiddle and guitar creates a tightly integrated sound, while shared vocal duties reinforce narrative clarity and harmonic texture. Their arrangements are structured yet flexible, allowing for momentum and contrast within both instrumental sets and songs.

    Critical response has noted the trio’s capacity to bring renewed attention to English folk music through an energetic and accessible approach. The Irish Times observed that their interpretation of English folk has introduced new audiences to the genre, underlining the impact of their high-energy delivery while remaining grounded in tradition.

    Recognition and individual achievements

    The members of Granny’s Attic have received individual distinction within the folk community. In 2014, Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne won the Future of Young Folk Award at Bromyard Folk Festival, a recognition of his contribution to English traditional music. This early accolade forms part of the trio’s longstanding relationship with the festival.

    As a collective, Granny’s Attic have built a strong and loyal following through consistent touring and a disciplined approach to live performance. Their sustained presence within the folk circuit reflects both musical ability and professional commitment.

    Longstanding patronage and festival connection

    Granny’s Attic have served as Patrons of the Bromyard Folk Festival for a number of years, demonstrating their ongoing support for its charitable mission and dedication to traditional folk music, song and dance. Their patronage reflects a shared commitment to sustaining and promoting English folk traditions.

    Founded in 1968, Bromyard Folk Festival has consistently presented artists who embody the vitality of the tradition while contributing new work. Granny’s Attic’s grounding in English repertoire, combined with their original compositions and energetic stagecraft, aligns closely with the ethos of the festival. Their continued involvement underscores the strong connection between the trio and a festival devoted to celebrating the best of folk.

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  • Emily Portman & Friends

    Emily Portman & Friends

    Early life and musical background

    Emily Portman is an award-winning English singer and songwriter whose work is rooted in traditional song and narrative balladry. Over more than fifteen years of touring, she has established herself as a distinctive presence within contemporary British folk, known for reshaping traditional forms through original composition and carefully crafted arrangement.

    Her songwriting draws deeply on ballads and folktales, reworking inherited narratives into new forms that retain their structural strength while speaking to present-day experience. Uncut described her as “one of the new British folk scene’s most beguiling presences”, a reflection of the atmosphere and narrative depth that define her work.

    Career development and collaborations

    Emily Portman has released three critically acclaimed solo albums of original songs that recast old ballads and fairytales into contemporary shapes. She was awarded a BBC Folk Award for Best Original Song, recognition that affirmed her standing as one of the leading writers within modern British folk.

    Alongside her solo career, Emily Portman has worked extensively in collaboration. She has toured with The Furrow Collective, participated in the folk chart-topping Sea Song Sessions, and performed in a duo with Rob Harbron of Leveret. These projects underline her longstanding commitment to ensemble work and shared musicianship.

    Dominion of Spells and the live collective

    In 2026, Emily Portman returns to the road under the banner Emily Portman & Friends, presenting an inspired new live show previewing songs from her forthcoming solo album Dominion of Spells, due for release in May 2026. The name reflects a collaborative collective, with Emily joined on stage by a group of highly accomplished musicians whose instrumental and vocal contributions expand the texture and atmosphere of her songs.

    Dominion of Spells marks a new chapter in her songwriting. Drawing on ballads and folktales, the album weaves lived experience with mythic imagery, charting a heroine’s midlife journey through dark woods in search of transformation and wonder. Selkies, fairy queens, foxes and owl goddesses appear within contemporary story-songs exploring parenthood, home, burnout, grief and the transformative power of creativity.

    In performance, Emily Portman & Friends present this material alongside selected songs from across her acclaimed catalogue. The collective format allows for richer arrangements, layered instrumentation and close ensemble interplay, while maintaining the clarity of narrative and lyric that define her writing.

    Appearance at Bromyard Folk Festival 2026

    Emily Portman & Friends are scheduled to appear at the Bromyard Folk Festival in 2026. Founded in 1968 to support and promote traditional folk music, song and dance, the festival has long championed artists who sustain and reinterpret the ballad tradition.

    With her deep engagement in traditional forms and her commitment to original songwriting, Emily Portman’s work aligns closely with the ethos of Bromyard Folk Festival. Joined by an ensemble of exceptionally talented musicians, Emily Portman & Friends will bring a richly textured and imaginatively realised performance to the 2026 programme.

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  • Janice Burns & Jon Doran

    Janice Burns & Jon Doran

    Early collaboration and musical background

    Janice Burns & Jon Doran are an award-winning Anglo-Scottish folk duo who came together through a shared commitment to traditional music. Drawing on song traditions from both sides of the border, they have developed a distinctive approach grounded in close harmony singing and sensitive instrumental accompaniment.

    Their repertoire reflects a deep engagement with traditional source material, presenting songs that explore the nature of life and humanity’s place within the world. The duo’s work is characterised by what Songlines described as “clever and uncluttered musical storytelling”, a quality that shapes both their arrangements and their live performance style.

    In 2019, Jon Doran was the winner of Bromyard Folk Festival’s prestigious Future of Young Folk Award. This recognition placed him among a line of emerging artists acknowledged for their contribution to traditional music and forms part of the duo’s ongoing relationship with the festival.

    Style and instrumentation

    Janice Burns & Jon Doran are noted for tight vocal harmonies and understated yet carefully crafted arrangements. Their instrumentation centres on mandolin, bouzouki and guitar, creating a warm and balanced acoustic texture that supports the narrative clarity of the songs.

    The duo’s interplay is defined by restraint and precision. Rather than elaborate ornamentation, they favour carefully structured arrangements that allow melody and lyric to remain central. Their performances have been described as intimate and beautifully understated, with Karine Polwart observing, “They play lovely strings, they have gorgeous harmony arrangements. Really well crafted, intimate, beautifully understated.”

    This approach situates Janice Burns & Jon Doran within a contemporary strand of British folk that prioritises storytelling, ensemble cohesion and respect for traditional forms.

    Performances and touring

    With a relaxed and personable stage presence, Janice Burns & Jon Doran are recognised for the warmth of their connection with audiences. Their performance history includes opening Stage 2 at Cambridge Folk Festival and appearances at Edinburgh Tradfest, Cecil Sharp House and Sage Gateshead. These bookings reflect their growing reputation across the United Kingdom and beyond.

    Their concerts focus on bringing songs from printed collections and archival manuscripts into vivid contemporary performance. Through harmony singing and nuanced accompaniment, they animate material that has travelled through generations, adapting and evolving as it has passed from singer to singer.

    Recordings and recognition

    Following the release of their self-titled EP in 2020, Janice Burns & Jon Doran released their debut album, No More the Green Hills, in autumn 2022. The album received overwhelmingly positive feedback and found a place in the Official UK Folk Albums Chart. It also gained airplay on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio Scotland, further extending the duo’s reach within the national folk audience.

    Across their recordings, Janice Burns & Jon Doran bring together songs that have endured through centuries, exploring themes of nature, love and loss. Their interpretation reflects an understanding that folk songs continually adapt as they move between singers and communities. By shaping these songs through close harmony and careful arrangement, the duo contribute to the ongoing evolution of the tradition.

    Appearance at Bromyard Folk Festival 2026

    Janice Burns & Jon Doran are scheduled to appear at the Bromyard Folk Festival in 2026. Established in 1968 to support and promote traditional folk music, song and dance, the festival has long championed artists who approach the tradition with both reverence and creativity.

    Jon Doran’s 2019 Future of Young Folk Award at Bromyard underscores the duo’s connection to the festival’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent. Their appearance in 2026 continues that association, bringing their finely balanced harmonies and thoughtfully arranged traditional repertoire to an audience dedicated to the enduring vitality of folk music.

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  • Keith Donnelly

    Keith Donnelly

    Early career and musical background

    Keith Donnelly is an English singer, guitarist and songwriter whose career spans several decades on the British folk circuit. Emerging within the vibrant network of folk clubs and festivals, he established himself as a performer who combines musicianship with an instinctive sense of theatre.

    While firmly rooted in the folk tradition, Keith Donnelly has developed a stage persona that integrates song, storytelling and humour. His approach reflects a long-standing strand within British folk performance in which narrative, satire and audience interaction sit alongside serious musicianship.

    Songwriting and musical style

    As a guitarist and vocalist, Keith Donnelly is recognised for accomplished playing and a clear, expressive singing voice. His repertoire includes original compositions alongside material shaped for live performance contexts. His songwriting often blends wit with observation, moving between comic invention and more reflective themes.

    Keith Donnelly’s concerts are marked by spontaneity and carefully judged pacing. Songs may be introduced through extended anecdotes or playful digressions, yet the underlying musicianship remains central. This balance between craft and humour has become a defining characteristic of his work.

    Jasper Carrott once remarked that “Keith could make sheep laugh,” a comment that reflects the widespread perception of Keith Donnelly as an entertainer capable of engaging diverse audiences. Critics and festival programmers have described him as a “surreal snigger-songwriter” and as one of the most entertaining figures on the folk stage. He has also been recognised as an accomplished master of ceremonies, trusted to guide festival audiences through varied programmes.

    Performance approach and reputation

    Keith Donnelly’s performances combine stand-up comedy, storytelling and song in a format that remains rooted in the acoustic folk tradition. His humour frequently involves wordplay, unexpected narrative turns and imaginative tall tales, delivered with a direct rapport that draws audiences into the performance. Some anecdotes are presented as factual, others more knowingly improbable, yet all are shaped to sustain engagement and surprise.

    At the same time, Keith Donnelly’s songwriting demonstrates sensitivity and melodic awareness. The movement between comic and poignant material forms part of his established stagecraft. Audiences encounter not only humour but also moments of reflection, framed within carefully structured sets.

    Over many years on festival stages throughout the United Kingdom and beyond, Keith Donnelly has built a reputation as a distinctive presence within contemporary folk. His ability to hold attention through both narrative and music has made him a regular and valued contributor to folk events.

    Role within the folk community

    Within the British folk scene, Keith Donnelly occupies a unique position that bridges traditional performance practice and modern comedic sensibility. The folk club tradition has long accommodated humour alongside song, and Keith Donnelly’s work continues this lineage while adapting it for large festival audiences.

    His experience as a performer and master of ceremonies has made him a trusted figure at major events, where his ability to respond to live situations and sustain audience energy is particularly valued. This adaptability underscores his longevity within the scene.

    Appearance at Bromyard Folk Festival 2026

    Keith Donnelly is scheduled to appear at the Bromyard Folk Festival in 2026. Founded in 1968 to support and promote traditional folk music, song and dance, the festival has consistently presented artists who reflect the breadth of the folk tradition, including its strong narrative and comic strands.

    Keith Donnelly’s combination of accomplished guitar playing, original songwriting and live storytelling aligns with this tradition. His appearance at Bromyard Folk Festival 2026 will continue the event’s long-standing commitment to presenting performers who engage audiences through both musical skill and the enduring craft of live performance.

    Alongside his solo gigging, Keith is a familiar face at UK festivals—recent highlights include appearing at Birmingham Conservatoire’s Global Traditions concert series in February 2025, where his blend of storytelling, music, and comedy charmed a packed jazz‑club audience. He also featured in the family programme at Chippenham Folk Festival in May 2025, presenting his mischievous “Family Show” to audiences aged 5 to 122, complete with songs, stories and his trademark quirky humour.

    Whether performing for adults, children, or families, Keith Donnelly’s shows are famously unpredictable—full of laughter, sing‑alongs, sometimes surprising poignant moments, and always a sense of wonder. You never know if he’ll be riffing on life’s surreal absurdities or coaxing a cheese sandwich to launch itself out of someone’s nose. Every show is unique—and unforgettable.

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  • Lauren South

    Lauren South

    Early background and musical identity

    Lauren South is a Warwickshire-based folk singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose work brings together original composition and traditional melody. Rooted in English folk music, her songwriting is distinguished by lyrical clarity, melodic poise and a strong narrative sensibility.

    Drawing inspiration from the natural world, the night sky and her experience of motherhood, Lauren South crafts songs that combine personal reflection with broader thematic resonance. Her repertoire includes both original material and interpretations of traditional songs, presented with careful attention to atmosphere and emotional detail.

    Debut album and recorded work

    Lauren South released her debut solo album, Tiny Boat, in November 2023. The album received critical acclaim and established her as an emerging voice within the contemporary English folk scene. The title track featured on FATEA’s Spring Showcase 2024, further extending the reach of her work within specialist folk audiences.

    Tiny Boat presents melodic compositions shaped by themes of love, motherhood, nature and nocturnal imagery. The arrangements balance intimacy with subtle instrumental layering, foregrounding her voice while allowing space for tonal colour and harmonic depth.

    Style, instrumentation and ensemble work

    Lauren South performs on tenor guitar, fiddle and shruti box, and also contributes violin and vocals within collaborative contexts. Her instrumental palette supports a warm and textured sound that complements the clarity of her singing. In band settings, her music has been arranged with tenor guitar, fiddle, shruti box, double bass, percussion and harmony vocals, creating a richly layered ensemble texture.

    Critics have responded positively to her vocal and compositional qualities. Reg Meuross observed, “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.” At the Barrier highlighted her “angelic voice… perceptive and melodic songwriting” as central to her growing reputation, while The Woodman Folk Club described her singing as “enthralling, intricate, pure crystal vocal lines… some of the most beautifully melodic vocal lines I’ve heard.”

    Her live performances are characterised by controlled dynamics and emotional immediacy. In trio format, Lauren South’s songs have been noted for gaining further depth through expanded arrangement, as demonstrated in a performance by the Lauren South Trio at Warwick Arts Centre in May 2025, where her music was described as reaching heightened expressive intensity within a carefully structured ensemble setting.

    Collaborations and touring

    In addition to her solo work, Lauren South performs as part of the duo Donnelly & South with Keith Donnelly. This partnership brings together her melodic and instrumental sensibility with Donnelly’s established stagecraft, placing her within a broader network of contemporary folk performance.

    Lauren South has built a devoted following across regional festivals and venues. Recent appearances have included Bromyard Folk Festival and Chippenham Folk Festival in May 2025, consolidating her presence within the national folk calendar. These performances have reinforced her reputation for combining expressive vocal delivery with carefully structured instrumental accompaniment.

    Musical themes and artistic direction

    Across her writing, Lauren South explores enduring themes of connection, place and personal transformation. The interplay between traditional melodic forms and original songwriting allows her to situate contemporary experiences within a broader folk lineage. Her engagement with imagery drawn from the natural world and nocturnal landscapes lends her work a distinctive atmosphere within modern English folk.

    Her continued development as both solo artist and collaborator reflects a sustained commitment to songcraft, ensemble work and live performance. Through a balance of intimacy and musical layering, Lauren South contributes a clear and resonant voice to the evolving English folk tradition.

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  • Alex Akiba

    Alex Akiba

    Background and musical style

    Alex Akiba is a contemporary folk musician from Disley in the North West of England. His work centres on original songwriting accompanied by intricate fingerstyle guitar, shaped by an affinity with the acoustic traditions of the 1970s folk revival.

    Drawing inspiration from the natural world, Alex Akiba’s lyrics frequently reflect introspection and close observation. His compositions are structured around textured guitar arrangements that support a clear and expressive vocal line. In performance, his sound evokes the emotional depth associated with artists such as Nick Drake and John Martyn, whose songs also feature in his live repertoire.

    Live performance and repertoire

    Alex Akiba’s live performances combine original material with selected traditional songs and contemporary folk covers. His sets are shaped around acoustic guitar and voice, foregrounding lyric and melody within an intimate performance framework.

    With a growing presence on the North West folk circuit, Alex Akiba has performed at pubs and cafés across Lancaster and Morecambe, as well as at established venues in central Manchester including The Eagle Inn and The Peer Hat. These appearances reflect a developing profile within regional folk networks and an ongoing commitment to live performance as the core of his artistic practice.

    Audience responses to his concerts have highlighted the emotional impact of his delivery. One listener, Matt Sheffield, remarked that “His voice and guitar playing brought tears to my eyes,” reflecting the intensity and sincerity associated with his stage presence.

    Recording and current projects

    Alex Akiba is currently working on his debut album. His original songs and cover performances shared via social media, often filmed in scenic outdoor locations, have attracted growing attention. These recordings underline his emphasis on atmosphere and connection to landscape, reinforcing the thematic concerns present in his songwriting.

    Alex Akiba continues to refine a style that blends contemporary folk sensibility with the fingerstyle guitar traditions of the British acoustic revival.

    Musical direction

    Alex Akiba’s work sits within a lineage of British contemporary folk that values introspective songwriting, acoustic clarity and close engagement with place. Through careful guitar technique and reflective lyricism, he contributes to a strand of modern folk music shaped by personal narrative and understated performance.

    His development as a live performer and recording artist marks the emergence of a new voice within the North West’s folk community, grounded in tradition while articulating contemporary themes.

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