Bromyard Folk Music Festival 2025

Bromyard Folk Festival

11th-14th September 2025

Category: Fri 19:15 Concert

  • Oysterband

    Oysterband

    Oysterband, an iconic name in the folk music world, is set to headline the 2024 Bromyard Folk Festival, delivering what promises to be an unforgettable concert on the Friday evening of the festival. Known for their influential blend of traditional folk music with modern rock elements, Oysterband has carved out a distinctive niche in the music industry, captivating audiences around the globe for over four decades with their passionate performances, profound lyrics, and compelling melodies.

    The band’s appearance at Bromyard marks one of the final stops on their “A Long Long Goodbye” tour, signifying the culmination of an extraordinary career that has left an indelible mark on the folk music landscape. This final ever tour is a poignant farewell to their fans, offering a last opportunity to experience the band’s live energy, which has been a defining element of their success.

    Oysterband’s journey has been adorned with critical acclaim, including multiple BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, and their music has served as a beacon for social and political commentary, earning them a revered place in the hearts of folk music enthusiasts.

    As they prepare to take the stage at Bromyard, Oysterband is ready to offer a performance that encapsulates the essence of their musical journey. Fans can expect a setlist that spans their extensive catalog, from early traditional folk renditions to their later, more rock-infused tracks. This concert is not just a performance; it’s a celebration of Oysterband’s legacy, a heartfelt thank you to their supporters, and a final sharing of their music that has inspired countless individuals and influenced the genre itself. The 2024 Bromyard Folk Festival is honoured to host such a seminal act, ensuring that Oysterband’s farewell is as memorable as their music.

    Previous appearances at Bromyard:

    The Oyster Band1982
    Oyster Band1983
    Oyster Band1985
    Oyster Band1986
    The Oyster Band1988
    The Oyster Band1990
    The Oyster Band1993
    Oysterband2014
    Oysterband2016
    Oysterband2018
  • Sherburn Bartley Sanders

    Sherburn Bartley Sanders

    Sherburn Bartley Sanders are collectively and affectionately known as “The Voice of the Moors.”

    Chris (Concertina) and Denny (Vocals and Guitar) have brought their unique sound to audiences across the globe since 1993. 

    In 2016, they joined forces with Emily (Fiddle and Vocals) blending vocal harmonies and strings to their unique sound. 

    Their soulful songs, exhilarating tunes and quick-witted banter ensures no two concerts are ever the same.

    Following a chance meeting at Whitby Folk Festival in 1993, Chris Sherburn (Concertina) and Denny Bartley (Vocals and Guitar) have been bringing their unique sound to audiences across Europe and America, creating one of folk music’s most enduring partnerships. Their obvious rapport made them one of the busiest acts on the folk scene, both as a duo and with their well-loved band, Last Night’s Fun. Their soul-stirring songs, exhilarating tunes and quick-witted banter ensures that no two concerts are ever the same.

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    In 2016, Chris and Denny joined forces with Emily Sanders (fiddle/viola and vocals) and have since become a well-established trio, for the first time blending vocal harmonies, and strings to underpin Chris and Denny’s unique sound, as well as providing a female vocal for some songs, and bringing a repertoire of English folk songs to complement the bands more Celtic roots.

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    Emily was a founder member of the acclaimed trio Isambarde. She has also toured with Merrymouth (Simon Fowler, Lead Singer of Ocean Colour Scene) and regularly appears with Pete Morton and Chris Parkinson.

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    Their latest album BEGUILE is the first to feature Chris, Denny and Emily together, and also some stellar guest performances from Martin Simpson and Andy Seward (Kate Rusby Band) and mastered by Phil Beer.

    “Chris, Denny and Emily sound good, make you smile and are a great mix – a true chemistry lesson… Superb musicians of the highest order.”

    Alan Wood, The Barn at Baston

    “Sherburn, Bartley and Sanders are a joy to watch… This is what music is meant to be about.”

    Ant Miles, Downend Folk Club
  • James Delarre & Saul Rose

    James Delarre & Saul Rose

    James Delarre and Saul Rose, a dynamic duo renowned for their exquisite fiddle and box (melodeon) partnership, are celebrated figures in the English folk music scene. Their collaboration is marked by a seamless intertwining of melodies, where each tune is danced around with precision, allowing for moments of space, air, and an infusion of fresh energy into traditional music. This unique approach has captivated audiences and breathed new life into the genre.

    James Delarre, a fiddle player with an impressive pedigree, is a founding member of the critically acclaimed bands Topette!!, Mawkin, and Mawkin:Causley. His talent has made him a sought-after musician within and beyond the traditional English folk scene. Saul Rose, on the other hand, is a distinguished English folk melodeon player and singer, known for his long-time association with Waterson:Carthy—a group that has garnered two BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. Rose was also nominated for Musician of The Year in 2010, contributed his expertise to the power folk band Faustus, and is a founding member of Eliza Carthy & The Wayward Band.

    After a hiatus initiated in 2018 due to personal commitments and the disbandment of Mawkin, Delarre and Rose have rejoined forces, bringing their celebrated collaboration back to the stage. Despite the pause, both musicians have been active in other projects, with Delarre engaging in session work and starting a solo career, and Rose joining Eliza Carthy’s band, The Restitution, and participating in other ventures like Whapweasel. Their anticipated return includes a “new” album titled “Kith and Kin,” reflecting their enduring friendship and the joys of their musical journey together. This collection, recorded primarily in 2016/17 but unreleased until now, showcases tunes and songs that have been staples in their live performances. As they prepare for a series of performances and the official album release, fans can eagerly await their appearance at the Bromyard Folk Festival, promising a memorable showcase of their unmatched musical synergy.

  • Rosie Hood Band

    Rosie Hood Band

    Rosie Hood, a former BBC Performing Arts Fellow, Horizon Folk Award nominee, and past recipient of the festival’s Future of Young Folk Award, is renowned for her powerful, clear vocals and captivating performances. Her artistry blends poetic songwriting with dynamic, heartfelt interpretations of traditional songs.

    Joining Rosie in The Rosie Hood Band are her long-time collaborators: fiddle-player Nicola Beazley, melodeon-player and percussionist Robyn Wallace, and fiddle-player Rosie Butler-Hall. Together, they bring a vibrant energy and drive, enriching Rosie’s vision of reimagining traditional English songs and crafting original pieces that explore themes of nature, human resilience, women’s voices, and untold stories.

    Nicola, Rosie, and Robyn’s exceptional musicianship and deep respect for tradition perfectly complement Rosie’s voice, creating a sensitive and powerful connection that elevates each song.