Bromyard Folk Music Festival 2025

Bromyard Folk Festival

11th-14th September 2025

Category: Sun 13:00 Concert

  • 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.

  • Marilla Homes

    Marilla Homes

    Marilla Homes is a dynamic and versatile folk singer who brings a rich tapestry of experiences and influences to her music. Originally from Australia, Marilla has found a new home in Newcastle, where she continues to develop her career as a classically trained singer, teacher, and performer. Her journey across continents and genres has shaped her into a uniquely talented artist, capable of effortlessly navigating the diverse worlds of folk, jazz, opera, and musical theatre.

    Marilla’s versatility is one of her greatest strengths. She possesses a rare ability to transition between genres with ease, bringing a deep understanding of each style to her performances. In the folk tradition, she is particularly known for her emotive storytelling and the clarity of her voice, which can convey the intricate nuances of traditional ballads as well as the contemporary folk songs she writes herself. Her classical training provides a strong technical foundation, allowing her to deliver each song with precision and emotional depth, whether she’s performing a haunting folk tune or an original composition.

    Beyond her performances, Marilla is also a passionate educator, sharing her extensive knowledge and love of music with students of all ages. Her teaching is informed by her diverse background, incorporating elements from the various genres she excels in, which enriches her students’ learning experience. Marilla’s approach to music education emphasizes not just technical proficiency, but also creativity and expression, encouraging her students to explore their own musical voices.

    Marilla’s creative talents extend beyond singing and teaching. She is also an accomplished songwriter, drawing on her wide range of influences to craft songs that are both personal and universal. Her original compositions often explore themes of identity, place, and the human experience, resonating with audiences through their authenticity and emotional depth. In addition to songwriting, Marilla enjoys experimenting with vocal improvisations, pushing the boundaries of what the voice can do and creating spontaneous, one-of-a-kind musical moments.

    In Newcastle, Marilla has become a beloved figure in the local music scene, known for her captivating performances and her ability to connect with audiences through her music. Whether on stage or in the classroom, Marilla Homes continues to inspire and enchant with her versatile talent and deep passion for the art of singing.

  • Ruth and Sadie Price with Lisa Oliver

    Ruth and Sadie Price with Lisa Oliver

    Ruth and Sadie Price are a sister duo known for their extraordinary vocal harmonies, which have captivated audiences in the folk music scene. Their performances are marked by a unique blend of voices that create a spine-tingling experience, resonating with the deep emotional undercurrents of the traditional and contemporary folk songs they interpret. While Ruth now calls the picturesque town of Whitby her home, and Sadie remains rooted in West Yorkshire, their musical bond remains as strong as ever, allowing them to craft harmonies that are as close-knit as their sisterly connection.

    The Price sisters have long been celebrated for their ability to breathe new life into traditional folk songs, particularly in the context of their work with She Shanties, the UK’s premier all-women shanty crew. Their experience with She Shanties has not only honed their vocal skills but also deepened their understanding of maritime folk traditions, which they bring to their duo performances with a fresh and powerful perspective. Their voices, intertwined with precision and emotion, offer a modern take on these ancient songs, making them accessible and relevant to today’s audiences.

    Joining Ruth and Sadie for this special performance is harpist Lisa Oliver, whose delicate and evocative playing adds a new dimension to the sisters’ harmonies. Lisa’s harp provides a graceful, ethereal backdrop that perfectly complements the Price sisters’ voices, enhancing the emotional impact of each song. Her intricate melodies and sensitive accompaniment allow Ruth and Sadie’s harmonies to shine even brighter, creating a rich, layered sound that is both haunting and beautiful.

    Together, Ruth and Sadie Price with Lisa Oliver form a trio that brings a rare and magical quality to their performances. Whether singing traditional ballads, shanties, or original compositions, they create an atmosphere that transports listeners to another time and place, while also resonating with the present. Their collaboration is a testament to the enduring power of folk music and the unique connection that can be forged through shared musical expression.