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.