Holly Clarke is a traditional folk singer, guitarist, and composer from the Lake District in England. Her performances captivate audiences by breathing new life into age-old ballads and stories, delivering them with infectious energy and passion.

In 2015, Holly moved to Newcastle to study on the BA Folk and Traditional Music course at Newcastle University, immersing herself in the local folk scene.

Her dedication led to her selection as a semi-finalist in the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Awards in 2016.

Throughout her career, Holly has collaborated with esteemed artists such as Nancy Kerr, James Fagan, and Daoirí Farrell. She has graced stages at notable venues and festivals, including The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, Sidmouth Folk Festival, Bromyard Folk Festival, and Tiree Music Festival.

Beyond her solo work, Holly performs in a duo with George Sansome of Granny’s Attic and leads her trio, Holly and the Reivers, featuring Newcastle-based musicians Bertie Armstrong and Merle Harbron. In 2019, she was appointed as Artist in Residence at Sage Gateshead, focusing on traditional folk songs and ballads.

Holly is also a composer, with her tunes performed by artists like Norwegian Hardanger fiddle player Annbjørg Lien and Shetland fiddler Catriona Macdonald. In 2022, she initiated the concert series ‘Folk is Queer’ to platform LGBTQ+ folk musicians in the North East, fostering connections within the community.

Her contributions to the folk music scene have been recognized by peers and critics alike. Nancy Kerr praised her as “the possessor of a seemingly effortless and transporting folk voice,” while James Fagan described her as “a rising star in the folk firmament.”