You can find out who is playing in each concert on the Events Page – but here’s a (pretty much!) alphabetical list…
Ben Robertson
Ben is a fingerstyle guitarist and singer who performs instrumentals and songs from across the Celtic and European folk traditions. His style is influenced by the likes of John Renbourn and Dick Gaughan, and and he has been described as “a virtuoso guitarist in the making” and having “stylings and inflections that would please Renbourn fans”.Ben has been busy performing at festivals such as Warwick Folk Festival, Bromyard Folk Festival, Chester Folk Festival, and Folk In A Field, as well as at folk clubs and arts venues across the country.
Benammi Swift
Benammi is a young melodeon player from Derbyshire who loves to do nothing more than play folk music and keep the old folk tradition alive! He played a fantastic solo set for us last year, and it’s great to have him back – this time as part of a new and exciting release… more to follow!
The Black Feathers
Americana to some, folk to others, The Black Feathers have those qualities in expansive quantity. Sian’s soaring, dramatic, melodious but powerful voice is a perfect counterpoint to Ray’s piquant vocals and his sparkling and occasionally spicy guitar motifs. This is a duo who love what they play and play what they love with panache, humour, delight and rather a lot of commentary on the downside of being a human
Granny’s Attic
With exceptional musicianship and boundless energy, Granny’s Attic are going from strength to strength. Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne (melodeon, anglo concertina, vocals), George Sansome (guitar, vocals) and Lewis Wood (violin, vocals) have honed their skills touring the UK and Europe since 2009. They are much loved by audiences up and down the country – and definitely in Derby! – with bookings everywhere from Cambridge Folk Festival to Cecil Sharp House.
Hannah Sanders & Ben Savage
Since emerging in 2016, Hannah & Ben have been defying all conventions of style, genre and compartmentalisation. A touch of ‘Americana’, yet quintessentially English. Traditional, yet contemporary, with their individual writing style. Playful and instinctive, they make music with such panache and natural chemistry it makes perfect sense. Hannah Sanders has an alluring mystique and a voice of disarming purity that massages your senses. Ben Savage is a singular guitarist with a sound as distinctive as it is innovative. Together their harmonies and unique stage presence shimmer with an infectious passion and joy for the connection music offers.
Hoverla – Ukrainian Dance Ensemble
The Hoverla Ukrainian Dance Ensemble was originally formed in 1972 and adopted its name from the highest mountain in Ukraine’s Carpathian Mountain Region. This highly regarded and successful dance troupe has captivated many audiences with their colourful, exciting and energetic displays, gaining recognition both nationally and internationally. The Ensemble is based in Derby perform traditional Ukrainian folk dances accompanied by their own talented musicians. We’re really pleased that they’ll be opening this year’s festival with a special performance of dance and music.
Jali Bakary-Konteh
Jali Bakary is the grandson and son, respectively, of the legendary Gambian kora players Alhaji Bai Konte and Dembo Konte. Born into this remarkable musical lineage and steeped in Gambia’s griot tradition, Jali is the latest torchbearer for his family’s kora legacy on the world stage. He has performed extensively throughout West and North Africa, as well as in the UK and the rest of Europe (WOMAD, Roskilde Festival, the Barbican). Although the kora tradition has changed a lot over the last half a century, it has never stayed still. Like his father and grandfather before him, Jali brings his own personal touch and innovations to traditional songs with unique melodic and rhythmic arrangements.
Kerr Fagan Van Eyken
Three renowned performers, each passionately fond of the folk, traditional and composed music of these isles and beyond, who met decades ago as youngsters on the English scene and formed a musical bond for life. All award winners and respected in their fields, brilliant actor-musician Tim van Eyken (melodeon, voice, guitar) and celebrated Anglo-Australian duo Nancy Kerr & James Fagan (fiddle, bouzouki & voices) are now delighted to reunite on a few select stages in 2025. We’re incredibly excited that we’re one of those select stages!
Kootch
Kootch are a four-piece folk band that play a mix of self-penned songs and trad tunes. With Beth on vocals, guitar and mandolin, Dean on guitar and drum, Katy on fiddle, and Ian on banjo, Kootch like to weave tales of love and loss (this is folk music after all), spooky yarns, and stompy tunes. Kootch have played at festivals and folk clubs across the north and midlands. Beth’s vocals won her the Fred Jordan Trophy for Best Unaccompanied Singer at Saltburn Folk Festival, and the band would like it on record that she hasn’t shut up about it since. We love their music, and their great company!
LeftyChris Band
Leftychris originated as the solo project of Derbyshire based singer songwriter Chris Carr in 2017. The first Leftychris release was ‘Humble Moon’ – an album of original songs performed, in the raw form, by just Chris on guitar and vocal. In early 2020 Chris released his second studio album featuring guest musicians and it was this foray into extending the lineup that laid the foundation for the ‘Leftychris Band’. The band is – Alex Ivanov on drums, Annie Botham on violin, Simon Ball on bass and Rosana Coll with co-vocal. Their emphasis is on the live performance of the songs with the band applying a more ‘in the moment’ style to the structure of the songs. The interplay of instrumentation and genuine listening as a “jammy-feel” makes every gig different and every version of the same song variable. The style has been said to be reminiscent of Tim Buckley’s in the 60s but with a lighter instrumental feel.
The Lost Notes
Winners of FATEA Magazine “Band of the Year 2024″ Award, and as heard on BBC Introducing, The Lost Notes are an award winning Folk/UK-Americana band from Moseley, Birmingham. Renowned for their energetic, joyous live shows with a sound that “Fits in amongst peers like Fleet Foxes, …Fairport Convention… Crosby Stills Nash and Young.” (Rocking Magpie). Along with great guitar playing, they showcase “three-part vocal harmonies that would make even a Beach Boy sit up and take notice…” (At The Barrier), and add driving bass and drums. Fab stuff all round!
Maddie Morris
Maddie Morris is an artist who strives to make a difference in the world. Bold, insightful and refreshingly unique, they take traditional song in new directions to shine a light on contemporary issues. Folk songs have always told stories, but how Maddie makes their mark is by turning this storytelling into action. Described by Jim Moray as “leading the next generation of socially conscious songwriters”, they use their work to highlight inequality, challenge viewpoints and provide an inclusive space for shared experiences. Whether they’re turning a centuries-old ballad on its head or writing something new, Maddie places their focus on drawing out true meaning rather than being true to tradition. Their debut studio album, Skin, (release February 2024) is a beautifully crafted collection of songs which amplifies the stories of those often marginalised by society. Passionately political, yet gently understated, this is music that deftly treads the path between art and activism.
Malin Hill
Malin Hill are an indie/folk duo based in Nottingham – consisting of Gary Barwell on vocals and guitar and Jenny Beaumont on vocals and violin. They play a mixture of traditional, modern and original folk material – all with unique arrangements and an indie edge. They have played at a variety of music festivals and folk clubs around the UK, been involved in songwriter sessions, and even had their own original carol included in the English Folk Dance and Song Society’s Christmas play list.
Mossy Christian & Megan Wisdom
Hailing from Lincolnshire and East Anglia respectively, Mossy Christian and Megan Wisdom perform traditional English folk songs, unaccompanied or supported by a variety of instruments. With songs from traditional singers such as Cyril Poacher, Sam Larner, and Oscar Woods, influenced by revival era performers such as Peter Bellamy, Anne Briggs and Nic Jones. There are instrumental tunes too, with one row melodeon and saxophone complementing the mix. Mossy and Megan are part of a living tradition, carrying the music forward into the future, never boring, and always eager to share the joy which has been passed on to them throughout their musical lives.
The Newcranes
Formed in Derby, in the early ’90s, The Newcranes quickly became a popular band on the national touring circuit. They signed with French label Musidisc Records and recorded their debut album “Frontline” which garnered critical acclaim and won the band many followers. They subsequently supported The Mission, Stiff Little Fingers, Bob Dylan and The Saw Doctors and went on to release several more EPs. The band disbanded in 1996 after several line-up changes. In 2018 guitarist Mark Simpson, along with bass player Bob Rushton and drummer Marcus Carter decided to reignite the band after a campaign by fans. They recruited Jonny Wallis and Julian Butt and in March 2019 played a well-received reunion show at The Venue in Derby. Lockdown intervened, but the band kept busy by recording music and videos from home, culminating in the release of the lockdown album “See You Next Tuesday”. Back out into the live world, and with new drummer Giles Henshaw in the seat, and Fi Fraser joining on fiddle, the live show continues to delight audiences around the country, and there’s even a new album – Sing To The End Of The World!
Quay Of Sea
Quay Of Sea reflects Lester’s love of the sea and sailing anything from a Mirror Dinghy to a Full Rigged Ship, latterly it has been mostly Tall Ships with a few trips on some lovely old Gaff Riggers. The concert draws on Lester’s own songs as well favourites from other writers and that great reservoir of nautical song that is the tradition. Lester on melodeons, ukulele and vocals is ably assisted by Nigel Corbett on guitar, ukulele and fiddles, and the material represents a broad spectrum from the tragic to the comic delivered in songs, stories and tunes. The show (in two halves) will give the audience a chance to join in with some well known songs as well as enjoying a good laugh and maybe the odd tear as well.
Rare Occasion
Rare Occasion combines Judy Dunlop’s rich vocals and wicked sense of humour, Jon Scaife’s mastery of arrangements for guitar and cittern, and Nigel Corbett’s fine fiddle accompaniments. Together they deliver traditional and contemporary songs with harmonies, many a good chorus, and some beautiful instrumental pieces. They’re great fun, and we’re really pleased to have them back at the festival.
Sāwol
A new collaborative presence on the English folk concert scene has adopted this ancient word meaning soul, life, spirit and being. A coterie of talented women combining a depth and breadth of musicianship and creativity, to deliver melody and harmony, beauty, grace and driving rhythm. Through powerful and connective use of voice and strings, with a wealth of traditional knowledge and volumes of self-penned material, this assembly is set to move and inspire audiences across the country and beyond.
Sāwol comprises Fi Fraser, Jess Arrowsmith, Nancy Kerr, Rosie Butler-Hall, and Sarah Matthews.
Steve & Julie Wigley
Julie Wigley is a prolific singer/songwriter from Derby. With ten albums to her name and an eleventh in progress, she is a former winner and runner up of the ‘Song for Lincolnshire’ competition and a winner of the John Birmingham Cup with her song ‘At the Passing of the Storm’.
She and husband Steve, perform her songs at Folk Clubs around the country. Their life long love of folk grew from the folk clubs of Derby, notably Peasmouldia, The White Hart, Stitchers and Belper Folk Club. They are enthusiastic supporters of the festival… (and we think they’re wonderful, too!)
Steve Tilston
Steve Tilston, the hugely talented award-winning performer will be bringing an intimate concert of music, featuring his own critically acclaimed material, alongside unique arrangements of popular folksongs. Perhaps best known for his song-writing prowess, Steve is also a blinding, dazzling guitarist with a style echoing the elaborate rhythmic “folk baroque” but also drawing from classical, roots and the tradition to create a style that is recognisably Tilston. His latest studio album Last Call is released on Talking Elephant Records in March 2025
Stonesthrow
Derby trio Stonesthrow showcases the strong lead vocals of Tony Fowkes and the natural harmonies of Steve & Julie Wigley to deliver a fine mix of traditional and contemprary folk. With songs by the likes of Mick Ryan, Tanya Brittain, Ewan McColl, Graham Miles, Martin Simpson to name just a few together with self-penned songs, there’s sure to be something to please your ear..
Winter Wilson
Known as “one of the hardest-working duos on the UK folk scene” (Mike Harding, 2018), Winter Wilson have entranced audiences worldwide since becoming full-time musicians in 2012. In recent years they have completed multiple tours of Australia, New Zealand and Canada, as well as the UK and Europe. Kip Winter (vocals, flute, piano accordion, guitar) “simply has a voice to die for” (John Roffee, Maverick Magazine), whilst Dave Wilson (vocals, guitar, banjo) is now widely recognised as one of the UK’s very best contemporary folk and blues songwriters, with his songs sung in folk clubs the world over. With eleven albums to their name, you’ll have heard their songs of love, loss and social comment… In live performance Kip & Dave present their sublime music with passion, punctuated between the songs with real natural humour. Nothing is off limits – they are a couple in life as well as on stage, and it shows.
