Kathryn & Sean have long established themselves as one of the British folk scenes most rewardingly enduring partnerships. The Dartmoor-based husband and wife have twice won the coveted 'best duo' title at the BBC Radio Folk Awards, as well as 'best duo' at the folking.com awards and spiral earth awards. With a story that includes over 20 years of music making with the likes of Seth Lakeman, Cara Dillon, Levellers, Fotheringay, Kate Rusby and Show of Hands they have consolidated themselves as pillars of modern British folk.
NANCY KERR & JAMES FAGAN
Nancy Kerr and James Fagan are one of the best known duos in British Folk music, and have been playing together since 1995. They have twice won "Best Duo" at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. Fantastic musicianship, a superb understanding of each other and brilliant skill make Kerr and Fagan great favourites at festivals, and folk clubs across the country
JEZ LOWE
A double nomination in the 2015 BBC Folk Awards – for best singer and best new song – was a timely reminder of Jez Lowe’s standing in the UK folk and acoustic music scene. Not only he is one of the busiest live performers in the country, but his songs are among the most widely sung by other performers, whether by long-established acts like Fairport Convention, The Dubliners and Bob Fox, or by the new breed of stars like The Unthanks, The Young Uns, Megson and The Duhks.
ALEX HART
This will be Alex' second appearance in Otley this year, she played an intimate acoustic set to a captivated audience at Bloomfield Square back in April. She has just issued a new CD 'Visions', Martin Barre (featuring on the Summery single Strangers And Lovers), Seth Lakeman and Benji Kirkpatrick all make guest appearances. Alex of course, is familiar enough with Seth and Benji from being a regular touring partner in the terrific trio to bring their contribution to play, subtly enhancing her songs without overpowering the quality of the songwriting. She regularly plays with the Martin Barre Band and her rendition of 'Life's a Long Song, is quite brilliant.
BELLA GAFFNEY
Bella Gaffney is a British singer-songwriter, guitar and banjo player who has established herself as a prominent figure in the folk music scene. Born and raised in Bradford in West Yorkshire, Bella's love for music began at a young age, when she would visit her local folk club, The Topic. In 2016, Bella won the prestigious Danny Kyle Award at Celtic Connections, a music festival held annually in Glasgow, Scotland. The award recognizes emerging talent in the Scottish folk music scene and has helped launch the careers of many successful musicians over the years. Bella's win was a testament to her songwriting skills and her ability to put a fresh spin on traditional folk pieces. Bella's music is characterised by her distinctive voice, intricate guitar playing, and her knack for storytelling. She draws inspiration from a wide range of sources, including her own life experiences, the natural world, and the rich history of folk music.
SHERBURN, BARTLEY & SANDERS
Fantastic trio of talented musicians, they were at Otley last year and we were inundated with requests to get them back. Over the years, they have become Otley regulars and we always look forward to their next visit. 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.
PLUMHALL
Plumhall (Michelle Plum and Nick B Hall) are critically-acclaimed songwriters from the UK and are great supporters of the Otley Folk Festival, using a mesmerising combination of acoustic and electric instruments to create breathtaking soundscapes to their powerful original songs. They are renowned for their exquisite vocal harmonies and scintillating live guitar playing. Plumhall's first two studio albums, 'Thundercloud' and 'The Ghost of Noise', earned the duo many plaudits including a “Hidden Gem” award from The Guardian/Observer. 2024 kicked off spectacularly for the duo as they have just completed a triumphant 30-date tour with the legendary Fairport Convention as special guests on Fairport's Winter Tour, which saw Fairport join Plumhall onstage every night to perform the title song “One Star Awake” from their new album. Fairport's own Ric Sanders features on the album track. Michelle Plum was formerly a member of Chumbawamba, replacing Lou Watts for 4 years, a touring session musician with The Chris Norman Band for 4 years, and a founder member of Waking The Witch. Nick Hall has been a touring member of Ian Prowse & Amsterdam, Magna Carta, and The Hall Brothers. Plumhall are constantly evolving, and now also perform as a three-piece with their producer David P Crickmore (of Fiat Lux) on bass, vocals and electronica. The trio has the power of a rock band and can fully recreate the sound of their studio albums live.
THE HEATHEN KINGS
Superb local trio and a regular at Otley Folk Club. Rachel, Mark and Steve are fabulous harmonisers as wel as being top instrumentalists. Since forming in late 2009, they have performed across the UK at some of the most auspicious festivals including opening for Show of Hands at Moonbeams Wold Top Festival, headlining slots at Otley Black Sheep Folk Festival, EFDSS Folk Rising, Hardraw Gathering, Potbelly Folk Festival, Oundle International Festival and Ingleton Folk Weekend.
HEBBLE
Hebble are an eclectic world folk band with an unusual set of instruments that play lively, international traditional music in multiple languages. Hebble are Greek Bouzouki, Bodhran, and Cello + 3 vocals. They play English, Czech, Polish, Irish, Scottish, and Appalachian folk music. They also have a handful of original songs inspired by Yorkshire myth and landscape. Upbeat and alternative with twists of jazz, and plenty of three-part harmonies. They are:- Sam Hodgson - singer-songwriter, guitarist, & bouzouki player - Aidan Kilroy - bodhran player & singer - Helena Drumm - cellist & singer
THE RAN TANNERS
The Ran Tanners (Paul Martin and Ian McKone) are a pair of roving miscreants who (when not doing hard labour in chokey or dodging the pressgang), play the traditional music of Georgian and Victorian England using Fiddles, Bagpipes and Squeezeboxes. They are accustomed to giving concerts to Crowned Heads and entertaining in Low Dives both at home and abroad. https://therantanners.com/
Leeds Conservatoire presents: Helian, A Sailor Among Tailors and Grace Kendall
Helian
Helian are a vibrant folk band hailing from the heart of the UK, weaving together the rich traditions of British folk music with modern, innovative sounds. Our music is a celebration of heritage and storytelling, blending haunting melodies with evocative lyrics that speak to the soul. Helian’s unique style draws on a diverse range of influences, from ancient ballads to contemporary folk, creating a sound that is both timeless and fresh. With each performance, we aim to transport our listeners to a place where the past and present converge, evoking the landscapes, legends, and emotions that inspire our music. Join us on this musical journey as we bring the spirit of folk to life.
A Sailor Among Tailors are a folk collective based in Leeds. The band is made up of Rowan (Guitar, Bass & Percussion) and Perseus (Harmonica & Piano). The band play traditional folk tunes from the 16th Century to the modern era. Rowan met Perseus whilst performing at New Roots 2023, they reconnected at Sidmouth Folk Week where they both also performed. They both study at Leeds Conservatoire with Perseus being a 3rd year folk student and Rowan being a 1st year popular music student. Rowan and Perseus have been performing up and down the country for a few years playing at a number ofmajor folk festivals. They have also had a few performances as a duo in the West Yorkshire area as well as performing together at New Roots 2024 and Chippenham Folk Festival.
Grace Kendall is a singer/ songwriter originally from Somerset. She is currently studying folk roots and blues at Leeds Conservatoire, however not from a traditional folk background. Grace is heavily influenced by the post 1960s folk revival, who takes much inspiration from artists such as Joni Mitchell and Joan Baez. Grace’s writing is highly memorable with a warm pure voice. In her future writings grace hopes to embody a more Americana influence on her music.
Captivated from the age of 17 by the guitar playing of Bert Jansch, Davey Graham and John Renbourn, 29-year-old Dariush Kanani, has in the meantime performed, studied and taught with some of the most influential figures in fingerstyle guitar. These include Renbourn himself, Wizz Jones, Stefan Grossman, and Clive Carroll. He’s performed at concerts at Cecil Sharp House, paying tribute to Davey Graham in 2009 on Renbourn’s recommendation, and the tribute concert after John passed, alongside Jacqui McShee, Ralph McTell, Bernard Butler, Graham Coxon and more. Stefan Grossman chose Dariush to be his personal teaching assistant for his annual UK masterclass guitar workshops. In April 2019 Dariush was invited to perform at the Wizz Jones 80th birthday concert at the Cadogan Hall in London
THE HALL BROTHERS
No Otley Folk Festival would be complete without Nick and Duncan Hall who with John Carey on fiddle and Chris Bunyan on percussion produce a tremendous and vibrant show worthy of any festival in the land. They will be with us on Sunday 22 September.
TONY WILSON - Newcastle based Tony is a consumate musician, most things with strings on are his choice with banjo, mandola and guitar being his favourites. His powerful voice blends brilliantly with his instruments and he has a strong following in our region due to him once living and working locally and his relationship with top folkie Tom Napper.
DUNCAN McFARLANE BAND
The Duncan McFarlane Band have been one of Britains top folk rock bands for over twenty years. Re-workings of traditional songs mixed with Duncans own material and performed by a six piece powerhouse of a band make them a much sought after unit. With performances at Cambridge, Sidmouth, Shrewsbury, Folk on the Farm, Ely, Wold Top, Hardraw, Settle and Masham (amongst others) under their belt, they are truly one of Britains best.
LEWIS PUGH - Singer/Songwriter Lewis has become a favourite at Otley Folk Club, this will be his first appearance at Otley. A great talent with a top future.
JON PALMER BAND
The award winning Jon Palmer Acoustic Band are making another welcome return. An exciting and energetic 6 piece folk rock band, you can expect banging choruses, social commentary, and probably a couple of shanties! They are making quite a name for themselves and are great supporters of Otley Folk Festival. By the time they make it here to perform they will already have played at UK West Coast Festival, Folk On The Farm, Stainsby, and Cropredy festivals earlier this year. One not to miss!
Circus Stu(Circus Skills York CIC) - Hark! Hark! Gather 'round, one and all, young and old alike! Circus Skills York proudly presents a wondrous spectacle - a drop-in haven for the curious and the courageous! Step right up and unleash your inner ringmaster! Feel the thrill of juggling like a seasoned jester! Master the art of spinning plates like a whirlwind! Tread the tightrope with the grace of a high-wire hero! All this, bathed in the joyous melodies of folksy tunes that'll set your feet a-tapping and your heart a-leaping! So come one, come all, to this circus sensation, you won't want to miss!
