Friday night's artists
Flook
MAIN STAGE
The flutes of Brian Finnegan and Sarah Allen, the guitar of Ed Boyd and the bodhran of John Joe Kelly weave and spin traditionally rooted tunes into the breathtaking sound of the groundbreaking band Flook. A rare blend of fiery technical brilliance, delicate ensemble interaction and a bold, adventurous musical imagination.
"Never have I seen so many people so completely and utterly spellbound...the most magical of experiences." The Irish Post
Coope Boyes and Simpson
MAIN STAGE
Since their first appearance in 1993, Coope Boyes and Simpson’s powerful and distinctive unaccompanied singing and songwriting have taken English roots into radical new directions. Described as "quite simply the best purveyors of acappella song on these Islands", the trio’s first record, Funny Old World, was the rock magazine Q’s Roots Album of the Year.
The Demon Barber Road Show
MAIN STAGE
The Demon Barber Road Show is an extravaganza of music, dance and song, featuring some of the finest rapper sword, clog, and Cotswold morris dancers in the country. The result is fresh, young, exciting, contemporary, dynamic...quite simply, one of the best live acts around.
After a truly stonking set last year, the Demons return! Once again they'll be working with children in local schools in the week leading up to the festival, and showcasing their hard work during the Roadshow, so it promises to be a festival highlight.
Gren Bartley and Tom Kitching
MAIN STAGE
From deepest Loughborough come Tom Kitching and Gren Bartley, playing an aromatic hotpot of folk, world and blues from around the globe. Recently signed by Fellside records, and with a busy festival schedule, the future looks bright. A young folk award finalist 2003, Tom Kitching plays fiddle with a unique flair, adding depth and context to material, drawing on his broad command of styles. Gren Bartley is simply a superstar of the finger style guitar in the making.
Ceilidh: Hekety
CALLER: MARTYN HARVEY
VICTORIA ROOM
Hekety are one of the best English ceilidh bands around. But don't take it from us - here's what caller extraordinaire Gordon Potts has to say:
"A great, big, thumping, wailing, dark chocolate lump of noise that shoves you onto the dance floor, and then keeps you dancing until long after heart, lungs and common sense have told you to stop...English country dance music for the 21st century and beyond!"