Line-up

Friday Night Warm-Up Gig, May 9th

Saturday, May 10th

Martin Simpson

“What’s it like being the best guitar player in the world…?” Martin Simpson, with characteristic modesty, deflected this question from a BBC Radio 4 interviewer. However, 40 years after his debut album, “Golden Vanity” (1976), his reputation as a guitarist of unparalleled talent is undeniable. A master of English traditional folk, American folk and blues, and his own captivating compositions, he consistently ranks among the world’s finest fingerstyle guitarists. ¹ Renowned for his virtuosity on acoustic and slide guitar, and a skilled banjo player, Simpson’s solo performances are captivating. ² Whether interpreting traditional material or sharing his own poignant songs, he is a remarkable storyteller, deeply moving and utterly compelling.  

Venue: All Hallows Church
Time: TBA
Ticket: Festival ticket holders only

Leveret

Leveret is a unique collaboration between three of England’s finest folk musicians. Andy Cutting, Sam Sweeney and Rob Harbron are each regarded as exceptional performers and masters of their instruments. Together their performances combine consummate musicianship, compelling delivery and captivating spontaneity. Leveret’s music is not arranged in the conventional sense and instead they rely on mutual trust, listening and responding. Their playing is relaxed and natural, drawing audiences in and inviting them to share in music making that is truly spontaneous and yet deeply timeless.  

Venue: All Hallows Church
Time: TBA
Ticket: Festival ticket holders only

Quimantu

Formed in 1981 by Mauricio Venegas-Astorga, Quimantu, a well-loved group among Whitchurch folk fans, has become a leading voice for Chilean and Latin American music in the UK and Europe. Blending traditional folk styles with influences from classical, Celtic, African, and Indian music, the band delivers exceptional performances characterized by intricate musicianship, soulful melodies, and captivating vocal arrangements, now enhanced by the addition of Laura Venegas-Rojas’s vibrant voice. Quimantu actively seeks collaborations with diverse musicians, including the Andover Museum Loft Singers, fostering an international perspective and conveying a powerful message of social and political justice through their music. Their passion for music and their deep-seated values of equality and freedom resonate with audiences, creating a profound and moving experience.

Venue: All Hallows Church
Time: TBA
Ticket: Festival ticket holders only

Goblin Band

Goblin Band formed from sessions of the same name run out of the Hobgoblin Music shop in central London, organised by a collection of young queer folk-obsessive friends and shop employees looking to forge their own way into folk music. This gave rise to a band of multi-instrumentalists firmly rooted in the folk music of Britain, interpreted via the socialist tradition concerned with folk’s relationship to the history of the working classes, capitalism, and colonialism. Through a fusion of harmony singing, fiddle, squeezebox, hurdy gurdy, recorders and more, Goblin Band deliver a charismatic alternative expression of English traditional culture in a way which is at once riotously joyful and deeply sincere.

Venue: Whitchurch Parish Hall (standing concert)
Time: TBA
Ticket: Festival ticket holders only

The Magpies

The Magpies, a transatlantic folk band, are rapidly emerging as a leading force in the contemporary roots scene. Their captivating blend of sublime harmonies, exquisite musicianship, and insightful songwriting seamlessly weaves together Anglo and American folk traditions, drawing inspiration from Celtic folk, bluegrass, and Appalachian influences. Founded by award-winning singer-songwriter Bella Gaffney and acclaimed fiddle player Holly Brandon, and featuring the talented Ellie Gowers (who graced the Whitchurch Folk Festival stage in 2024), The Magpies create a unique brand of transatlantic folk music while championing gender equality within the music industry.

Venue: Whitchurch Parish Hall
Time: TBA
Ticket: Festival ticket holders only

Tamsin Elliott & Tarek Elazhary

Folk musician Tamsin Elliott and Egyptian oud player Tarek Elazhary’s acclaimed collaboration, “So Far We Have Come,” explores the captivating intersections of Egyptian Maqam and English folk music. Their friendship-forged album, lauded by The Guardian and The Observer, showcases a unique blend of quartertone accordion, lever harp, and oud. This innovative duo, celebrated for their mesmerizing performances and cross-cultural explorations, exemplifies a forward-thinking generation of musicians dedicated to creating authentic and resonant musical expressions that transcend borders.

Venue: All Hallows Church
Time: TBA
Ticket: Festival ticket holders only

Patakas

Exceptionally talented local brothers, Joe and Will Sartin, performing as ‘Patakas’ (pronounced pa : ta : kus) are a skilful, innovative and assured acoustic duo bursting on to the folk scene. With Joe’s sublime voice and guitar playing and Will’s dexterous mandolin, the brothers beautifully and skilfully express the music-making and folk tradition that run through the very core of their family. They bring rhythms and innovative harmony to their fresh interpretations of traditional music and their own original tunes and songs.

Venue: All Hallows Church/ Methodist Church
Time: TBA
Ticket: Festival ticket holders only

Holly Clarke

Holly Clarke, a captivating singer, draws inspiration from old ballads and stories, transporting listeners into their heart. With infectious energy and passion, she performs songs of the supernatural, folklore, love, and loss. Renowned for her powerful voice and guitar skills, Holly has shared stages with acclaimed musicians like Nancy Kerr and Daoiri Farrell. Beyond her captivating performances, she’s a gifted composer, with her tunes played by renowned artists. As a dedicated advocate for queer musicians, she founded the “Folk is Queer” concert series. Whether solo, with her duo, or with her trio “Holly and the Reivers,” Holly delivers an unforgettable blend of traditional song and contemporary composition.

Venue: Whitchurch Parish Hall
Time: TBA
Ticket: Festival ticket holders only

Out of Hand

For our ceilidh this year, Out of Hand is one of the most energetic, danceable bands on the UK ceilidh circuit. Comprising Stuart Duncan, Will Sartin, Penny Kempson, Richard Portlock, and Chris Campbell, this dynamic band is marked by the exuberance of youth. Their vibrant energy has quickly established them as a favorite on the ceilidh scene. The caller is Ian Nichols.

Venue: Whitchurch Parish Hall
Time: TBA
Ticket: Festival ticket holders only

Seb Stone

Seb Stone is a traditional singer, whistle player and uilleann piper from the Peak District. In 2022 he won Bromyard Folk Festival’s ‘Future of Folk’ award, and has his first festival season in 2023. He draws on a varied repertoire of traditional English and Irish songs, often focussing on the stories they have to tell, and their relevance to our modern world. Seb is a keen session player, and when he’s not poring over broadsides or field recordings, he can be found playing sessions in Sheffield’s thriving folk scene. His debut album, Young Tamlyn’s Away, came out at the end of March 2024.

Venue: Gill Nethercott Centre
Time: TBA
Ticket: Festival ticket holders only

Jon Wilks

Jon Wilks is a much-admired fingerpicking guitarist and singer (and local Whitchurch resident). His upcoming 5th solo album is anticipated to showcase a rich blend of historical influences, traditional folk, and his own exquisite songwriting. Lauded by KLOF for his authentic love of traditional song, Wilks has been recognized by Guitarist magazine for his talent. With a background as a journalist, he weaves captivating narratives into his live shows, sharing fascinating stories about the original singers and collectors he’s discovered through his extensive research on UK folk music.

Venue: Gill Nethercott Centre
Time: TBA
Ticket: Festival ticket holders only

Boss Morris

Founded in 2015 and much-loved by the Whitchurch folk community, Boss Morris is a collective of female creatives and professional musicians reimagining Morris dancing for the 21st century. They blend traditional Cotswold dances with contemporary choreography and electronic music, challenging traditional norms and fostering inclusivity. By embracing modernity while respecting history, Boss Morris aims to bring this unique folk dance to new audiences and inspire a fresh perspective on English culture. They have graced stages all over the country, including the 2023 Brits Awards, performing with Wet Leg.

Venue: Around town; performances and workshops
Time: TBA
Ticket: Free to all

Mayfly Morris

Inspired by Boss Morris’s electrifying performance at the local Paul Sartin Tribute Concert, Mayfly Morris was born right here in Whitchurch. This mixed-gender Cotswold side brings a vibrant and contemporary energy to traditional folk dance. Drawing inspiration from both traditional and innovative styles, Mayfly Morris aims to share the joy of Morris dancing with audiences of all ages, while embracing a spirit of inclusivity and community.

Venue: Around town
Time: TBA
Ticket: Free to all

Bampton Morris Men

Bampton Morris Men are one of the oldest continuously performing Morris sides in the country, dating back to the 1800s. This renowned side, known for their spirited Cotswold Morris style, has been entertaining audiences for generations with their energetic dances and lively music. Notably, they were a particular favourite of the late, great Paul Sartin. Their performances are a vibrant celebration of tradition, showcasing the classic routines and intricate patterns that have made Bampton Morris Men a beloved fixture in the folk dance world.

Venue: Around town
Time: TBA
Ticket: Free to all

Winchester Morris Men

Winchester Morris Men are a vibrant and energetic side performing the Cotswold style of Morris dancing. They bring a modern twist to traditional routines, incorporating lively music and intricate choreography. With a strong emphasis on community and inclusivity, Winchester Morris Men are dedicated to sharing the joy of morris dancing with audiences of all ages.  

Venue: Around town
Time: TBA
Ticket: Free to all