Performer

Keith Donnelly & The Shantyskeptics

The craziest nautical hijinks since the parting of the Red Sea! (About which they also have a shanty by the way!).

We proudly present the world premiere of this all-new piece of hilarious, maritime-madcappery. Ably assisted by his merry, motley, multifarious crew – ‘Bosun’ Bill Bates and Des ‘Sea-Dog’ Patalong, Kap’n Keith offers, for your delectation and delight, twenty or so, brand-spanking-new, seriously-silly, songs of the sea. 

More of a three-man show than a concert.

Keith & The Shantyskeptics promise – The silliest set of shanties you will ever, ever, hear (by a long chalk!). Guaranteed!

If you thought shanties were fun before…

You ain’t seen nothing yet!

Janice Burns and Jon Doran

Janice Burns & Jon Doran are a folk duo based in the North-East of England who formed in 2017 after discovering their shared love for traditional song. Their compelling storytelling comes alive through tight vocal harmonies and thoughtful interplay between mandolin and bouzouki. A connection with vibrant repertoire captures feelings of familiarity, unveiling a respect for tradition whilst remaining relevant. Gathering songs from a range of sources, their work is a celebration of their own musical and geographical backgrounds, embracing the differences that connect them.

‘The clarity and blend in their voices and their beautifully honed playing captivated the sell out audience at Folklub Newcastle to the point that you could hear a pin drop. They have invested fully in their craft and their sound as a duo and the results are breathtaking.’  

-Katie Doherty (Katie Doherty and the navigators)

The Wilderness Yet

The Wilderness Yet combines the acclaimed talents of folksinger Rosie Hodgson, traditional fiddler Rowan Piggott, and guitarist-flautist Philippe Barnes. Independently, they have earned audiences’ esteem as consummate musicians; together, they weave a tapestry of traditional and self-penned songs with a charm and familarity that is usually only found in seasoned line-ups.​

Nancy Kerr and James Fagan

Long standing, well loved Anglo-Australian duo. Multi BBC Folk award winners including the inaugural Horizon award and Best Duo 2003 and 2011.

The sheer abundance of distilled poetry on display is inspiring. And when it unravels in such a moving lyrical way, such as this, it will remain in the audience’s minds for a long time.

Spiral Earth

Will Pound’s A Day Will Come

Acclaimed harmonica and melodeon player Will Pound is embarking on a musical journey across the states of the European Union, to discover and unveil the diversity and common ground of their traditional music and song.

From the lively Swedish polska to the upbeat Italian tarantella, the lilt of the Irish jig, to buoyant French bourées, relentless rachenistas from Bulgaria and the rip-roaring Spanish jota.These tunes have travelled, evolved and merged as Europeans have enjoyed freedom of movement and expression, a shining example of the strength and joy in unity.

Together with Polish poet, Bohdan Piasecki, Will is joined by a live band featuring guitarist Jenn Butterworth, multi-instrumentalist Jude Rees, bass player and beatboxer John Parker and fiddle player Patsy Reid. Join us and be uplifted by the joyous sounds of a continent and hear the stories and hopes of those affected by the politics of division.

A flat out genius

Mark Radcliffe, BBC Radio 2