Halsway Manor is playing host again to another great Hothouse Festival on Saturday 4 April, kicking off at 12 noon and continuing until 11.30pm.
The one-day festival is now in its fourth year. I’ve attended the last three and they have been great for many reasons but top of the list for me is how they champion new young performers. You can’t go wrong with this festival, the ground of Halsway Manor are spectacular, nestled in amongst the Quantock Hills it is one of the most picturesque settings for a festival even if I am a bit biased with us being based just down the road.
As well as its regular program of residential courses, Halsway Manor has built a reputation for delivering a vibrant programme of youth music, dance and arts events; connecting young people from the region, nationally and internationally. Hothouse Festival’s aim is to provide a platform for some of the UK’s best up-and-coming young performers. From strongly traditional approaches to more modern roots-based music, Hothouse Festival’s artists have one thing in common – they make music for everyone to enjoy and get involved in!
The line-up they’ve put on in previous years has been exceptional and this year, we are pleased to say, continues in that same vein with artists who have already made their mark on the national scene. Here’s what’s on offer:
Sam Kelly Trio will providing their own take on the traditions of England and the best in contemporary acoustic music. Sam has already attracted fans in the form of Cara Dillon, Mike Harding and Mark Radcliffe which is a fine endorsement for anyone working the British folk scene. Here he is performing Gallows Pole:
The Elephant Sessions picked up an award at this years MG Alba Scots Trad Awards for Up and Coming Artist of the Year. They put on a powerhouse performance which with nods to the likes of Martyn Bennett and acid crofters Shooglenifty and Peatbog Faeries.
https://youtu.be/Z13s3dfnNKE
Also appearing is the Tom Kitching Band. Tom is already something of a folk veteran having worked with numerous singers and bands, including Pilgrims’ Way, Gavin Davenport, Jon Loomes, Gren Bartley, and Albireo.
FRUK favourite Jamie Doe will there as The Magic Lantern a welcome re-appearance having performed previously performed as the Balina Whalers trio.
Also making a re-appearance is the wonderful Jess McAllister who made a big impression on us last year.
There will be plenty more artists taking to the stage and there will also be an Open Mic Competition which will be compered by BBC Young Folk Award Finalist Kitty MacFarlane and will be bigger than ever with an exciting new collaboration. Hothouse Festival will this year team up with Stogumber Festival to offer Open Mic entrants a chance to win a performance slot supporting Steve Knightley at this year’s Stogumber Festival, along with some other exciting opportunities.
Another new attraction this year will be in the from or a special sound responsive projections onto the outside of Halsway Manor by Ignite Somerset’s projections and there’s the Silent Disco which never fails to bring a few laughs as Festival Director Will Lang goes head-to-head with Paul James of Blowzabella.
Talking about the festival Will says, ‘This is a small festival that’s full of heart – created to support young performers and it offers something for all the family.’
Halsway Manor is a 15th Century manor house set in 6 acres of grounds on the edge of the Quantock hills. Good music, food and surroundings – A perfect way to spend your Easter Saturday.
Tickets are £10 Adults and £2 Children.
B&B £35. Camping £5.
Ticket Link
More details here
http://www.halswaymanor.org.uk/