This year’s Gate to Southwell folk festival went down a treat for all those in attendance. Johnny Whalley was there to take it all in, providing us with a fullsome three-part review but it’s now time to look forward as Southwell get warmed up for their 10th Anniversary. They’ve just announced their first artists for 2016 which include:
English folk legends Show Of Hands who made Song of the Day yesterday when we also announced their forthcoming new album The Long Way Home, an album that ‘has “England” running through it like letters through a stick of rock.’
Also booked in is Scotland’s wonderful Eddi Reader whose last album Vagabond, her 10th studio album, was a Featured Album of the Month on Folk Radio UK. Whilst well remembered for her time in Fairground Attraction her solo career has undoubtedly shone a brighter light on her talents as both a singer and songwriter and, as her last album proved, she just keeps getting better!
From Ireland is Kila, one of my all-time favourites whose musical influences span the globe, they’re also well known for pulling in big a crowd and for good reason too. You only need to watch the chemistry of the players and no other band sounds like them.
Joining is a band I saw many moons ago at Fairport’s Cropredy Convention where everyone was dancing away – hardcore American folk rockers Hayseed Dixie who were as entertaining in stage as they were off…one to put a smile on all faces. This will be the first visit to Southwell by a band branded as exponents of “berserk hedonism”.
Further developing Gate To Southwell’s international reputation for eclectic acoustic roots music, other acts already announced to appear at the festival between June 9th and 12th include False Lights (featuring acclaimed singers Sam Carter and Jim Moray), Brighton’s Moulettes, the award-winning Jackie Oates Trio, and festival favourites Donegal’s The Henry Girls. Plus there’ll be more acts announced soon.
Discounted “Early Bird” tickets for the Tenth Anniversary event are already on sale via the Gate To Southwell website – http://southwellfolkfestival.org.uk