Home Gathering (15-17 September), curated and presented by Tyneside’s much-loved The Unthanks, returns for its 3rd edition this September, with another thrilling line-up across two stages in Newcastle’s Hoults Yard, once one of the most famous potteries in the world, located in Byker, a stones throw from Newcastle’s cultural Ouseburn quarter. Between funky, atmospheric indoor post-industrial venues, you may find yourself flash-mobbed by a swirling traditional dance team, or immersed in the throng of an impromptu chorus sing by members of The Unthanks, joining a masked children’s procession, or just taking some time out for top local food or hanging out at a gin or real ale bar.
Festival highlights include a rare solo performance by the peerless Joan As Policewoman, the beguiling folktronica of Beth Orton and 6 Music favourites, Dutch Uncles. Political and socially conscious output comes from the poetic subversive funk of The Blockheads (celebrating 40 years), the cutting social commentary of folk singer Chris Wood and original rude boy Neville Staple who along with new material brings to Home Gathering the number one hits of The Specials, still as culturally relevant today as they were to turbulent late ’70’s Britain. Also appearing is Irish musician and singer Daoiri Farrell who secured three nominations at this year’s BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards as well as winning the Horizon Award as well as Twelfth Day, their unique sound draws on traditional and classical influences and sends rhythm and melody on a whole new adventure together.
There is comic royalty in the form of Alan Partridge and Royale Family writer, Henry Normal, and Graham Fellows, the genius behind John Shuttleworth and Jilted John, who surfaces from the shadows of his beloved characters for a rare outing as himself. Strength in depth comes from the exceptional voices of captivating London folk singer Lisa Knapp, singer songwriter Scott Matthews and the highly underrated sometime Fernhill singer, Julie Murphy.
Rachel Unthank and The Winterset reform for Tenth Anniversary of the release of The Barins
The eclectic programme at Home Gathering is topped by an exclusive performance of The Bairns by Rachel Unthank & The Winterset, marking the 10th anniversary of the Mercury nominated album. Pianist Stef Conner appears to reform the Winterset, for one performance only.
The only British folk album to appear to both The Guardian’s and Uncut’s albums of the decade, The Bairns has been described as ‘a bewitching, dream-like, down-to-earth masterpiece’ (Observer), ‘a work of towering quality’ (The Telegraph), ‘possibly the folk album of this generation’ (R2), and as transformative to the musical landscape at Fairport Convention’s Liege and Lief was in the sixties, by The Guardian.
The album will be performed at Home Gathering at midday on Sunday, followed by Beth Orton.
More lineup details and tickets here: http://www.homegathering.co.uk/