For a few years now the Riverhouse Barn in Walton-on-Thames – alongside a full programme of arts, comedy, classes, classical and jazz music – has also attracted an astonishing lineup of young folk artists to its regular Sunday lunchtime gigs including Jim Causley, The Sam Kelly Trio, Josienne Clarke and Ben Walker, The Emily Portman Trio, Ninebarrow, Greg Russell and Ciaran Algar (to name a few). But it was a big step to launch a full day festival. A risk, yes, but one that paid off in droves…
The (first ever) Walton Folk Festival was a triumph, a sold-out event with afternoon and evening sessions and a lineup of acts that could grace established folk festivals many times its size. Taking place on Sunday, May 6th, recorded as the hottest UK bank holiday, the organisers couldn’t have been blessed with better conditions (although a few clouds would have helped shield from the heat at some points).
The main stage was the venue’s beautifully converted 18th-century barn – a gorgeous backdrop to witness some of the folk scene’s finest young and most exciting bands and artists. First up was local heroes Suntrap (although a member down leaving them a trio for this performance), Sara Byers, Mary Wilson and Sue Graves matched stunning harmonies with a fine selection of covers and traditional material. It was a great choice to start by showcasing these stalwarts of the Surrey and south-west London folk scene. And they more than deserved their place among the more familiar names on the bill.
Next up was singer-songwriter and guitarist-in-demand Jack Cookson, whose latest EP, Chamfer, I waxed lyrical about in my recent review (go buy!). And he absolutely matched that excitement live. As well as brilliant stripped-back versions of songs from that release he also treated us to expertly re-arranged covers including House of the Rising Sun and The Sound of Silence. The tone was distinctly darker than the opening act, but Jack offered jolly banter between songs and his set was mesmerising. Act two and already shaping up to be an amazing day…
Following Jack was another rising star (and fellow traveller from the Bristol folk scene), Kitty Macfarlane. Another artist astonishingly young to be so accomplished, seeing Jack then Kitty gave me great hope that the future of folk in the UK is in good hands. One thing we all learnt from her between-song musings is that she’s rather fond of eels and is passionate about the conservation of these oft-unloved Anguilliformes. As well as her own fab songs, Kitty performed a standout version of Tim Buckley’s Song to the Siren. And I think there may have been something, stiff, in my eye…
Although regularly featured on Folk Radio, closing the afternoon was a band I have never seen or heard much about before, and consequently, they were the big discovery for me at the festival. Five-piece band, The Outside Track had played the Barn a few times before and many punters had clearly come to see them again. A truly eclectic group, they boast Canadian Mari Rankin, Irish lass Teresa Horgan, and three Scottish musicians, Ailie Robertson, Fiona Black and Michael Ferrie (who currently resides in Finland). Although arranging tour dates is apparently a nightmare, the band performed with a thrilling cohesion. A mix of traditional dance tunes and songs, the band brought the afternoon to a fantastic climax. Anyone who only had an evening ticket missed out on a treat, and I’m sure many who only plumped for the afternoon wished they’d stayed the full festival after that start…
A longer break preceded the evening’s entertainment. Throughout the day the music never stopped, as between acts in the barn, the courtyard stage showcased some excellent local acts. So while munching on pastries, cakes and snacks (and topping up at the bar), festival-goers enjoyed some lesser-known names but definitely artists to look out for in future. The lineup was Scarlet Kite, Zach Johnson, Sophie and Tom Edge, Florence Glen and Claudia Stark. Claudia I’d seen before and she’s fab, Sophie and Tom got the crowd going with some well-worn (but finely performed) covers, and while they were all excellent, the performance that stood out for me in the courtyard was Zach. I treated myself to his three-track single The Last Days of June and it’s very good indeed.
Still, the sun blazed away as the penultimate act took to the stage, Kim Lowings and the Greenwood. Another act I’d heard much about but never before seen live, and they maintained the outstanding quality of the morning lineup. The set mostly comprised songs from their outstanding album from last year, Wild and Wicked Youth (reviewed here). Kim’s voice is such a delight and the band performed with real energy, revelling in the great atmosphere of the day. I particularly appreciated Andrew Lowings’ driving bouzouki on Oyster Girl. While we could have left after the Greenwood satisfied with a wealth of amazing performances, there was one more treat to come…
There’s a good reason The Urban Folk Quartet have released three live albums in their ten years as a band, it’s because they are absolutely brilliant performers. But not even these fantastic releases can match the sheer exuberance and pleasure of seeing the UFQ in person. Although more of a veteran of the folk scene (he’s a little younger than me), Joe Broughton has lost none of the passion for performing as when I saw him with the Albion Band in 1997 (when we were both toddlers, of course). And he has met his matches performing alongside fiddler Paloma Trigás, drummer and percussionist Tom Chapman and banjo player Dan Walsh. I kind of thought that ‘watching open-mouthed’ was just a phrase until seeing Dan play the banjo. I don’t think my jaw met the roof of my mouth throughout his picking. The UFQ really know how to work a crowd, even one that has sat through the searing heat and heard an abundance of memorable music the whole day. They ended the festival on another high.
All credit to the brilliant team of volunteers at the Riverhouse, the day ran smoothly, there was plenty to eat and drink and the sound was mixed perfectly for every varied act, from Kitty’s delicate picking to the massed ranks of The Outside Track. I don’t know if it was the sun, the beer or the five-minute walk home, but the Walton Folk Festival was one of the best experiences of live music I’ve ever had. Actually, I think I’d drive across the country and sit in the pouring rain if the music and atmosphere were this good. But a beer would still be nice. Same time next year?