The Nest Collective’s unplugged, family-friendly festival, UnampliFire, is back, returning to St Mark’s in Dalston for the first time in two years. UnampliFire is a one-day festival celebrating worldwide roots and folk music, with unamplified performances running non-stop across three stages. Headlining are the incredible London Bulgarian Choir, who invite you to join them in finding ancient resonance in the depths of the human heart through song.
“UnampliFire is definitely one of my favourite musical gatherings of the year. We get to experience an incredible selection of musicians spread across one venue but squirrelled away in intimate spaces and all in the heart of Hackney.” – Mercury-nominated folk artist Sam Lee, Founder and Artistic Director of The Nest Collective
“Tradition is tending the flame, not worshipping the ashes.” – Gustav Mahler
The Nest Collective are tending the flame by bringing together a broad range of artists to perform in this unique, intimate setting. Artists range from Zimbabwean mbira players to Welsh troubadours; old-time blues to award-winning Appalachian music.
Featuring:
London Bulgarian Choir • Join choir leader Dessi and her choir in finding that ancient resonance in the depth of the human heart
The Embers Collective • London collective stirring the embers of our ancestors with electrifying storytelling and live music
The Magic Lantern • Life-affirming, heart-breaking songs from Jamie Doe and friends; from string quintet lyricism to narcotic late night saxophone jams
Kieran Towers & Charlotte Carrivick • Award-winning Appalachian and old time music from this virtuosic duo
Trú • Eclectic Northern Ireland trio absorbing groove funk, Irish trad, and choral harmony to create their own soulful fusion
Chartwell Dutiro & Jori Buchel • Mystic mbira music of Zimbabwe featuring Mbira maestro Chartwell Dutiro and seasoned musician Jori Buchel
Laura Smyth & Ted Kemp • A no-nonsense approach to English folk “…no artifice…It’s just damn good songs sung beautifully” – Mike Harding;“…we need more music like this” – Nigel Bull – Folk Radio UK
Men Diamler • Freak-folk from deepest darkest Wales; unravelling the dark swab of provincial England since 2005
Femi • Old-time blues, summoning up the spirits of Big Bill Broonzy, Lightnin’ Hopkins, and Son House
Escape the humdrum
From their Campfire Club to Unamplifire, the Nest Collective have a gift for capturing the magic and intimacy of live performance. Ranging from traditional roots to the contemporary they continually produce unique lineups for their events.
https://youtu.be/OjBd38H24X4
For the Kids as well as the Grownups
As well as a truly world-wide lineup, UnampliFire will also be joining forces with the Tots Tunes series from SoundsCreativeProjects. The series features singalongs and world music-infused interactive movement and music sessions for kids, babies and parents.
“I don’t know of another experience that quite matches up to UnampliFire. It has the musical breadth of a festival and the cosiness of a house concert.” – Audience member, 2017
Hearty Food and Drink
As well as great music Unamplifire offer great food and drink for this hearty winter celebration. Look out for delicious home-cooked food as well as London-brewed craft beer, French wine, Islington cider, and Gosnell’s London Mead.
Tickets
UnampliFire is open to all, including children (kids get free entry!)
Tickets are £25 when bought online, and can be found at www.thenestcollective.co.uk

