Northgate Folk Festival returns once again on 24th August 2024 to Alexander’s Live in the heart of Chester. The festival, presented by Choir of Outsiders, champions forward-thinking artists forging their own paths in traditional music, from haunting originals to full-blooded reworkings of centuries-old work songs.
Last year’s inaugural event was well received with a lineup that included Brìghde Chaimbeul, Shovel Dance Collective, The Gentle Good, Milkweed and Jennifer Reid. This year’s festival promises another fine showcase of a new wave of acts that embody folk music’s ever-evolving nature.
The lineup includes:
Stick In The Wheel ✶ Nick Hart ✶ Frankie Archer ✶ Goblin Band ✶ Mary Elizabeth Remington✶ Craven ✶ Brown Wimpenny ✶ Caitlin Gilligan ✶ Seb Stone ✶ Rosie Brownhill ✶ Stone Club DJs
Plus Dance Displays from Molly No-Mates ✶ Kinnerton Morris Men ✶ Clerical Error
Famed for their intense live shows exploring the raw holler of folk, synths, spoken word and intricate rustic dobro guitar, you couldn’t find a more fitting headliner than Stick In The Wheel “whose fearsome, uncompromising and unashamedly experimental attitude to folk music” has made them a firm favourite. In KLOF Mag’s Thomas Blake’s words, they remain one of the most ground-breaking and unpredictable acts in any of the countless genres they move between.
Another act that is quickly becoming known for shaking up genres and traditions, challenging perspectives, and calling for a fairer future is Frankie Archer, whose ‘Never So Red‘ EP was both “persuasive and innovative.” Using a combination of manipulated samples, drum tracks, and earthy Northumbrian fiddle and voice, the rising electrofolk iconoclast has been featured on ‘Later… With Jools Holland’ and recently supported The Last Dinner Party.
Nick Hart is an ‘impressively alluring’ award-winning multi-instrumentalist who recalls “the very best English roots singers” (Mike Harding) of yesteryear. His deep respect for the nuances of traditional song and his captivating live performances are a testament to the importance he places on storytelling. His lastest release is the duo album ‘The Colour of Amber’ with Tom Moore, described by KLOF’s Dave McNally as standing head and shoulders above just about any other English traditional album of the last few years.
Also joining the lineup is multi-disciplinary artist and singer/songwriter Mary Elizabeth Remington from Massachusetts. Attendees will be among the first in the UK to hear her irresistible, sweet vocals live. KLOF Mag readers were treated to the premiere of Dresser Hill last year from her folk debut In Embudo, on which Big Thief’s Adrianne Lenker joined Remington on vocals and played acoustic guitar, Mat Davidson of Twain added guitar, bass and vocals, whilst Big Thief’s James Krivchenia played percussion and recorded the album.
Goblin Band are like no one else on the scene, “sounding like a 17th century punk band” (KLOF Mag), they strive to make space for new audiences to experience traditional music in a manner that is both riotously joyful and deeply sincere. Employing all manner of ancient instruments, Martin Carthy can’t get enough, and neither can we.
Young singers of the old songs and the new dancers of the old jigs, eleven-piece Brown Wimpenny, appear alongside Cardiff/Stroud-based queer folk band Craven, who effortlessly mine ancient ballads for contemporary meanings. Elsewhere, Scottish folk musician Caitlin Gilligan will bring her bare-boned, poetically-crafted songs to proceedings; also making waves on the folk circuit are Peak District master piper, whistle player and performer Seb Stone, and multi-instrumentalist Rosie Brownhill, will open with her gorgeous pastoral compositions.
Stone Club are widely known for celebrating the “enigmatic relationship between ancient stone monuments, folklore and music” (Shindig!) and are soundtracking the festival.
Festivalgoers can also expect impressive dance displays from Bristol’s premier queer, drag king Molly dancing team, Molly No-Mates, Kinnerton Morris Men, who perform traditional dances from the Cotswolds, and Clerical Error Morris Dancers, a mixed Welsh Border Morris side who dance with pick axe handles rather than hankies, and have the bruises to prove it!
Ticket link: https://alexanderslive.seetickets.com/event/northgate-folk-festival-2024/alexander-s-live/2991108
12pm – 11pm – £20 adv £22 otd – Alexander’s Live, Rufus Court, CH1 2JW, Chester