Bristol Folk Festival returns with a stellar line-up of British and international artists across the city for three days over May Day weekend (Fri 29 April – Sun 1 May).
‘First lady of Folk’ Kate Rusby headlines the opening night with a special opening concert at Clifton Cathedral, featuring O’Hooley & Tidow on Friday 29 April. Kate Rusby is celebrating 30 years as a professional musician, and will appear with her virtuoso band, hand-picked from the UK’s finest musicians.
“Everybody loves and respects Kate Rusby, not just for her lovely voice, but for the way that she has moved folk forward while remaining true to tradition…” The Sunday Times
Joining Kate Rusby on the opening night are O’Hooley & Tidow. Characterised by strong harmonies and humorous, heart-touching tales of the exceptional and everyday, the duo are often cited as ‘England’s answer to the McGarrigles’ (Guardian) and are widely recognised as ‘one of British folk music’s mightiest combinations’ (Mojo). The duo gained widespread recognition for their song ‘Gentleman Jack’, the closing theme to Sally Wainwright’s BBC/HBO drama series of the same name.
Jon Boden, the first knight to Rusby’s first lady, headlines the festival on Saturday 30 April at St George’s Bristol. More widely recognised as the frontman of Bellowhead, a game-changing eleven-piece, and winners of eight BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, Jon Boden performs with his new group The Remnant Strings, with support from Senegalese artist Amadou Diagne. Medicine Creek featuring Nuala Honan, and Granny’s Attic also join the Saturday line-up.
Kitty Macfarlane closes the festival on Sunday 1 May with an eye to the future. Recognised as a tonic for the times we’re in, and fast building a cross-generational fanbase, Kitty has been described as ‘remarkably accomplished’ by the Guardian, ‘startlingly poetic’ by the Observer and counts Iggy Pop among her fans. Not bad for a lass from Somerset.
Dr Anna Rutherford Creative Director of Bristol Folk Festival said: “Folk music connects, tells our stories and binds us. After two tough years, we’re honoured to bring Kate Rusby and Jon Boden, the queen and king of UK folk, and a whole host of artists to a resurgent festival city and to be part of the recovery of live music. The calibre of artists programmed across Mayday weekend is astonishing – book for an old favourite, or better still, take a chance on something new!”
Day and Night passes are available for each day of the festival. Weekend Passes allow audiences full access to three days of music and are now the only tickets left for the opening night concert. Original tickets stand.
News of a late-night hub, special interviews, sessions and dance across the city will be released shortly.
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