Being (in probability), the most remote venue we have been to, outside of a music festival, we find the Wainsgate Chapel on the outskirts of Hebden Bridge really hits us in the face with it’s beautiful setting and stunning rural Yorkshire views. It is also our first post lockdown music gig in person (and our two year old daughter’s first ever gig) so there are equal parts of nervous expectation and blessed relief all round to seeing live music again. Some infant distractions aside, we are able to witness two beautifully performed 45 minute sets that blended into the old wooden eaves of the chapel in a delightful interplay of new and old.
This joyous embrace of old and new is witnessed in the first act. Carol Hodge sings and walks down from the church pulpit like navigating a smoke-filled staircase in a classy jazz bar. Known as the seven fingered songwriter, Carol Hodges plays a set with a voice and songs full of passion and delightful inner turmoil. Performing a set of songs that resonate with the theme of moving on from difficult situations, we find these insights are a perfect match for the beautiful, honest and from the heart lyrics. A singer-songwriter with several accolades, she has in recent months released her third album, “The Crippling Space Between”.
Stand out numbers include, “Fallibility”, a great addition to the set as one of those painfully honest Dear John letters in song form. Slightly less thrashing than the recorded version, it seeps an almost early 90s girl group earnestness (before it got swallowed up by “girl power”) that clatters with the sounds of soft metal and heavy rock. Hodge also impresses with, “Along for the Ride”, the wistful and optimistic piano-led track that uses cool pitch changes and chords that navigate a topic that weave between anger and acceptance like a loom weaving a Queen Band tea-towel. Distinctly musical and mildly dramatic, it would not be out of place in a stage musical involving motor-bikes and a rite of passage between being young and care-free (yeah!) to a suburban life with lots of responsibilities (boo!).
Our favourite number that appears is “Curtain to Fall” which is an ode to everyone involved with the music industry whose work was affected by the lockdown. Naturally topical at present, it reminds us that nothing, not even Covid, can stop the music industry. Dwelling in the psychological gap left by musicians when their performance space is pulled from them; this could be a powerful addition to any musician’s playlist in their first post-lockdown gigs. With the hallmarks of that signature singer-songwriter number, it’s sadness and depth of conviction is a lens on this time and space; and however sad it makes us feel, we love it.
After the second break, we then return with the Birds & Beasts.
We will confess to already being massive fans of Birds & Beasts. We first saw them perform whilst I was pregnant with my daughter, at another famous Hebden Bridge venue, so I am excited for this follow up act. For those not in the know, “Birds and Beasts” are a Huddersfield-based folk-rock duo who write with animals in mind. The songs go beyond just animal inspiration though; they are interesting in that they are incredibly close to the lives of the beasts around and often the songs hold a mirror up between these and the human lives that are listening.
Here at Hebden Bridge they harken to the darker corners of the church with their presence. Anna and Leo’s set focuses on their more acoustic first album rather than the current hot property that is their second album “Kozmik Disko” that launched the previous weekend. It all works well.
The Birds and Beasts entertain with a collection of songs that brim over with that joyful 60s and 70s Summer vibe where the folk sounds call to the trees, the beaches and those vibrant places in the sun. There is a lot to like here including “Time Stands Still”, a song about a murder of crows lamenting the death of an elder. It is a song guaranteed to move anyone who has recently lost a loved one, it certainly hit a personal, moving chord with ourselves. The song features Anna beautifully playing a 22 string Irish harp with a chilling melancholy (which sadly had to be put away afterwards due to the cold temperature) .
There are some other dreamlike numbers here such as “I May Fly”, a song not from their albums. It is a short, sweet and punchy song about what the mayfly can achieve in the small lifespan that it has. Like their other songs, this is an apt metaphor to our human lives and our own potential. It was so short that it made Blur’s Song 2 feel like a Greek epic in length. The song culminated in some excellent guitar playing by Leo.
“Medusa” with it’s short, upbeat and catchy lines gives a hint of their new material to come (is it too early to get excited for a third album?); and “In The End” is an ode to being able to be with your loved ones again in the near future. In subject, it is about red deers in Ann’s homeland of Germany with the feeling that it equally applies to both the experiences of families divided by the Berlin wall, and the recent Covid lockdown that inspired it. It is performed with uplifting passion and a bright hope for the future, like many of their songs.
Leaving the gig feeling uplifted by a beautiful couple of hours of live music to get us through the drive home, we can’t wait to return to the venue for its next set of gigs in the new year. After all, in Carol Hodge’s words, “we will never be ready for the curtain to fall.”
For more information about Carol Hodge see her webpage here, and read about Birds & Beasts here.
Ahead of performing at this year’s Hebden Bridge Folk Roots Festival, taking place from 10 to 12 May, we were delighted to have interview, in partnership with “Last Night I Dreamt of…”, talented solo artist, singer-songwriter and member of the Mercury Prize nominated Magic Numbers, Michele Stodart.
Q: For those who haven’t come across you before, tell us more about Michele Stodart?
Michele: Well… I was born in Trinidad where I left for New York when I was 4yrs old. Most of my childhood memories are those of the big city. Then my family moved me and my two brothers to London / Hanwell where I live now. We moved around a lot as kids must’ve had over a dozen schools. Our family, let’s say is a little unorthodox all self-employed, living every day as it comes. My brother Romeo had a band and took over the front room made it into a studio where he started playing the guitar. I was always interested, going to all his gigs. He taught me a few chords on the guitar and it was a like a lifeline for me a way of breathing. I was painfully shy growing up. I started writing songs hiding away in the bedroom. He then later asked me to play bass with him one day and that was it. Most girls my age were looking at boys, the bass guitar was my first love. I was obsessed! Then The Magic Numbers were born! Signed the record deal at 19 and we toured the world and life pretty quickly became like a dream. Still writing songs on my acoustic, Romeo convinced me to record my first solo album… it was a crazy time because I was pregnant. So there I was touring with the band 24yrs old now and recording my album heavily pregnant. I remember recording the double bass and my baby was kicking away inside me. Anyway… fast forwarding a bit she’s now 11 years old (my best friend) I’m on the fifth album with the band and about to record my 3rd solo. Life has sure been an adventure!
Q: How would you describe your music in five words?
Michele: Dreaming, Learning, growing as a person. Looking at the world differently, people, their journeys and stories in their lives. Shared experiences. The strength of someone, women especially doing their own thing.
Q. What can audience members expect from your set as part of the Hebden Folk Roots Festival?
Michele: I’ll be playing a lot of new songs as well as some from my solo albums. Kathryn and I have also written an album together which is yet to be released so we’ll play some of those together also. That record is gonna be something special.
Q. What’s your favourite song to perform as part of your set and why?
Michele: It really depends, it changes every night with the crowds and the way I’m feeling at that particular moment.
Q.What do you love most about performing on the festival circuit?
Michele: I like the general vibe at a festival, there’s a freeness to a lot of great festivals. It’s the open space, music playing around the corner. Also as a performer it’s always good practice to play in front of a crowd that’s not necessarily there to see you. There’s a different buzz to that when you’re up on stage.
Q. What is your album Pieces about and what’s your favourite track from the album?
Michele: Pieces is really a storytelling album it’s about many things. It was the first time I started writing songs away from the guitar. I would take myself of long train journeys, late night walks, sit in cafes on my own just looking at people around me. Thinking lots. There are songs on the album about letting go… breaking the chains that bind you. ‘Something About You’ is about that moment (the little death) of completely surrendering however scary and secretive. I’d say I’m really enjoying playing ‘Ain’t No Woman’ at the moment it’s grown so much for me that song in its meaning.
Q. What’s the best and worse thing about touring as a solo artist? And how is it different to touring with The Magic Numbers?
Michele: It can be quite lonely touring on your own. Sometimes that’s nice coz I can write and take myself off on walks and stuff, but there’s a sense of fun and craziness with the band that I love too. But I’m lucky to experience both worlds it keeps me sane. Just about!
Q. What’s coming up next for you as an artist?
Michele: I’m starting the first stages of making another solo record. This month I go in the studio for a few days just to record (demo) a lot of the songs I’ve written to work out what kinda record I want to make and what I wanna say with this one. Other than that there’s lots of various projects going on as always. I’ve been very lucky to be asked to collaborate and record with lots of artists I admire. Kathryn Williams being a big part of that. Also playing bass and guitars for Huddersfield duo O’Hooley & Tidow, Rowan Rheingans (Lady Maisery) Ren Harvieu, David Kitt, David Ford. I’ve also been doing lots more curating, putting on nights at this amazing venue in London called Green Note where my brother and I host these monthly nights bringing artists together.
Michele Stodart will be performing at Hope Baptist Church at 9pm on Saturday 11 May alongside Kathryn Williams (read our interview with Kathryn here) as part of Hebden Bridge Folk Roots Festival. For further information on Michelle Stodart visit https://michelestodart.co.uk. For further information on the Hebden Bridge Folk Roots Festival visit www.hebdenfolkroots.org.
As mentioned, this interview was in partnership with “Last Night I Dreamt Of…”, a website dedicated to arts and theatre in South Yorkshire. For further information visit www.lastnightidreamtof.co.uk
Ahead of performing at this year’s Hebden Bridge Folk Roots Festival, taking place from 10 to 12 May, we were delighted to have interview, in partnership with “Last Night I Dreamt Of…”, 21 year old singer song writer Katie Spencer.
Q. For those who haven’t come across you before, please tell us about yourself?
I am a progressive folk singer-songwriter and acoustic guitarist, from the East Coast in Yorkshire. My music draws on influences such as John Martyn, Roy Harper and Laura Marling, and I owe as much of it to the songwriters of the 60’s acoustic music heyday as to the beautiful East Riding landscape.
Q. How would you describe your music in five words?
Guitar-based progressive folk songs.
Q. What inspires you as an artist?
Landscape is a huge one. I feel that we are so lucky to live in the UK, where the landscape and seasons are so varied. My consistent aim is to capture the space of the landscape into my music, and I’m currently living by the sea which is a big inspiration.
Q. What can audience members expect from your set as part of the Hebden Folk Roots Festival?
Some original music, heavily based around the acoustic guitar and influenced by the sounds of the 60’s folk revival.
Q. What’s your favourite song to perform as part of your set and why?
At the moment it would have to be a new song called ‘Roads’. It has been brewing for a while but suddenly came tumbling out of me, lyrics and guitar part all together. It has a short instrumental excerpt at the beginning which is a gospel tune called ‘Wash in this Beautiful Pool’ that I learned from listening to the inimitable Martin Simpson.
Q. Who else would you recommend festival goers seeing during the festival?
Peter Dilley & Henry Parker!
Q. What do you love most about performing on the festival circuit?
There are countless things to love. The connection with people is a great one, because festivals are a brilliant places for people of all ages and from all walks of life to congregate and enjoy their love for music together, in the same place.
Q. What can fans expect from your album Weather Beaten and what’s your favourite track from the album?
Weather Beaten is my debut full-length album. It was produced by Spencer Cozens, long-time collaborator of John Martyn and Joan Armatrading and someone who I’ve been a fan of for years. The sound of the album is clear and bright, but still has that warm and hazy folk vibe – as we aimed to capture my live performance style. It is subtly embellished by Tom Mason, Miles Bould and Martin Winning on double bass, percussion and woodwind. And my favourite tracks would be ‘Weather Beaten’ & ‘Too High Alone’, I just love what Martin Winning brought to those tracks with clarinet and flute.
Q. You often look to East Riding for inspiration, where in particular in the area inspired you and would you recommend visiting?
Yorkshire as a county is an incredibly beautiful place, and I am totally blessed to be able to explore it on a regular basis. East Yorkshire will always hold a special place in my heart, as I grew up there and I’m currently living by the sea in Hornsea (you should definitely visit, especially for the chip shop!)
Q. What’s coming up next for you as an artist?
Throughout this year I am touring my album ‘Weather Beaten’ and continuing to write new material, which is great fun!
Katie Spencer will be performing at Hope Baptist Church at 2.10pm on Saturday 11 May as part of Hebden Bridge Folk Roots Festival. For further information on Katie Spencer visit www.katiespencer.net. For further information on the Hebden Bridge Folk Roots Festival visit www.hebdenfolkroots.org.
As mentioned, this interview was in partnership with “Last Night I Dreamt Of…”, a website dedicated to art and theatre through South Yorkshire. For further information visit www.lastnightidreamtof.co.uk
Ahead of performing at this year’s Hebden Bridge Folk Roots Festival, taking place from 10 to 12 May, we were delighted to interview, in partnership with Folk Phenomena, the folk rock sensation that is Merry Hell.
Q. For those who haven’t come across Merry Hell tell us more about yourselves and how you came about?
Merry Hell come from the North West of England, mainly Wigan and offer joyful folk-rock with energy, passion and a message of hope and togetherness for these troubled times. The band emerged Phoenix-like from the ashes of the much loved, much missed folk-punk band The Tansads, who played some reunion gigs after a 10 year break. However, some of the original members couldn’t carry on and we didn’t want to be simply a tribute band to our old selves, playing only the old songs, we wanted to play the new music we had written as well as that of new members, like our female lead singer, Virginia, who also writes quite a few of our songs. We decided in order to do that, we should change the name to reflect our new energy, new hopes and new ideas, built on the old band but not dictated by it.
Q. How would you describe your music in five words?
Joyful folk-rock, with a message. (That’s 5 if you count the hyphenated words as one!!
Q. What inspires you as band?
Quite simply, we are inspired by what we do, making and sharing music with good people who enjoy what we do. What else would a group of musicians want than to have people care enough about their music to sing it along with us when we perform?
Q. What can audience members expect from your set in the Trades Club as part of the Hebden Folk Roots Festival?
At the risk of getting repetitive, we will share our energy, our joy and our hope, our songs in a way that will involve all the people there, not simply standing on the stage and expecting people to watch us – that’s not what we are about. We hope that people will go away feeling uplifted and a little more hopeful about the direction in which we are travelling together.
Q. What’s your favourite song to perform as part of your set and why?
Ooh, that’s like asking which is your favourite child!! There are different moods within the set, so each has a purpose – so the only real answer is the one that we are playing at the time!
Q. Who else would you recommend festival goers seeing during the festival?
Take in as much original music as you can. A special mention for our friends Vision Thing, currently rejoicing in being Folking.Com Rising Stars Award winners and the wonderful Katie Spencer.
Q. What do you love most about performing on the festival circuit?
There’s so many things – meeting old friends, making new friends, travelling around the country, celebrating both our differences and what binds us together but ultimately nothing beats that real sense of community when the band and the audience really come together, wherever that happens to be.
Q. What’s coming up next for the band?
Apart from lots of gigs?? We have made a documentary about a year in the life of the band – what goes on, what we are about, an opportunity for people to know us just that little bit better a people and to see some of what goes on behind the curtain!! That will be coming out soon. We are also starting to record a new album and bring new songs into the set, so there’s plenty for us and hopefully our friends to get excited about.
Q. Have any of the band ever been in love with a “Baker’s Daughter”?
Yes and no!! None of us have specifically been in love with the daughter of a baker (unless there are some untold stories). However, the song is also about loving someone enough to want to change enough to make a partnership work. To that extent, we have all been in love with a Baker’s Daughter!
Q. And finally, if you find yourselves there what would be your idea of the perfect merry hell?
Merry Hell implies a degree of good natured mischief, so the perfect merry hell would be to use our music and performances to inspire people to refuse to accept the present status quo and to bring about some positive change in whatever small way they can in that same spirit. Random acts of kindness are a good place to start and we try to include those in whatever we do!
Merry Hell will be performing at The Traders Club at 9.30pm on Friday 10 May as part of Hebden Bridge Folk Roots Festival. For further information on Merry Hell visit www.merryhell.co.uk. For further information on the Hebden Bridge Folk Roots Festival visit www.hebdenfolkroots.org.
As mentioned, this interview was in partnership with “Last Night I Dream Of..”, a website dedicated to all things theatre in South Yorkshire. For further information visit:
Alongside our diligent reviewing partners “Last Night I Dream of..” we have the exception pleasure of bringing you a series of interviews with folk and roots artists coming to the jewel of West Yorkshire, Hebden Bridge ahead of the Hebden Bridge Folk Roots Festival (running from 10 to 12 May)
Our first interview is with folk/singer-songwriting superstar “Kathryn Williams” who is a headline at the upcoming event.
We remember hearing Kathryn Williams when we first dedicated to writing about folk. I remember tracking down a large number of her albums and doing a big bulk purchase. We have several of her albums and are particularly partial to “Crown Electric”,”The Quickening” and a very soft spot for her cover of “I started a joke” on “Relations” (it comes up in my top-rated songs list quite often!) Cerebral and clever but also breezy and accessible, Kathryn Williams has rated highly in our favourite singer-songwriters long before we moved over to the folk train.
So.. on to the questions!
Q. For those who haven’t come across you before, please describe you in a few sentences?
It’s hard to be asked to describe yourself… overdo it and you look arrogant under do it and you sell yourself short. I’m a bit folky but not folk, I’m a bit poppy but not pop, I’m a bit shy but foul mouthed,.. I am the best friend you’ll ever have.
Q. How would you describe your music in five words?
Thoughtful quiet unfolding punk rock.
Q. What inspires you as an artist?
Joy and pain, observing and imagining.
Q. What can audience members expect from your set as part of the Hebden Folk Roots Festival?
A moment of calm in the eye of the storm. Space for their own thoughts, a few laughs x
Q. What’s your favourite song to perform as part of your set and why?
I like playing songs people ask for or know even if I’ve not played them for a while. I like bringing the sea level down to the very quietest it can be.
Q. Who else would you recommend festival goers seeing during the festival?
Michele Stodart. She’s my best friend
Q. What do you love most about performing on the festival circuit?
To be honest I find it hard. My music is small and fragile. Playing to people who might not have heard of me is good though x
Q. Your last album, Common Ground was arranged to pair alongside the experiences of the main character in Cass Wheeler’s “Greatest Hits”. How did this differ to your usual writing style and are there any other characters real or fictional you would love to base an album on?
Well I did the album Hypoxia before the Cass Wheeler one. I loved the constraints of looking through a characters eyes, but I’m ready to be free and me again x
Q. You have recorded with many illustrious folk artists over the years. Are there any stories you can share from these collaborations and is there anyone else you would love to work with?
If I told you all my stories, you would never sleep again!
Q. What’s coming up next for you as an artist?
I have a 20cd box set coming out with one little Indian ( Bjork label) , I’m working on two new solo albums, an album with Michele Stodart, a collaboration with carol Ann Duffy and writing with other artists!
Kathryn Williams will be performing at Hope Baptist Church at 10pm on Saturday 11 May as part of Hebden Bridge Folk Roots Festival. For further information on Kathryn Williams visit https://kathrynwilliams.co.uk. For further information on the Hebden Bridge Folk Roots Festival visit www.hebdenfolkroots.org.
As mentioned, this interview was in partnership with “Last Night I Dreamt Of”, a website dedicated to theatre and performing arts. For further information visit http://www.lastnightidreamtof.co.uk/
So it’s been a few weeks since the Hebden Bridge Folk and Roots Festival, where the sun started to emerge and the musicians came out to entertain. We had quite a few highlights from the festival with (for us) an array of new talent and artists to share with the world.
Stay with us a while and have a read and listen to some of the acts that you missed!
THE LANDLUBBERS, MORRIS AND.. BACK TO THE FUTURE?
The weather was as fine as could be, so a little outdoor song and dance always goes down well.
Near the bridge in the Town Centre we came across a motley group of Landlubbers (we wonder if they hate the sea or they were the tailend of an insult and the name stuck). However their name came to be they were as briny a crew or shanty singers as you could want. We thoroughly enjoyed their singing so much it made us wonder if their boat was on the river behind. A good crowd, and a great part of the festival.
There was some Morris Dancing as well! You can’t have a Folk Festival without a bit of Morris (knowing my luck I won’t have to sit too long at my computer desk and await a festival without Morris to get in touch!) It was good to see an all-woman Morris Dance, and here they all are.. I presume as washerwomen. That reminds me, I have some shirts to dry! Heres a video to whet your dancing needs.
Ok.. we know that Chuck Berry did it long before it featured heavily in that 80s sci-fi comedy classic, but I’m a relatively young guy.. it’s the first thing that comes to mind. I have to sadly regret that I did not get these guys’ names as we were just passing, but we seriously felt that it was a great energetic aside to the day.
TRIXXI CORISH
On Sunday we got to see a few artists in the excellent Trades Club where the beer flowed liberally. It was also a fine place to be eating a bit of Thai food that was on the go as well. One relatively new artist was Trixxi Corish a singer-songwriter covering a number of different genres including folk and country, but intriguingly she brought some spoken word as well. Despite a disclaimer at the beginning of the set that she had a bad throat, she went on to sing a number of traditional tunes as well as an excellent cover of “Fields of Gold.” Her monologue about a Southern Irish woman managing with anxiety and depression was really thoughtful and natural; she has strengths in song and in word. A great up-and-coming artist and spoken word performer, we saw some magic there, and we raise our glass to her future successes (especially if this was not her running at 100% !).
LOGAN & MANLEY
There were many fine artists to be seen amongst the picturesque surroundings and the old cobbled paths, it is a mammoth task narrowing it down. But as the mind’s eye roves back over the festival the clear breakout from the festival for us was Logan and Manley. As soulful as a spicy tea and a demonstration of a charging elephant into the music scene, Logan & Manley were something else indeed. Breaking the civility of Folk Gigs and getting people dancing to their sultry, emotional beat they kicked serious ass. As we said on Twitter:
“The most interesting duo we have seen live in recent memory. Exceptional presence and burning talent. Logan & Manley stole the show in many ways at Hebden Folk Roots Festival. Soulful and energetic they work it with unfettered talent.”
Their simple pairing of vocals and guitar with added flourishes of percussion and a good use of looping vocals brought the house down. Some favourites of what they performed included the “Tell Him (Her)” a cover of Lauryn Hill, the warm rush of frothy milk on expensive coffee of “Meteor Shower” (the opener), and “Wait a While”, a jazz/funk backing which should do plenty to cement the pair as icons.
Forward in style and approach, a ferociously dynamic presence, and great musicianship could be enough to convert this website to “Soul Phenomena.” Do not miss under any circumstances.
HENRY PRIESTMAN, LES GLOVER AND THE MEN OF A CERTAIN AGE
As the day turned to night, Henry Priestman et al. reminded us that in a rather jolly fashion that in that transitional stage of life akin to being a teenager, things can stop making a lot of sense. In fairness, it wasn’t a set that dwelt on the twilight years experience as there were plenty of politics (Goodbye Common Sense, Not In My Name), folk (Ghost of a Thousand Fishermen), and fatherhood (He Ain’t Good Enough For You, We Used to Be You). With songs that are always something different and a good connection with the audience you are always on to a winner.
From what we saw from the festival of a whole, Priestman and band were of the most energetic and delightfully irreverent in all the best ways. Accessible, catchy and pop-infused it was supported by songwriting not unlike strong, thick treated timber cladding. If the music garden of your mind requires something extra, these guys are the shed you have been looking for.
THE HARMONY JAR
For the cheery, dream-like “in between” time from the early morning entertainment and the build up to the evening showstoppers we had the pleasure of listening to the trio known as “The Harmony Jar.” Rather melancholic but also soothing and touching, The Harmony Jar excel as Americana, perhaps how you imagine the killer knots on a barbed wire of a fence. Singing about love, the prickling apologies of loss and leaving a husband (How We Part), angst through ukulele (Before You Are Through) and a more than serviceable cover of “The Way it Goes”, The Harmony Jar bit off a lot, but it wasn’t more than they could chew on. One of our favourites, we look forward to hearing from them in the future.
At one point during the festival it felt necessary to go rustic.
In terms of American Folk, you can’t get much more old-timey than some Woody Guthrie, who was as much a symbol of protest and liberty as a singer. This is definitely something we can say we like from our folk from time-to-time and Will Kaufman did not disappoint. As his page declares he is, “widely regarded as the world’s leading authority on Woody Guthrie” but it wasn’t just his academic credentials or his musicianship that impressed. He’s a thoroughly nice, extremely knowledgeable guy who told tales of Trump of old (Trump’s father) who was a less than stellar property landlord (with the song, “I ain’t got no home”), Mexicans and about a remarkable individual “Stetson Kennedy” a folklorist who infiltrated the KKK and gave away their secrets and codes to the radio.
There is something incredibly apt about an expert on a pioneer of folk following in his footsteps through both word and song.. Will Kaufman does that and does not disappoint.
And Many More..
There were many, many more great acts too.
Off the top of our heads: Reg Meuross (one of our perennial favourites) was playing his heartfelt, socially conscious brand of acoustic song to great effect, Steve Tilston brought the backbone of folk to the stage, and his daughter Molly Tilston performed a great dark folk set which much, much promise. The Roger Davies Band was one of the most confident and slick on stage and the Jon Palmer Band pretty much cleaned up with their jaunty songs that at times explored the best part of folk-pop. Here are some final clips to get you in the mood.
All-in-all Hebden Bridge was a good time, a great slice of local talent and a testament to West Yorkshire.
This year we liked the central location and how close the venues were to one another meaning it is very difficult to miss the acts you have been dying to see! Great shopping, great food and atmosphere, we’ve barely scratched the surface of what went down at the weekend beneath the warming sun but we hope this brings you a bit of a flavour.
Looking ahead to Hebden Bridge Folk and Roots Festival ( 11th-13th May!) we are hoping it is going to be a sun-drenched affair with ice-cream, cool beer and the faint rustling of leaves on the breeze. If it’s not.. well, at least we will still have the music! Before it all kicks off we managed to catch up with some of the musicians at the festival and were delighted to hear what they had to say.
For further information on the festival, its line-up, programme and to book tickets visit www.hebdenfolkroots.org.
Tickets are available to collect from the Hope Baptist Chapel in Hebden Bridge at 2pm on the first day, Friday 11th May 2018.
Henry Priestman
First of all we spoke to Henry Priestman, a man who has been in the music business quite a while (over 38 years) who whilst in the band, The Yachts supported some impressive talent such as The Who and The Sex Pistols and contributed to the world in a huge number of other musical projects. We caught up with him to hear his thoughts.
I: Tell us more about yourself?
Henry: My name is Henry Priestman. I used to be songwriter/member of The Christians (big in the 80’s/90’s, ask your Mum about them!), and before that, new wave band Yachts (ask your Grandad about them!). I released my debut solo album The Chronicles of Modern Life in 2008, and have had an amazing time in the last ten years, at this new cottage industry level, on the folk/singer/songwriter circuit. Wembley Arena? Been there, done it, give me Hebden Bridge anyday!
I: Describe your music in five words?
Henry: Radio 2’s Johnnie Walker, he called it “Music for grumpy old men”!! Me, I’d go for “wry, poignant, warmth, protest, mayhem”
I: What’s your favourite song to perform and why?
Henry: Probably my song “We Used To Be You”, a song about kids leaving home to go to University (or a job away)…I love seeing how each verse resonates with certain members of the audience…I feel I can hear them saying “yes, that was us when young Billy left home”!
I: What are you looking for to most about performing at the festival?
Henry: Returning to Hebden Bridge for the first time in 4 years…love the place…also will be great to be back with my band The Men of a Certain Age.
I: Who else are you looking forward to seeing perform at the festival?
Henry: Especially looking forward to meeting up again with quite a few people I’ve performed with in the past…a while back I did a Hebden Bridge songwriter circle with Steve Tilston and Roger Davies, and Reg Meuross and I have also done a few joint gigs together, so will be great to see all them again. And Jon Palmer and band have done Beverley Festival and Folk on the Farm Festival a number of times on the same bill as me, and they’re always good value!
I: What’s next for you after the festival?
Henry: A house gig at Spurn Point the next day!…then a good lie-down, followed by more dates throughout the year
Henry Priestman will be performing at Hope Baptist Chapel at 9.15pm on the Saturday 12th May. For further information on Henry Priestman visit www.henrypriestman.com.
Mambo Jambo
Mambo Jambo describe themselves as an acoustic-roots duo. With an uplifting sound and vast, almost continent-spanning array of instruments they have many tools in their arsenal and look to be a fabulous addition to the festival.
I: Tell us more about yourselves?
Mambo Jambo: This is what our website says about us! “Acoustic Roots duo, Mambo Jambo, might just be the biggest acoustic duo you’ll ever see. A truly unique two-piece with their own rhythmic and joyful sound, they’ll take you on a musical journey with a mash-up of sounds from roots, world, folk and jazz, plus their own compositions. With Frankie on sax, vocals, clarinet, flute, guitar and spoons plus other percussion and Pete on guitar, vocal, ukulele, tres (traditional Cuban guitar), banjo, accordion and suitcase ! Pete and Frankie have been gathering admirers at shows and festivals the length and breadth of the country. A fabulous musical treat is in store wherever they roll up, their tour bus packed to the brim!”
I: Describe your music in five words?
Mambo Jambo: Multi-instrumental Whirlwind of joyful roots music.
I: What’s your favourite song to perform and why?
Mambo Jambo: We don’t really have a favourite song as such; we keep it fresh for the audiences and ourselves with variety, variety of styles,moods and instruments. People often describe our shows as a musical journey and we don’t want to pick out just one musical stop off along the way!!
I: What are you looking for to most about performing at the festival?
Mambo Jambo: We’re looking forward to bringing a whole range of diverse roots music ourselves to the festival. We’re thrilled to be part of this festival with it’s great line up, we love the fact that there’s loads of great stuff going on in in venues, in the community and on the streets – all sorts of stuff going on!
I: Who else are you looking forward to seeing perform at the festival?
Mambo Jambo: We’re really looking forward to seeing all the musicians who are playing the same day as us, some of whom we’ve seen at other festivals they and we have played at, including Tantz, Mestisa, Don’t Feed The Peacocks. Also Steve Tilston; Musicians of Bremen, 309s; G-Runs And Roses; and we’ll try and catch all the bands and musicians we haven’t seen before; so many great bands for us (and all the audiences) to discover! Not forgetting the storytelling sessions and workshops!
I: What’s next for you after the festival?
Mambo Jambo: We are constantly touring, which we love. So we’ve got a tour of the South West coming up, playing in venues in Bristol, Bath, and other venues in Somerset and Devon. Then a couple of festivals including The Big Malarkey Festival, Childrens Literature Festival where we’ve been commissioned to present some different workshops. Two other festivals we’ll be playing at are Beverley Puppet Festival, and a Cycle Festival in North Yorkshire. Later in the year we’ re playing some shows in Europe – lots of interesting playing for us this year! We’ve also got a fair few workshop sessions and school projects coming up, and are planning to do some recording in between all the touring!
Mambo Jambo will be performing at the Trade Club on Sunday 13th May at 3pm. For further information on Mambo Jambo visit http://mambojambo.co.uk.
Once again, further information on the festival, its line-up, programme and to book tickets visit www.hebdenfolkroots.org.
Tickets are available to collect from the Hope Baptist Chapel in Hebden Bridge at 2pm on the first day, Friday 11th May 2018.
Persistent in the yearly calendar, Hebden Festival has been going for a little while now showcasing music from far and wide but what is it about for those who have never been?
Hebden Bridge is nestled within the Upper Calder Valley as a place from history that has been known as “trouser town”, been a reception area for individuals in the wars relocating from urban cities, and a hotspot for politics, creativity and tourism. It is friendly and characterful with a cool town centre and a beautifully green and verdant feel being a place of choice for walkers, climber, hikers and the outdoorsy. It is a nice place, but what about the festival?
It is what it says on the tin, a festival of folk and roots music. It does this through the wonderful efforts of Hebden Bridge Creative types who have put the beacons out that and gathered the heart of roots music and the soul of folk music to it’s old stone buildings, song to the taverns and stories to the very glade itself. While it is stitched together so nicely with so many acts, it is also relaxed with a bohemian feel and a family friendly ethos.
There is something incredibly celebratory and characterful about the whole place, for adults, children and generally lovers of music. If you love live listening to music with the Countryside on your doorstep, this is your place. But for those who are still not sold..
HERE ARE 5 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD GO
(1) Its picturesque
Hebden Bridge is definitely what you would refer to as a place of enchanting beauty. I’ve already been harping on about this a lot, but words cannot truly describe. Rather than go on and on even more, take a look at where this is all happening and get yourself a ticket!
(2) It has local, established and upcoming talent
The Festival is very rooted to musical happenings from this part of the world but also from further afield. One of the venues, the first floor of the Trades Club is an incredibly well know, popular and celebrated site that regularly gets voted as a finalist for the NME Small Venue of the year award. Formed in history as a co-operative, it is even now member’s co-operative again. The history is one thing, the music is another. Last year the roof was pretty much being raised by the Klemzer Bands in there. Energetic, joyful and atmospheric it is one venue amongst many that get the senses going.
There is also a great, ranging musical spectrum of artists this year. There is expert guitarist “Ewan Mclennan”, the political “Reg Meuross” and the recognisable “Steve Tilston” and these are just the bigger names. Of these artists, Reg Meuross, Steve Tilston, and John Palmer will be performing at the Hope Baptist Chapel a fine acoustic setting that reopened in late 2017. There is also something here if you like historical song from Calderdale (Ghost School), the songs of Woodie Guthrie (Will Kaufman), Latin America (Mestisa), and swing (309’s) or Americana (Farrago); just as starting examples. There is undoubtedly something new and exciting to discover in this lineup, go and see what Calderdale is all about!
(3) There is intrigue as well as music
It is not just music that Hebden Folk and Roots are known for. There is, of course, a ceilidh for people who cannot keep their feet still on Friday night and other opportunities to dance along with street entertainment.
The festival is also home this year to storytelling as Ursula Holden Gill takes you along a “grisly ghost walk” of Hebden Bridge (which is entertaining and appropriate for children also) and there is also Shonaleigh, an accomplished storyteller of the Drut’syla tradition who has travelled and performed in London, Europe, New Zealand and the US bringing her work to schools and community groups.
If storytelling is not your thing, there is comedy and street theatre from Mike Hancock, folk dancing, and “Fire Man Dave” (circus skills) to keep you and the little ones entertained. Whether inside a venue or outside in the beautiful sun, it’s going to be a great weekend with something to learn!
(4) There are fine taverns with their own musical goings on
If you need a break and the formality of a line-up gets too much, there is a chance to walk the cobbled streets and grab a refreshing drink from several of the fine pubs that Hebden Bridge has to offer. From the “White Swan” to the “Fox and Goose”, from the “Old Gate” to the “Shoulder of Mutton” and the “Famous Albert” there are many stops to refuel, eat and drink and be merry. Hebden Bridge also boasts some small, accomplished cafes and bars which are also opening their doors such as “Mooch” and “Drink” for Coffee addicts if alcohol is not on your preferred drinks list. The food is also excellent here.
The cool bit is not just that they are serving as ususal, they also have their own programmes of music running through the weekend with many local bands making an appearance and entertaining you through your third latte. A warming coffee and some good music is a good way to end the night.
We really think its difficult not to come away from Hebden Bridge without something unique and special to remember your time there, check them out!
And there you have it. A music festival, but also a weekend experience in itself, and one we are looking forward to very much.
If you are interested in going, check out the website and get yourself some tickets. There is the option of camping, day tickets and weekend tickets, the website is a good resource for finding out other information about the area too at https://www.hebdenfolkroots.org/.
The Box Office is open from 2pm on Friday 11th May 2018, so pop in.. say hi, and get yourself a ticket!
It is true that everybody has heard of Cambridge Folk Festival, and Cropredy Festival, and why not? After all, they are big festivals with International renown and very good lineups.
Certainly fun times are had (I would love to get myself to one of the ones in Ibiza/Portgual) but there still is indeed room for a different type of scene too now that festival season is upon us!
Hebden Bridge Folk Roots fits the bill as something different. It’s picturesque, full of crafts and nestled amongst rolling nature and inspiration and come festival season it is packing to the brim with musicians and artists in local pubs and venues waiting to entertain.
It is over now, but have a read of some of the people we saw (with sample video) and see if you would you might not be missing out on next year!
Hebden Bridge is picturesque and I have fond memories of the region as I used to live in nearby Huddersfield. Artistic yet surprisingly not aloof in the slightest, it is is good to see a place where so many of the trades here have opened up to host musicians. Some of the artists are from local regions (such as Plant and Taylor, Plumhall) but there are more nationally recognised acts too like O’Hooley and Tidow and Jess Morgan.
Hebden Bridge Folk Roots is a wonderful festival showcasing an array of talented musicians and performers (several who are local). It is all so good-natured, it feels like the people and businesses of Hebden Bridge have opened their doors and their hearts visitors in this weekend of artistic wonder. The place itself is great; I love the greenery and the atmosphere, and that there’s a lot of places to get good gin and food while you listen to someone you have been wanting to see in the flesh.
It’s not just folk and food though. There was also a good helping of storytelling events, family friendly events, and dance workshops that appeal across the board. From everything that takes place, I only see a small sample; so apologies for people missed out of this post.
What caught the eye? What acts am I taking away from this West Yorkshire painting of a place with it’s stream, trees and beautiful cut stone buildings?
Read on and you will see, there are a lot of bands and artists I was ready to hear but others that surprised and have now entered my musical radar.
Bric-A-Brac/Bella Gaffney
Playing in one of the main venues (the Birchcliffe Centre) the group Bric-a-Brac take the stage and showcase a potent blend of interesting original work and energetic interpretations of some folk classics. Being the highest capacity venue, it was good to go there (and take the regular, free minibus up the incredibly steep slope to the venue) and an honour to hear a future face of folk
Bric-a-Brac’s (along with member. Bella Gaffney’s solo) sets were astonishingly playful and fun, and quite polished. Singing some great songs rooted in history and wonder, I feel they are a group to keep an eye on for the future. They sing a number of tracks including “Queen of the Witch Elm”, a song about a mysterious skeleton found in a tree and the group’s musing on it’s origin. The ballad has a bouncing narrative that lends huge mystery to the topic of the song and their collection of instruments join together in a really pleasing way. “Staffordshire Man” is a classic West Midlands number which the band present in a bright and sightly way. The addition of the whistle gives it a more contemporary character (especially compared to the Jon Raven version) and with it’s blended male and female vocals it sounds great. It sounds less like it is dwelling in somewhere like the grounds of the Black Country Museum and instead brings the feeling of nature meeting industry in the middle, not unlike the historical town of Hebden Bridge itself. It is still pretty folky and even with these lighter touches is a great song. “Middle of Nowhere” about a “dodgy B&B” is an equally fun that showcased fiddle, whistle and guitar together. I love the addition of the electric bass guitar, it gives the band even more depth and Heather Sirrel clearly relishes the role as it rolls out wave after wave of gravelly, rock goodness.
From the bands I had not heard of all seen before, Bric-a-Brac top my list at Hebden for their choice of instruments, combined sound and historical themes. They even sung a song about a family living in a cave in Kinver, a place down the road from my hometown. Their different regional influences add flavour to the mix, for myself they are a great young ambassador for the commitment of young folk with a slight Midlands edge. http://www.bricabracmusic.co.uk/
Of course there is also Bella Gaffney’s solo set. When she is not playing guitars and adding some cool vocals to Bric-a-Brac, she is playing her own music really well indeed. What stands out from Bella’s set is the amount of range that she gets out of the acoustic guitar. Thoroughly practised and tied up in a folky way to Bradford, she is to Bradford what Lucy Ward is to Derby, a singer and performer who could be a face for the region. A lovely set which as you listen to you realise there is something distinctly non-run-of-the-mill about her, check out the sample. http://bellagaffney.weebly.com/
Klonk!
We also catch a bit of the “Klonk!” set. A klezmer group with more electric instruments than I’ve seen one room before, they go to work quickly getting the audience on their feet. Playing in “The Trades Club”, a kind of musical enclave which feels like a place where musical history is made must be great because the room is setup so as much dancing can take place as possible. I spot one older man was so pumped he was moving (and falling) before the music even started. Klezmer music gets the heart pounding, it seems true and it’s rhythms are the strong thread wound throughout all modern music. It certainly appeals to the soul and the body and Klonk!’s music is energetic, gypsy-jazz that short-circuits your compulsion to sit and shakes your quiet sensibilities to the core. Highly recommended the speed that they play is breath-taking, a treat in every way; they also take on the “James Bond Theme” and “Rage Against the Machine”. Their website is here- http://www.klonk.co.uk/
Jess Morgan and the Light Band
Recognised roots singer Jess Morgan also treads the stage and performs a loaded pistol of tracks from her recent album “Edison Gloriette” An emotive, and licquorice voice she brings the beating heart of the subject matter to the surface. “A Hundred Years Old” sees Morgan showcasing some solid strumming and a pained, humble and sensitive portrayal of a woman in a kind of limbo between how her hearts feels and how she should act, maybe in the latter stages of a relationship. “Don’t meet your heroes” has a fascinating kind of stepped melody and delivery that is like the steely stare on a wise face; she doesn’t take any nonsense in this song. “In Brooklyn” is a favourite. With the child-like imagination fully interacting with the urban, and the idea of one or two lives mixed up in that time and place seemed to find a way is captured without obviously referencing New York. I mean there is seemingly talk of the carousel in Central Park, and I can picture the library in Brooklyn but it is like an insider’s recollection; it takes me back to my own trips there with it’s kind of drenching sun and nostalgia. It is good to see her at last. http://www.jessmorgan.co.uk/
O’Hooley and Tidow
They were nominated for the Radio 2 Folk Awards this year. No, they did not win but this injustice did not deflate their affable, impeccably warm show at Hebden Bridge. It would be an understatement to say they did not disappoint.
With a bright halo of showmanship and a springy step of enthusiasm, O’Hooley and Tidow’s begin their set with one of my favourites, “The Cut” and my enthusiasm did not stop there, it only went skyward. The music is infused with a screaming piano cabaret that is glamourous from tip-to-toe and certainly an interesting bedfellow with their reverence for Yorkshire. We are treated to a number of their songs that take on the task of publically celebrating women and sharing some dashing personalities we would otherwise would not hear of. “Gentleman Jack” a raucsous number that was as bawdy as the character herself. With lyrics such as, “Their husbands are coming, you’d better start running For nobody likes a Jack-the-Lass” you’ve got to admire the duo’s penchance for bringing exceptional characters through their song be it scounderels or saints. It is kind of a folky alternative to similarly themed song “Doctor James” by Gilmore & Roberts which hopefully through time will be part of a larger body of songs rewriting history books. They also perform “Beryl”, about the multi-award winning cyclist (Beryl Burton) who from the 50’s onwards was pretty much unbeaten in a number of competitive categories but compared to her male sports counterparts was barely a footnote in history.
It was not all songs about amazing women though. There were also songs about beer. Murphy’s Saloon (a much less crude version than variations I have frequented) and their version of “All For My Grog” are well received with the effective and jaunty melody in a bit of a squeeze box interlude from their limited edition work “summat’s brewin'” about English drinking. The tour of their music continues with a song written for their wedding “Big, small love” from Kathryn Williams as well as sad elephant song “Blanket”, and national identity seeking “Made in England”. A bit like a pickle tray in a curry house there is a lot to choose from yet it all goes with the evening (of poppadoms?)
A rich, comprehensive set of many of their hits you feel there are no songs left out at all. Just the two performers, their instruments and the curtains drawn close, the scene is set for a showstopping headline act. http://ohooleyandtidow.com/
Other Bands
The Mather Robinson Band played a quite retro folk sounding set that didn’t hold back, Rod Clements brought some quiet nuance to the afternoon with songs such as “the ghost in blue suede shoes” and popular “Meet me on the corner”.
Fine guitar work from Plant and Taylor is pretty entrancing and other duo, Plumhall are quite affecting in their highlight- a rendition of “Cold Harbour” from their upcoming album.
Other Stuff
Storytelling
I love a good story, the creepier the better. Thankfully this wish was taken care of during the afternoon on Saturday at the Festival.
There is not too much to say about the Ghost Walk at the festival, except that it was great. Ursula Holden-Gill took a small crowd through the streets and bustle of Hebden Bridge centre, and despite the traffic and large number of people about, it still proved an intimate and interesting way to spend the time as modernity melted away. Great for the family, her stories are quite ghastly in places but there were are some (slightly) lighter references to Robin Hood and much of Hebden Bridge’s quite sordid past. Fully in character she entertained all, there is something rather special about seeing so many younger children paying attention and being taken in by the horror stories of yesteryear. I recommend whether during festival season or not, Holden-Gill spins a good yarn and thankfully errs on the side of the fantastical with her stories. The best female storyteller we have seen to date. http://www.ursulaholdengill.com/
A mild interlude to the strings of musical gigs, sessions and storytelling taking place, even the streets themselves could not fully contain the full extent of talent on display. Even me, a bit of a Morris sceptic enjoyed quite a bit of dance in the centre (400 Roses were tops for me with their alt-morris look and fantastic coloured and braided hair), but that was not all. How long it has been since I’ve seen a one-man band I cannot say, but this combination of music and dance is something else. A head-turner and one of the most popular displays.
It is a fun weekend, an enormous array of musicians and a relaxed yet professional festival there seems something quite timeless about the place.
Lots of love going this way, I recommend taking the quieter path next year and seeing what the fuss is about here.
Keep an eye on the website for next year’s festival where there are “Super Early Bird” Tickets already https://www.hebdenfolkroots.org/
Things are going splendidly well here in Sheffield. The sun hasn’t fully retreated, life is certainly stirring and festival season is well and truly kicking off.
I wanted to write something to make you aware of a festival, this weekend coming (12-14 May) in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire
I will be in attendance at Hebden Folk Roots Festival. Surely “Folk and Roots” is a better turn of phrase you ask?
No.”Folk Roots” makes sense and I will tell you why.
In it’s third year, Hebden Bridge opens it’s doors (quite literally the whole town’s pubs and venues are getting involved) to host a number of artists from across the Folk, Acoustic and Roots musical spectrum. To call it “Folk and Roots” would firstly miss the full range of what’s on offer with all the musicians in between (also playing Americana, BlueGrass, Swing- you name it) , and secondly it wouldn’t do justice to the sheer volume of singers, storytellers and workshops that are being wonderfully crammed into a lovely, cultural hotspot (I’m thinking recently of Happy Valley as well as older influences on Sylvia Plath and Ted Hughes).
What am I excited for?
Well there are a large number of well-known artists lending their talents to this growing festival. BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards Nominees O’Hooley & Tidowhttp://ohooleyandtidow.com/will be making an appearance, Sparkly and Rootsy Jess Morgan and the Light Band http://www.jessmorgan.co.uk/will be there riding the crest of their last release “Edison Gloriette” (which I helped crowdfund), and bluegrass heavyweights The Kentucky Cow Tippers http://www.thekentuckycowtippers.com/will also be grazing on the positive vibes in Hebden Bridge.
As mentioned, there is music for everyone. What am I looking forward to in particular?
Bric-a-Brac
As a fan of all things folky and with a keen eye for relatively new performers who are shaping the scene “Bric-a-Brac” with Bella Gaffney is a strong contender for a group whose set I am hoping to mosey on down to. Having performed at Beverley Folk Festival in the past, they converge from the Midlands and head upwards to delight curt Yorkshiremen and women alike. Looking at their clips from previous performances, I can see energy and enthusiasm and a great double whammy of traditional and modern. Their website is here, see below for a clip.
Plum Hall
Having gained the watchful eye of R2 Magazine and Steve Knightley; Plum Hall are an intriguing duo to consider. Looking at some of their previous performances (clip below from Moonbeams Festival where they cover “All I have To Do Is Dream”) I am feeling it will be a warm, rather inclusive atmosphere they will bring to Hebden Bridge. Will there be a log fire and will there be lots of ale? Probably, and the time goes swimmingly when there are good tunes to be heard. http://www.plumhall.co.uk/
Debs Newbold
I am somewhat envious of storytellers. They look cool, they have interesting tales to tell and they bring a certain air of enchantment wherever they go. I am envious in particular because often they make it look easy (and I know it’s not). From what I can tell, Debs Newbold has gathered much acclaim from her work. Like a shell collector who unearths known beautiful objects she thus arranges these known wonders (Macbeth, King Lear) and some original works and sells out vast, opulent rooms full of people (including at Hay Festival). Not only this there is some prestige here, she is also an education consultant for Shakespeare’s Globe after all and was ranked one of the top five acts of Towersley Festival. Why would I want to see the cat, when I can see the cream that the cat desires? Does that make sense? No, but this promises to be a good show. http://www.debsnewbold.com/
Ghost Walk: ‘Beyond the Veil of Calderdale’
Ghost walks are the best. Be it the quiet considered ramble through the cobblestone streets in York (where you often end up in a spooky pub at the end) or the father metropolitan, youthful and nerve wracking experience of a student ghost walk in Edinburgh (where you get things thrown at you and student actors jumping out of bins when you least expect); there is indeed something for everyone. I love connecting with a place with history and where myth and superstition overlap. I wonder if there will be a Thriller Dance to be had alongside the jigs and Morris there will be there? http://www.ursulaholdengill.com/storytelling/beyond-the-veil-of-calderdale-ghost-walk/
A very small sample indeed of the kinds of things happening. There are no end of other genres being covered including Rockabilly, Klemer, Swing, Barbershop.. check out the artist page https://www.hebdenfolkroots.org/artists
There are also Singing Workshops, a huge number of Dance Workshops and even a Clown Workshop (I am afraid of clowns but this guy seems nice!)
Striving to keep a lot local and celebrate this area, I think the curator for HEBDEN BRIDGE FOLK ROOTS, Brian Toberman sums it up best:
“The committee has created a festival, I as a musician would love to be at, we are lucky to have the amazing talent on our doorstep. The Hebden Folk Roots Festival brings people and music together and celebrates our local community, it is always good to give something back to our lovely town and bring a smile to people’s faces. We work closely with all local people, musicians and businesses to create a people’s festival.”
All-In-All
It will be good to see you there! There are a lot of venues, a lot of spaces and an awful lot of musical acts. It’s child-friendly too and promises to be a compelling weekend.
I will be there for the full weekend, if you see me there give me a shout and lets compare notes on what is happening!
I will also be providing shoutouts, and reminders about events and artists who are appearing, so follow me @folkphenomena on Twitter so you know who is on, playing what, where and when.
Go the website for details on pricing, accommodation and the possibility of camping.
