Beverley Festival

Beverley Folk Festival Area 2 artists announced

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Beverley Folk Festival has a great track record of discovering new musicians and giving a platform for emerging artists, and 2016 will be no exception.

Once again there is a fantastic line-up of young artists as part this years Area 2 programme.  

It is a stage for the second generation of singers, musicians, bands just coming onto the folk and wider scene.

Featuring some of the finest young artists in the UK who are passionate about the music they create, audiences of every age can rely on Area 2 to bring them something new, fresh and vibrant.  Over the years Area 2 has gained legendary status amongst performers and audiences and is now one the festival’s most popular elements.

In addition, there are music workshops over the weekend in the main racecourse building – perhaps there will be people new to music in these sessions who will take to the Area 2 stage in the years to come!

Prepare to be blown away by the creativity and talent on show in Area 2 – will you spot tomorrow’s big names amongst the many talented young people involved?

Jim Pybus, Festival Director commented “Beverley Folk Festival remains committed to giving new, young voices a platform on which to perform and that helps to ensuring the tradition has a great future. Area 2 is a real treat for anyone with an interest in new music, be if folk or not, and we invite audiences young and old to join us in supporting these fantastic musicians and artists.”

Area 2 will run from 19:00 to 22:45 in the Wold Top Marquee each night of the festival and is hosted by Sam Pirt & Jim Molyneux, young musicians in their own right.

The line-up of artists is as follows:

AELFEN Founded by duo Sarah Horn & James Cudworth, playing fiery, fiddle-driven compositions & fresh arrangements of folk pieces

 

ALEX WEDLOCK Quirky & imaginative songs which evoke powerful emotions, scenarios and characters with ease

 

AMBER WARREN Matured and unique songwriting style Amber gives a captivating vocal performance

 

BALTER Four-piece all female band playing contemporary and traditional music as well as self-penned tunes and songs

 

BEN COOK Local singer-songwriter with a powerful voice and a niche for writing catchy tunes about the ups and downs of teenage life

 

BRIC-A-BRAC Lively young folk band playing original & traditional material. An eclectic mix of instruments; from concertina to 5-string bass

 

FIONA LEE A compelling voice which belies her years. Her songs tell tales of teen life with both innocent simplicity and impressively mature observations

 

FOOT DOWN Vibrant duo Foot Down is based in the South of England. The combination of Erin Mansfield on the whistle and James Kerry on the melodeon produce folk music in a traditional style with a modern vibe.

 

HENRY PARKER  Rooted in the sounds of 70's folk guitar, with a creative and distinctive finger-style approach

 

IMOGEN HART Described as one of the 'breakthrough artists of 2015 ' by BBC Radio Humberside Introducing… presenter Alan Raw

 

JACK PATCHETT

"A young singer-songwriter from Huddersfield who is clearly destined for great things" – Peter Cowley, Fatea Magazine

 

LINDELEAHA An exciting young band emerging on the Newcastle folk scene, creating a unique blend of traditional, contemporary and self-penned songs and tunes.

 

MAX LILLEYMAN Music for 'people who have time to be quiet'. His songs are stories; of characters and their struggles; vignettes that paint a portrait

 

NATASHA MASKELL From her strong alto voice, you can expect to hear songs of love, loss and death… and maybe a fish or two

 

SCHOOL OF ROCK A fun-loving group of young musicians from Goole, aged 12-18. Their music is a rich mix of folk, soul, rock and pop covers & compositions

 

SPELDOSA The trio perform a wide variety of traditional, contemporary & self-penned material from around the world.  (Also running Learning by Ear Tunes workshop)

 

THE MAGPIES Based in the medieval City of York, they are a synergistic and unique-sounding ensemble with catchy tunes being their specialty

 

WILL FINN AND ROSIE CALVERT Dynamic up-and-coming duo playing traditional music with a contemporary flare. (Also running Harmony Singing for All workshop)

Volunteers wanted for Beverly Folk Festival

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Beverley Folk Festival has launched an appeal for more volunteers to work at this year’s festival on Beverley Racecourse between June 19 and 21.

“We’re looking for music fans who might be willing to help out on the festival site in exchange for free tickets.” explained Festival Administrator and Volunteer Coordinator Laura Whitewood.

The jobs that need filling include:

·         Helping set up the festival site beforehand.

·         Clearing up afterwards

·         Working on the box office and information desk.

·         Stewarding the various performance venues

·         Selling merchandise

·         Campsite and traffic Control

·         Being part of the Green Team

In exchange for 12 hours help over the festival period, volunteers (who must be over 18) receive a free weekend pass, worth £110, allowing access to all the performances and events, including the headline concerts. Camping passes worth £20 are also provided for those wishing to stop on site for the weekend.

“We need dozens of volunteers to help in vital roles to ensure the festival runs smoothly,” explained Laura, “but they also get plenty of time off to enjoy the festival.”

“They also have an opportunity to gain transferable skills, make new friends and see top acts from the UK and overseas.”

“We can also provide a ‘volunteer certificate’ if required, to those who successfully complete their shifts showing they were part of a festival dedicated team. This certificate is very useful for those wanting to work at other festivals in the future.” Laura added.

For more information, prospective volunteers can visit www.beverleyfestival.com, emailvolunteers@beverleyfestival.com for a volunteer pack, or call: 01377 217569

The Mighty Doonans and more set for The Beverley Festival

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The Doonans have a deserved reputation for their imaginative and innovative interpretations of traditional songs and ability to introduce other genres of music and dance to their thoroughly entertaining performances. The line up includes Mick Doonan, Phil Murray, Kevin Doonan, Stu Luckley, Ian Fairbairn, Rosie Doonan, Jamie Luckley, Ben Murray and Frances Doonan.

Rosie Doonan has been touring with Peter Gabriel as part of his band and support – she was recently spotted on BBC2 adding vocals when they performed on ‘Later with Jools Holland.’ She will be joining him again for dates this year – no doubt including again the stunning duet on the classic ‘Don’t Give Up.’

From the USA comes the amazing Abigail Washburn with Kai Welch who will be performing on Friday night along with popular Scottish band Shooglenifty who will be treating festival goers to their special brand of “acid-croft.”

Other artists include , Martin Carthy, Chumbawamba, Coope Boyes & Simpson, Henry Priestman, and Peter Robinson, author of DI Banks series of books as featured on ITV with Stephen Tompkinson, and poet extraordinaire Ian McMillan and Luke Carver-Goss.

Many more great acts can be found by going to the festival’s website – www.beverleyfestival.com

A wide range of concerts and activities for those attending the event, with a special emphasis on families and children, makes the event a perfect weekend for all.

Performing artists for 2012 include: Joe Brown, Steeleye Span, Peatbog  Faeries,

The Mighty Doonans, Chumbawamba, Martin Carthy, Coope, Boyes & Simpson, Shooglenifty,

Abigail  Washburn with Kai Welch (usa),ahab, Furnace  Mountain (usa), Henry Priestman,

Ian McMillan and Luke Carver Goss, Elvis Fontenot and the Sugar Bees, The Toy Hearts,

The  Carrivick Sisters, The Whiskey Dogs, The Tom Townsend Blues Band, Lady Maisery,

Peter Robinson (author),Habadekuk (denmark), Elfynn, Roger Davies

Area 2 Youth Programme – Kirsty Bromley, Indigo Heights , Jim Molyneux Trio, Blind Panic, King Cole, Raj Raj Raj, Simon Stephenson, Hase Waits, The Tea Cups, Alice Burn & Emily Hoile, Dominic Hook, Beth Chamberlain & Grace Smith, Paul Liddell, Jaywalkers, Horizontal Sunday, Sail Pattern, Mark Wynn, Darcy DaSilva, Fran Smith, Tangletree, Area 2 Big Band.

Moonbeams Sessions – David Ward Maclean, Plumhall, Holly Taymar & Chris Bilton, Gerry McNeice, Something Nasty in the Woodshed, Dan Wilde, Rich Stephenson, Union Jill, Jessica Lawson, Sarah Horn & James, Cudworth, Mark Wynn, Martin Peirson, Andy Stones, Circus Envy plus lots more artists and Dance Teams ….

Beverley Festival headliners confirmed

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The festival has always managed to provide a top rate programme of artists, with a varied range of musical genres to suit all tastes.  2012 looks set to demonstrate that this success story is to continue.

The festival kicks off on Friday (15th June) with folk-rock legends Steeleye Span with a career that has taken in an astounding six decades, with hit records “All Round My Hat” and “Gaudete”. The band are not just a legendary name in British music but also a link to the classic days of rock and folk music. Contemporaries of the likes of Led Zeppelin and Fairport Convention, they have gone on to change the face of folk music forever, taking it from small clubs and festivals into the world of chart topping albums and international tours

Saturday sees a night of dance with Scottish band quoted as being the “Future of Celtic Dance music” The Peatbog Faeries.  Nominated in the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards for Best Live Act, the band have performed at leading festivals all around the world, and will be returning to Beverley on the Saturday to headline a mid-summer dance night, with support from Denmark’s award winning young band Habadekuk.

The finale night at the festival will see two great bands from two different generations. 

Premier rock ‘n’ roll legend Joe Brown will be headlining the main concert.   His ‘Very Best Of’ album achieved a Gold Record for a massive 120,000 sales and was on the UK charts for eight weeks staying four weeks in the Top 20. Recently he received MOJO magazine’s coveted Outstanding Contribution To Music Award as well as a much deserved MBE.

He performed on Later With Jools Holland and played his part closing the show at the Concert for George Harrison.  At the festival Joe will be bringing his five piece band including his son and record producer Pete Brown, and the musical styles incorporated into his new show break more boundaries and are as unique as the man himself. Packed with timeless classics, rockabilly, gospel, country, folk, and rock ‘n’ roll, all interwoven with Joe’s effervescent delivery and humorous reminiscences this sensational show is a musical journey not to be missed.

For the younger generation, and those young at heart, the Sunday night will finish in style with the young band tipped to be the Mumford and Sons, ahab.  Returning to the festival after their huge success at it last year, the band play alternative country music and have received rave reviews across the board.  Simon Mayo, of BBC Radio said “ahab is the real deal – top-notch UK Americana featuring tight four-piece harmonies.”

In addition the festival has some of the best American acts around from the UK and overseas with the dynamicAbigail Washburn with Kai Welch and Furnace Mountain visiting from the USA, and UK based The Carrivick Sisters and The Toy Hearts, along with Yorkshire’s very own Tom Townsend Band. Some great blues, bluegrass and country music will be heard over the weekend, with some excellent sessions to join in with.

Other artists include, Martin Carthy, Chumbawamba, Cooper Boyes & Simpson, Henry Priestman, Eduardo Niebla, author of DI Banks series of books as featured on ITV with Stephen Peter Robinson, and poet extraordinaire Ian McMillan and Luke Carver-Goss.

The growing and increasingly popular Area2 Youth programme is also hosting some of this countries top young artists. Run by young people it offers the chance for the rising stars of the future to shine in a festival atmosphere, and encourages young people to get involved  and participate in the event.

A wide range of concerts and activities for those attending the event, with a special emphasis on families and children, makes the event a perfect weekend for all.  With tickets selling fast and special rates available until the 31st March

Beverley Festival join up with Live & Unsigned

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Beverley Festival is the one of the UK’s biggest Folk, Acoustic, Roots festival held in Beverley, Yorkshire and it returns between Friday 15th and Sunday 17th June 2012.

Beverley Festival

Beverley Festival is an incredibly diverse family festival , it promises to offer 3 nights & 2 days of breathtaking music from International Artists, Dance, Comedy, Film, Spoken Word, Acoustic Sessions, Workshops for all ages, Children’s events, Craft Stalls, Real Ale, camping & much more with the ‘Festival Village’ being the centre of events at the Beverley Leisure Complex, HU17 0LT

Many other events take place such as the Festival Film Club and not forgetting the fabulous headliners which in previous years have seen highly acclaimed acts such as: Billy Bragg, Seth Lakeman, Chumbawamba, New Model Army, The Buzzcocks, Eddi Reader, The Proclaimers, Paul Carrack, Barbara Dickson, not to mention 5 times Radio 2 Folk Award Winners Bellowhead!

Beverley  will give you the chance to sample some First Rate music and Fine Ales straight off the Yorkshire Wolds and relax in the shadow of one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Britain – Beverley’s historic Minster set in one of the most beautiful market towns around.

How to win a slot

It will come as no surprise that Beverley Festival organisers are inundated with requests from all kinds of bands and acts across the UK, all bidding for a much sought after slot at the Yorkshire festival, but spaces are as limited! Therefore they have decided to team up with the Live and Unsigned contest for the first time, to give slots to four Live and Unsigned acts! The lucky winners will be chosen from the Live Showcase Finals, to play a slot at Beverley Festival.

Chris Wade, Artistic Director at the Yorkshire Festival says “We are very much looking forward to seeing the acts at the auditions and the regional finals and are extremely excited that we get to pick those we feel would fit into our festival programme. Whoever we choose, they are sure to have a great time at the festival and will be warmly received by our audiences. Live and Unsigned – like ourselves, offer emerging talent an opportunity to be heard.

Being in the business for 29 years, it never ceases to amaze us when we hear all the fantastic new talent emerging from our shores, taking to stages and with some going on to win prestigious awards such as Moore Moss and Rutter who formed at our festival and have since won a Radio2 Folk Award. Folk music is becoming fashionable again with acts such as Mumford and Sons appealing to all ages and musical tastes. Our festival has something for everyone and for all ages. Folk is cool and so are festivals, especially those in Yorkshire…. ”.  

Live & Unsigned is the biggest unsigned music competition for original unsigned bands and artists in the UK. It offers the winning act the chance to play at The O2 in London alongside some of the UK's best musicians as well as £100,000 in prizes, including an additional new main cash prize of £10,000 for the winning act to spend on development.

Auditions will begin in January 2012 and all acts in the competition are auditioned live. Acts that make it through the audition stage will get to perform to industry judges, A & R associates and celebrity guests. Judging last year’s competition and hopefully set to join the panel again in 2012 include Radio 1 DJs Annie Nightingale, Ras Kwame, Tom Deacon and Daniel P Carter, Kerrang’s Alex Baker and Happy Mondays star Bez.

If you are interested in playing the best festivals in Yorkshire and beyond in 2012, click here to check out all the festival partners for Live and Unsigned 2012.