Program alterations for Sunday
Sundays music schedule with the alteration of the End of Festival Ceilidh being at 17:00 - 18:15, at Millennium Green. Helena Softley will be doing a singing workshop in Borough Gardens 14:00 - 16:00 The Survivors sessions starts at 20:00 until 23:00 Morris dancers will be around the town on Sunday too! BearCat Collective will be up by the Tea and coffee window all day with their Swap Shop, doing crafts with the kids. There are bands in The Tiger and The Lord Nelson and a session in The Ropemakers between 13:00 - 15:00 with Half of Murphy's. Sundays music schedule with the alteration of the End of Festival Ceilidh being at 17:00 - 18:15, at Millennium Green. Helena Softley will be doing a singing workshop in Borough Gardens 14:00 - 16:00 The Survivors sessions starts at 20:00 until 23:00 Morris dancers will be around the town on Sunday too! BearCat Collective will be up by the Tea and coffee window all day with their Swap Shop, doing crafts with the kids. There are bands in The Tiger and The Lord Nelson and a session in The Ropemakers between 13:00 - 15:00 with Half of Murphy's. |
Merry Hell
Multi-award winning Merry Hell offer joyful, uplifting folk-rock, with a message of hope for troubled times. Native to the North-West of England, the 8-piece musical charabanc was built from the embers of the much-loved folk-punk band The Tansads, before developing a life and feel all of its own. Their energy and passion is complimented by their love of what they do and desire to share hope and togetherness with as many people as are willing to listen. Through 6 well-received albums and hundreds of gigs, they’ve offered voices of hope and beacons of light to anyone valuing both melody and positive humanity. |
Reg Meuross
The breadth and depth of Reg Meuross’s material is unparalleled in contemporary folk: songs about forgotten heroes, famous names, folk legends, the climate emergency, tales from the kitchen sink and news from the world stage; if something needs to be sung about then Reg Meuross has a song for it. Reg is touring with songs of history, protest, love, loss, and legend from 14 releases and some brand new songs from two forthcoming song cycles: Fire & Dust and Stolen From God. |
Helena Softley
From Main Stage Glastonbury to TV presenter, from intimate concerts to her recent chart success with Billy Bragg, Helena Softley has moved audiences all over the world with her incredible voice, accomplished guitar, and energetic performances. A singer songwriter with a voice both rich and powerful, deep and mellow, she is passionate and lively onstage. She engages you with her bubbly personality and tongue in cheek audience control and sings every song as if it were just for you. Supremely professional in every aspect of her work, she will entrance you with her fearless mix of hard-driving rhythms, beautiful ballads, and soulful melodies. Expect a lively, passionate and entertaining set! www.helenasoftley.com @thehelenasoftley (FB link) https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrwTHngMNcsbjqNkHNiMvKQ |
The Countrymen
The Countrymen are a Cornish Folk Rock Harmony Group from Launceston.Five seasoned musicians with tight four-part harmony vocals and a token Cornishman.With a relaxed and light-hearted presentation style they take the audience on a journeythrough the history and culture of Cornwall, featuring their own arrangements of traditional and contemporary songs, as well as original material. Interspersed with theoccasional pop cover to lighten the mood when required, thereis no mistaking thatto a man, they love their county with a passion. |
Antione and Owena
Inspired by traditional and contemporary folk music, Antoine & Owena create their own original blend of folk music that provides a feast for the ears, the heart and the feet. Together they combine the interpretive folk violin styles of Owena Archer, with the folk-rock guitar and bouzouki rhythms of Antoine Architeuthis to create an eclectic mix of original and traditional material inspired by history, tragedy, love and hope. Their original songs focus on story-telling and have been described as “well-constructed and convincingly told” by Living Tradition, and simply “Brilliant” by Folking.com, whilst their own take on traditional folk songs are stylishly sympathetic to the originals but given new tunes with a contemporary twist. |
Mitchell and Vincent
Westcountry folk duo Mitchell and Vincent bring traditional and contemporary styles on fiddle and guitar to music from the British Isles with their own varied arrangements telling stories with their tunes as well as songs. They have performed concerts around the UK, including festivals such as Glastonbury, Broadstairs, Oxford and Beverley. Acoustic magazine praised their playing as, “Stunning”; FATEA said, “Music that is beautifully played”; while Bright Young Folk described their performance as, "Providing skilled arrangements and expert delivery of tunes and songs which showcase the vibrancy, and variety, of folk music across Britain. A thoroughly engaging and enjoyable experience.” Web site: www.mitchellandvincent.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/mitchellandvincent Twitter: @mitchellandvin plus @mitchellandvinc YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/MitchellandVincent Bandcamp: https://mitchellandvincent.bandcamp.com |
Confluence Duo
Confluence are an instrumental meeting of ‘cello and accordion based in the New Forest. They join traditional music from the UK with beautiful dance tunes from France, Belgium and the Nordic countries, as well as self-penned tunes inspired by those traditions. They love improvising around tunes and finding new ways to interpret them, whether for dancing or for listening. Gill and Alasdair founded the Eurobal Wessex dance club in the New Forest and Dorset to enable groups to play for French/balfolk dancing, and play frequently at other similar clubs in London, Brighton, Oxford, Reading, Exeter and Bristol. They have played regularly at Chippenham festival and also at Bridport, Swanage and Sidmouth, as well as folk clubs around the south coast. |
Amy Hopwood and Tobias Raven
Amy and Tobias will be playing songs from Amy’s new album “Into the Woods” – a mixture of original and traditional folk songs with a forest theme, and modern re-interpretations of old fairy tales. You can expect fun songs to join in with, pretty ones to send you a bit misty eyed and others with lyrics interesting enough to get your teeth into! “Gorgeous!” - Tom Robinson, BBC Radio 6 Music. “Good music makes you think, and this is good music” - Folking.com. Find out more: www.amyhopwood.co.uk |
|
Delphis
Winner of Purbeck Rising 2016, Delphis have played at Bridport Folk Festival a few times now. They always go down well and it is always a pleasure to have them on. https://delphis.bandcamp.com https://www.instagram.com/delphisband https://twitter.com/delphisband |
Half Of Murphy's
A Half of Murphy's is Noeleen and Alex who are literally half of the Bournemouth based Ceilidh band Murphys Lore. In the band, Noeleen and Alex are the rhythm section, providing a driving force behind the tune players and Noeleen's smooth, clear vocals provide the core of the band's songs. They have been performing regularly as a duo for many years now. After a couple of appearances at some local folk clubs were well received, they decided to do some more and kept going. Over the years they have appeared at Wessex, Wimborne, Trowbridge, Purbeck Valley and Bridport Folk Festivals. They are often seen at Milford Folk Club (their favourite local), Ringwood Folk Club and when able, do a stint at Wimborne Folk Club. |
Fiddleback
Guitar, Fiddle & Harmony Vocals. Popular songs, classic favourites, originals & foot stomping folk tunes. They have played more than 100 gigs together. Ollie Back sings smoky, stripped back versions with a soulful twist. Plus vocal harmonies, folk song and violin melodies from Sam on the fiddle. Ollie has been working as a solo artist and Sam has played with bands around the UK at festivals, theatres and arts centres. www.fiddleback.co.uk facebook.com/FiddleBackLive |
Longdog
LONGDOG – One of the hardest working bands in Dorset & Somerset. With a 6/7 piece line-up, this is a big sound! As many as 4 Vocals & 3 Guitars, ably supported by Bass & Drums and a range of percussion! They bring their skills to bear on songs by Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span, Fleetwood Mac, Jefferson Airplane, Jimi Hendrix and many more, plus the odd original song too. |
Wilswood Buoys
From Mersea Island in Essex, young new act Wilswood Buoys are currently cutting their name into the UK underground scene. Mixing trad folk, with modern acoustic pop, the band have a unique sound that’s also familiar and accessible. Formed in summer 2017, starting out as just a couple of mates having a jam, things quickly escalated into writing music. Both of the buoys had a completely different upbringing in terms of musical styles and this led them down a path of intertwining many genres into one, to form a raw and fresh alt/folk island sound, with catchy riffs and big choruses. 2021 was huge for the band, with highlights of supporting Frank Turner in Colchester and playing the Nick Alexander Stage at Lost Evenings IV at The Roundhouse in London. Frank Turner also produced their debut album, out September 2022, which guarantees some barnstorming sing-alongs. |
The Bridport Broadsides
The Bridport Broadsides….. are a 20 plus strong collective of spuriously titled ‘Gentlemen’ who have a common desire to enchant the world with their vocal excellence and sparkling wit through the rendition of Shanties and Nautical songs / stories. In doing so, they have raised funds for a variety of worthy, needy and local charitable causes. The ‘Broadsides’ popularity has seen them rebooked for events ( usually to apologise) and can usually field a Crew of between 9 and 15. The Crew’s repertoire has expanded considerably since their formation in Sept 2019 and they now happily welcome more requests to perform their exalted talents at fundraising events across the Southwest. |
Du Glas
Smugglers and selkies, lovers and bal maidens all come alive in the colourful, evocative music of West Cornwall band Du Glas. Firmly rooted in Americana and British folk, Du Glas weave together influences from rock, country and even punk to form their own unique, eclectic sound. At times haunting and lyrical, often lively and powerful, their high-energy performances have been wowing audiences in Cornwall and across the south of England. The wild force of the sea is felt throughout their bold second album, The Edge of the World, which features in their performances. Named one of Folk London's Albums of the Year for 2021, it offers a collection of spirited songs inspired by the bands West Cornwall homeland. |
Acoustic Rooster
Alan, Rob, Maurice and Chris are ‘Acoustic Rooster’, considered to be Bridport’s oldest and most successful 4 piece Folk band. Formed some 12 years ago, they play an eclectic mix of folk music with a penchant for having fun. Many of their songs allude to bygone times of Irish Travellers, and Trades whilst oft times embracing ribald Maritime tales of infidelity. |
Cable Street
Cable Street came about during Lockdown 2020. We decided to meet up outside in our local churchyard, when it was allowed. We realised that we had something unique and special, so Cable Street began. With a mix of acoustic, easy-listening folk and folk-style covers, we have something for everyone. https://www.facebook.com/CableStreetBand/ |
Spinnaker Shanty
We originally formed in 2014 for a performance on HMS Victory, and after a couple of line-up changes we are now band of 3. Andy, Ted and Bernice, we have been together since 2019 and enjoy performing shanties and sea songs .We meet weekly and work hard to ensure our audiences have a good time. We even have a monthly venue where everyone enjoys singing along. |
Wareham Whalers
Wareham Whalers have been together now for over 17 years. We enjoy singing a wide range of shanties, songs of the sea as well as a number of songs composed by members of our crew. We adopt the style that sailors would have used nearly 200 hundred years ago when working. So we sing with no accompaniment and where appropriate put in the stresses that would have signalled a pull on the heavy ropes. Whilst singing we raise money for local charities including the RNLI, regularly singing for their lifeboat naming ceremonies at their headquarters in Poole. We enjoy performing our own concerts and singing at festivals both in this country and in France. We also enjoy putting on workshops to explain the origins and practical uses of shanties and simply getting other people involved and interested. Now the summer is here we are looking forward to singing at many festivals |
Milton Hide
From under the gaze of the East Sussex Wilmington Giant, Milton Hide (Jim and Josie Tipler) tell stories through originalsong. The duo blend Jim’s guitar and Josie’s pure vocal delivery with arrangements including percussion and clarinet. Whilst transporting you from the Sussex Downs across the Atlantic to the Appalachian Mountains, Milton Hide will introduce intriguing and memorable characters. Witty, surprising, insightful and uplifting music that will stay with you all the way home. “…so subtle and easy is the music that you don’t realise the stiletto has arrived until it’s slid in” RnR Magazine |
Banned From The Moor
Banned from the Moor are a lively foot-stompin’ electric folk band from Dartmoor. Fiddles, keyboard, guitar, concertina, bass guitar, accordion and drums with general mayhem wherever they go. Jigs and reels with driving rhythms, complex harmonies and random other stuff they fancy on the day with a strong Celtic flavour. |
Tony Cooke
Tony Cooke, from Lancashire, started playing folk (etc.) music in the pubs, clubs and sessions in the 1970s and was a founder-member of the legendary Lancaster ceilidh band Free Reed Band in 1981, playing until its demise in 2013. During this time he also spent 20 years as guitarist with Shake A Leg dance band; 10 years as singer and guitarist with 60s band The Hop; and been the instigator of a whole host of other (blues, rock, folk) outfits formed from time to time for specific projects. |
Greg Hancock
Greg Hancock has, over the last deade, built up a reputation as one of the UK’s most original and stylish songwriters and performers. He uses wit and humour with topics that cover the full range of human experience, from tragedy to comedy, seriousness to farce – but always in a way that is relatable and engaging. Greg ‘s guitar playing is also unusual and widely admired. His fingerpicking technique has developed over many years from early roots in the folk world, but has picked up elements of jazz and world music alng the way. |
Eve Appleton
Eve is a 20yr old songwriter and poet of modern progressive folk music. Now based in Bristol, Eve was born, raised and steeped in the waters woods and hills of West Dorset. Her songs give voice to the stories of betrayed lovers, tragic heroines and the lost children of the past. Bible-black parables, nursery rhymes and ballads, played against an avant-garde acoustic. |
Polly Morris
Performing laugh-out-loud funny songs, parody songs and also heartbreakingly poignant songs, Polly Morris is a whirlwind of entertainment. Her songs have clever lyrics and catchy melodies and with her seventh album of original songs in the pipeline she is never short of something new to make you smile. As well as performing solo, Polly can often be seen with the Polly Morris Band, which combines fun with musicality and has become synonymous with the phrase "Expect the Unexpected”. Prepare to be engaged from start to finish, or as one audience member put it “I felt as if I was on the stage with the band even though I was still in my seat!” |
Con Sessions
This trio of local Bridport musicians - of an uncertain age - will entertain you with a wide variety of acoustic music, from 60's standards to more recent well known popular songs. Blending gentle thoughtful ballads with upbeat modern folk inspired songs the ConSessions will always leave you with a smile! |
Ribble
Ribble are a fiddle and guitar duo playing unique versions of traditional and contemporary acoustic tunes. Some will move you with their beauty, some will move you with their driving beats! Ribble are Adam and Pete, both now based in Salisbury but born and raised in Lancashire, hence the band is named after the River Ribble that flows between their childhood home towns. |
Mitch Norman
'Since partly retiring from public performing some time ago Mitch can still be seen busking on market days in various towns performing excellent instrumental versions of familiar and well-loved songs on a classical guitar. Catch him somewhere at this year's Folk Festival and hear a few self-written songs if there is a microphone at hand. Mitch has been integral in the local music scene over many years having been in popular acoustic bands such as Roots Quartet, Tripping Upstairs, Rhymers and Acoustica and has released many CDs. He can now, as a busker, just play anywhere at any time so be prepared to see him and hear his music anywhere at any time soon in a town near you. |
Last Gasp
Last Gasp are a four piece group consisting of John Johnston (Guitar, Mandolin and Vocals), Malcolm Harris (Guitar, Banjo, Mandolin and Vocals), Mike Cox (Guitar, Banjo, Mandolin and Vocals) and Phil Evans (Bass and Vocals) who play a mix of Irish, British and American traditional and contemporary folk songs, ranging from foot-stomping sing-a-longs to poignant ballads – frankly, anything that doesn’t involve learning too many new chords! Although having played in various line ups since time immemorial they only came together some 7 years ago in response to a plea from an old friend to play at a charity gig to help raise money for a worthy local cause. It went so well that they chose not to go back to their respective care homes but to continue playing a wide range of music clubs and other venues throughout Dorset and Somerset - where they have been received to great critical acclaim by people who really ought to get out more. |
Inquiries - helen.emumedia@gmail.com
Performers - bridfolkperformers24@gmail.com Stewarding - bridfolkfestvolunteers@gmail.com Dance Sides - bridfolkdance24@gmail.com Sponsors and Advertisers - eventsponsors1@gmail.com Media - helen.emumedia@gmail.com |
Contact Us
|