Fri 2nd August Lady Maisery + The Askew Sisters
With a unique approach to harmony singing, intelligent and thoughtful arrangements of both traditional repertoire and original compositions, Hazel Askew, Hannah James and Rowan Rheingans draw on a myriad of musical influences. Plus Emily and Hazel Askew who rework and reinterpret songs and balladry. Included in Week and Weekend tickets
Sun 4th August Fifty Shades of Sidmouth: Steve Knightley & Friends
Steve Knightley first came to Sidmouth Folk week in 1969. In this show he will look back over the last 50 years with songs and guests that reflect his own musical journey from beachside busker to Festival patron. With Phil Henry and Hannah Martin, Evie Knightley, Barry Lister, Chris Hoban, Paul Downes, Mike Selley, The Sidmouth Town Band.
Tues 6th August Flook + Lisa O’Neill
Flook are back on the scene with a long-awaited new album Ancora. Their flutes, whistles, guitar and bodhran blend with fiery technical brilliance and a bold, adventurous musical imagination. Plus vital, straight-for-the-jugular Co. Cavan singer Lisa O’Neill whose latest CD Heard a Long Gone Song has stirred up a maelstrom of critical acclaim.
Thurs 8th August Richard Thompson (Solo Acoustic) + Kirsty Merryn
A chance to catch a truly captivating performance from iconic guitarist and songwriting genius with fifty years and nearly twenty solo albums under his belt. Expect fleet-fingered fretwork and evocative songcraft. Plus Kirsty Merryn, one of the most arresting and unconventional new young singer songwriters.
Sat 3rd August The Spooky Men’s Chorale + Hannah Rarity
Brandishing a shiny brand new CD Welcome To The Second Half, these festival favourites return with a winning spectrum of Georgian songs, pindrop-beautiful ballads, highly inappropriate covers, and immaculate man anthems. Plus, winner of BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2018, Hannah Rarity.
Mon 5th August Julie Fowlis + Matthew Byrne
Multi-award winning Gaelic singer, Julie Fowlis is a quiet torchbearer for her native tradition with ‘intoxicating’ vocals which have enchanted audiences around the world. Plus Matthew Byrne, a traditional singer, storyteller, and guitarist from Canada whose latest album was awarded Traditional Recording Of The Year at the 2018 Canadian Folk Music Awards.
Weds 7th August Le Vent du Nord + Mama’s Broke
A leading force in Quebec’s progressive francophone folk movement, Le Vent Du Nord ignite any stage with their blazing charge through a wide repertoire of traditional and original compositions. Plus Mama’s Broke, a powerful Canadian duo delivering compelling material with heart and raw energy.
Fri 9th August Belshazzar’s Feast + Granny’s Attic
“One of folk’s great odd couples”, Paul Hutchinson and Paul Sartin combine amazing musicianship with wry humour: always a winner with festival audiences. Granny’s Attic, (featuring last year’s Sidmouth great success Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne) are three young men who play (and sing) from the English tradition with verve, energy and style. Included in Week and Day tickets.