Downend Folk & Roots have revealed their programme for Autumn/Winter 2025 which strikes a balance between well-known names and emerging talent.
The programme kicks off on Friday 19 September, when Sarah McQuaid will headline. Sarah’s lush, chocolatey voice combines with her engaging personality and brilliant musicianship on acoustic and electric guitars, keyboards and (occasionally) drum to create a truly immersive experience. Opening will be friend of DF&R, Mike Weaver, a singer-songwriter originally from Cheltenham.
The Shackleton Trio headline on Friday 17 October. The trio features Georgia Shackleton (fiddle, vocals), Aaren Bennett (guitar) and Nic Zuppardi (mandolin and banjo). Collectively the band draw influence from British, American and Scandinavian folk traditions, whilst Georgia’s flair for sourcing largely unsung material from East Anglia keeps the band firmly rooted in their local tradition. In support will be The Ashen Keys, a multi instrumental, multi voiced celebration of heartfelt storytelling from Kent. Their sound tells of influences from folk, blues, pop, classical and even early music.
Back in March of 2022, Downend was due to welcome Knight & Spiers, but Covid intervened. But the good news is they’ll be in South Gloucestershire on Friday 21 November. ‘Folk A-listers’, ‘folk royalty’ and ‘folk icons’ are terms frequently applied to both Peter and John, but what it means in reality is that they bring the best of traditional music to any stage they play. Getting the evening under way will be Fly Yeti Fly, an alt-folk duo whose enchanting harmonies, warm instrumentation and heartfelt storytelling weave songs about connection and community. This concert will be live-streamed in partnership with Live to your Living Room.
The December concert is always a highlight of the musical year, and this one should be no exception as a duo who stole the show at the 10th Anniversary Celebration last Summer are back to headline the evening. Bryony Griffith & Alice Jones return with their sensational seasonal tour ‘Wesselbobs’ on Friday 19 December. Following the success of their 2023 album of the same name, they present a unique collection of winter songs and tunes sourced from their beloved native county. As is now traditional, DF&R favourites Heartwood Chorus will open the evening. What started as a community project has evolved into a quality folk act in its own right. This is not a choir that sings folk music… this is a bonafide folk choir, and one that’s been called the “finest in the UK”. This concert is another that will be live-streamed in partnership with Live to your Living Room.
All four concerts will take place at Christ Church Downend as usual, and seating is unreserved. Tickets are £14 in advance (£16 on the door) and are available online at downendfolkandroots.com, and from Melanie’s Kitchen in Downend. Please note that Melanie’s Kitchen can only take cash payments. There is also the option to buy a season ticket for all four concerts for £50, which saves a few pounds as well as booking fees. All tickets are non-refundable. There will be a full bar at all concerts, as well as a prize draw, all proceeds of which go towards booking our support artists. Doors open at 7.00pm for a 7.45pm start.
Keep supporting live music, it’s never been more important! For further information, please email info@downendfolkandroots.com or find them on social media.