AUTUMN WINTER PROGRAMME 2024
Downend Folk & Roots have announced their lineup for Autumn/Winter 2024, and as usual, it’s a great mix of the traditional and the contemporary, the established and the emerging… the very best that the UK folk scene has to offer.
They kick off after our Summer break with Filkin’s Drift, who return to headline on Friday 20 September, after performing a well-received support slot a couple of years ago. Seth Bye and Chris Roberts reimagine traditional melodies through pizzicato grooves, intricate guitar tunes, and boundless improvisation. Their recent 870 mile foot-powered tour, described as ‘committed and fascinating’ by BBC 6 Music’s Cerys Matthews, has recently propelled them into the spotlight. Opening the evening Michelle Holloway, who performs unaccompanied traditional songs and plays whistles alongside the duo in their 14-piece folk orchestra Filkin’s Ensemble.
Rachael McShane & The Cartographers release a new album this Autumn, and their tour brings them to South Gloucestershire on Friday 18 October, for a show that will also be streamed live in partnership with Live To Your Living Room. Rachael is a renowned folk singer, cellist, fiddle and viola player from the North East of England. She gained fame as an original member of the award-winning folk big band Bellowhead. Joined by guitarist Ian Stephenson (Kan, Baltic Crossing), and melodeon player Julian Sutton (Kathryn Tickell, Sting), they bring a powerful blend of traditional folk and contemporary sounds, with Rachael’s stunning voice and instrumental skills leading the line. The evening will begin with a set Yorkshire’s Johnny Campbell.
It’s hard to believe that Granny’s Attic have been playing together for 15 years, but they have… and their celebration tour brings them to Downend on Friday 15 November. The trio have been heralded for their lively performances and skilled delivery of traditional material, playing with verve, energy and their own inimitable style. Though grounded in tradition, they are keen to push new boundaries by exploring fresh approaches and writing their own compositions.. Described by Folk Radio as “one of the most exciting and accomplished English folk acts on the scene right now”, Granny’s Attic can hold audiences in the palm of their hand. They’ll be supported by Heather Ferrier, a fresh new talent from the vibrant Newcastle folk scene. The Downend Folk & Roots Christmas concert has seen some incredible lineups take to the stage in front of some of our biggest audiences, but the one that regulars have kept talking about is A Winter Union, and they return on Friday 13 December in a gig that will also be live-streamed by Live To Your Living Room. Featuring members of The Willows, Gilmore & Roberts and Hannah Sanders & Ben Savage, this supergroup is now fast becoming thought of as the pre-Christmas knees-up for folk and roots music lovers all over the country. And, after the success of last year, we’re pleased to say that the brilliant folk-choir Heartwood Chorus will get us underway.
All four concerts will take place at Christ Church Downend. Seating is unreserved. The concerts are all individually priced, but you can also buy a season ticket for all four concerts for £55. All tickets are non-refundable. They are available online from downendfolkandroots.com, and they will also be available from Melanie’s Kitchen in Downend ahead of each individual gig. Please note that the shop can only take cash payments and season tickets are not available there. There will be a full bar at all concerts, as well as a prize draw, all proceeds of which go towards booking support artists. Doors open at 7.00pm for a 7.45pm start. For further information, please visit downendfolkandroots.com, email info@downendfolkandroots.com or find them on social media.