Artists Already Confirmed
 |
Joan Armatrading's rich, distinctive voice and passionate yet tender blend of Pop Jazz, Folk and Blues music has earned her a place in British music history. One of Britain's female artists who has stood the test of time with songs like Love And Affection, Willow, Drop The Pilot and Lovers Speak.
As a pioneering and hugely influential songwriter and singer, along with Grammy and Brit nominations Joan has received an Ivor Novello award for her outstanding collection of contemporary songs. In 2007 Joan became the first UK female artist to debut at number 1 in the Billboard Blues chart with her CD Into The Blues.
Joan Armatrading has earned herself a reputation as one of Britain's most unusual and gifted talents whose live performances are not to be missed.
Joan will be playing the Acoustic Festival on Saturday May 26th. |
| Mention Glenn Tilbrook and most people may immediately think of Squeeze. After all, with his writing partner Chris Difford, Tilbrook was responsible for Top Ten hits all around the world such as “Tempted”, “Hourglass”, “Cool For Cats” and “Up The Junction”.
Clearly, for Glenn Tilbrook playing is about enjoying the moment, and it’s that desire and enthusiasm that sets him apart from so many of his peers. Whether he’s playing to a room of 50 people or to a festival crowd, either with Squeeze or solo, Glenn Tilbrook still gets the buzz from playing and making music that is all too rare among his peers or those he has inspired, and marks him out as a perfomer to be cherished.
|
 |
 |
Danny & Ben from Thunder. After the huge one-off outstanding reformation of Thunder at the 2011 High Voltage Festival, these two men have quietly been thrilling fans of the band with informal, informative and incredible evenings telling stories of life on the road and singing a few songs at selected venues round the country.
Expect
a mixture of Thunder classics being giving a special airing with a delicate musical precision and some well-known covers by their favourite artists,
Between songs that the two men have enjoyed listening to over their lifetime and those they also recorded for the band, they will regale the crowd with madcap tales of trips and gigs
|
In a vain attempt at bourgeois credibility, Manchester's sharp-dressed, sharp-delivering punk poet Lenny, changed his name to John Cooper Clarke and embarked on a polysyllabic excursion though Thrillsville. Clad in the slum chic of the hipster, he issued the slang anthems of the zip age in the desperate esperanto of bop.
His biting, satirical, political and very funny verse delivered in his rapid-fire performance style resonated with the punk movement that had begin to pick up speed in the late 70s and saw him begin to draw huge crowds in his own right after touring with most of punk’s seminal and ground breaking bands including Sex Pistols, Buzzcocks, The Fall, Elvis Costello and Siouxsie and the Banshees, to name but a few.
Expect a mix of hilarious anecdotes of life in a Northern town interspersed with machine-gun fast delivery of some of his best poems. 'If you think poetry is dull and boring, or posh and erudite - you haven't seen JCC!' |
 |
 |
Katrina and The Waves had their first break in 1984 when The Bangles covered their song 'Going Down To Liverpool'. This drew attention to the group and lead to an international deal with Capitol Records. Katrina became an international pop star with the massive hit 'Walking On Sunshine', which has become a timeless summer anthem.
'Walking On Sunshine' has been used in countless films - American Psycho,Secret of My Success, Look Who's Talking and Hi Fidelity to name a few, and numerous commercials. It was even covered by Dolly Parton.
In 1997 Katrina and the Waves' 'Love Shine A Light' won the Eurovision Song Contest with the largest ever margin, followed by an unprecedented four consecutive appearances on Top Of The Pops and a # 3 in the UK Charts. |
The Move have rock band credentials that speak for themselves. They can boast being the first band to be played on Radio 1, and have toured alongside The Who and Jimi Hendrix. Without doubt, The Move are one of Britain's most respected bands, having had numerous hit records over the last 30 years including classics such as Fire Brigade, Flowers In The Rain and Blackberry Way.
In November and December 1967 the group took part in another package tour around the UK, playing two shows a night over sixteen days as part of an all-star bill that included The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Pink Floyd, The Nice, Amen Corner and the then BBC Radio 1 DJ, Pete Drummond. |
 |
 |
The Animals.
In 1964 a wave of new energetic rock and roll swept over the youth of the world. On the crest of this wave was The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and from the banks of the River Tyne came the North East's offering; The Animals - with a brand of rhythm n blues that the whole world seemed to grasp greedily.
Featuring original Animals John Steel and Mick Gallagher, plus John E. Williamson and Peter Barton, this is a great band that needs little introduction. With over 20 global top ten hits, The Animals remain a seminal rhythm & blues band who still command great respect. Expect a fantastic concert of pure classics including House Of The Rising Sun, We Gotta Get Out Of This Place, Baby Let Me Take You Home and more. |
Mike Peters led The Alarm throughout the world to 14 Top 50 singles, six successful albums, packed out venues, critical acclaim, and most importantly, a loyal following.
The Alarm began in the early 80's and scored their first chart hit with the rousing '68 Guns' which made the Top 20 in September 1983. 'Where Were you Hiding When the Storm Broke' was another chart success before the release of their debut LP, 'Declaration', which went Top Five in its first week of release.
After The Alarm split up in 1991, Mike began his solo career, recording new music, participating in various projects with other artists, doing extensive charity work, and archiving and remastering The Alarm's entire recorded output. His work in creating and maintaining the band's official web site also gave him a unique relationship with his many fans. |
 |
 |
Justin Sullivan and Dean White (New Model Army).
Autumn 2010 saw New Model Army reach their 30th Anniversary with marathon celebrationary concerts on four continents, box-set releases and a wave of good will. And still they show no sign of slowing down – already preparing a new studio album to follow 2009’s “Today Is A Good Day”, their third new album in five years and widely acclaimed as being equal to their very best. Meanwhile founder and main songwriter Justin Sullivan continues to do semi-acoustic alternative performances of NMA material, accompanied by Dean White the band’s guitarist/keyboardist – a format that is more intimate and flexible while losing very little of New Model Army’s famous intensity. The duo have done these shows across the World in every setting possible – from tiny clubs to huge Festival stages, from prisons to palaces |
Ian McNabb
One of the great singer/songwriters to emerge from the 80s Liverpool music scene. Founder/lead singer with the chart toppers The Icicle Works, famous for the UK and US Top 40 hits "Love Is A Wonderful Colour" and "Whisper To A Scream (Birds Fly)",
Ian McNabb has gone on to enjoy a critically-acclaimed solo career. The Mercury Music Prize nominated artist continues to write stunning songs with warmth, humour, cynicism and grandeur.
He has also played with musicians as diverse as Ringo Starr, Crazy Horse, Mike Scott (of The Waterboys), and Danny Thompson of folk legends Pentangle.
|
 |
 |
Uli Jon Roth (a.k.a. Ulrich Roth) is a German-born virtuoso guitarist who has been in bands such as Scorpions, Electric Sun, and Sky of Avalon.
He played with Scorpions in the mid-70's for 5 years, recording 4 studio albums and 1 live album, and arguably created a genre of rock guitar known as shred. This last comment may raise the hackles of fans of Blackmore, Page, Schenker, Beck, and Iommi, but Roth brought to the table some skills that none of these greats could quite claim.
After departing from Scorpions, he went to form his own band Electric Sun and recorded three albums. During this period, Uli developed the unique Sky Guitar, which would allow him to pursue a his dreams of playing notes on a guitar generally played in the violin-register. |
| Gordon Giltrap
Over the past forty years, Gordon Giltrap has graced the music business with his dedication to his craft and his affection for his audience. As one of the UK's most respected guitarists, he has consistently proved the adage that respect cannot be bought. It must be earned.
A virtuoso acoustic guitar player blending classic styles with progressive rock and jazz fusion. Everyone from Brian May to Midge Ure to John Entwistle has worked with the man, regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of the modern age.
Gordon will satisfy fans with his most well loved hits, as well as explaining the history of his many different guitars. Be prepared for beautiful compositions that cross all musical genres with wit, charm and unbelievable talent. |
 |
 |
Tir Na Nog
Leo O'Kelly & Sonny Condell are widely regarded as one of the most influential songwriting & performing groups to have emerged from Ireland. Their guitar work was intricate and complex, leading to their being compared to bands such as The Incredible String Band and Pentangle. The legendary John Peel was one of their early champions, featuring them on many of his famed "Peel Sessions". They toured the world in the '70s with Jethro Tull, Procol Harum & Roxy Music among others. With the recent upsurge of interest in progressive (psychedelic or acid) folk, as their music is often catgorised, they have once again become the mentors of many young bands and fans worldwide.
Their music mainly consists of their own compositions, based on strong Celtic roots and typically featuring intricate acoustic guitar playing and close harmony singing. Today, they regularly give concerts, especially in Ireland |
| Stackridge have the distinction of having opened and closed the very first Glastonbury. They also appeared at The Glastonbury Festival again in 1999, 2000 and 2008.
Andy Davis, James Warren and Jim 'Crun' Walter still retain their unique mix of charm, skill and intelligence. Here they are as contemporary and fresh as bands half their age with a collection of songs that emphasise their talent for writing memorable melodies and playful, poignant lyrics.
In 2011 Stackridge once again proved they are THE band that UK Festival audiences love , regardless of age , musical tastes or preferences.
With barnstorming appearances at the Sonic Rock Festival , The Cornbury Festival & The Rhythms Of The World Festival they not only thrilled die hard fans who had travelled across the country to see them ,but won over a whole new audience that perhaps were unaware of their history and the depth & breadth of their music.
|
 |
 |
Gandalf Murphy & The Slambovian Circus of Dreams have been called "the hillbilly Pink Floyd," which is an apt description, particularly if you throw in elements of Incredible String Band, Neil Young, The Band, Dylan, and maybe even some Frank Zappa as well.
On stage they create an enchanting atmosphere, using traditional folk instruments, tasty electric guitar and the distinctive singing and songwriting of Joziah Longo. The Circus' live shows are where the real magic comes down, earning them critical acclaim as well as a fiercly loyal following. |
| The PRESSGANG line-up that toured together throughout Europe and the USA in the 1990s are once again touring around Europe. Armed with their latest CD album OUTLANDISH, the band have lost none of the energy and enthusiasm for drama and spectacle, great rhythms, wild tunes and traditional songs updated for modern ears.
A folk band like no other, Pressgang take traditional songs into places that no other band dares to go. New sounds from the accordion, whirling dervish instrumentals, hurdy gurdy, acapella singing and rapping are just a taste of the full ingredients. Add to this dancing, storytelling, drama and audience participation and you'll have an idea of the stage show that got them all over Europe and the USA without a major record label or management. It has to be seen to be believed and heard. |
 |
 |
Celtic pop rock band Quill are arguably the busiest Midlands based touring group - fronted by two very attractive fiddle playing lasses.
Anyone seeing and hearing Quill in concert will wonder at the magic of the performance! Quill has developed a unique musical style that has captured many varied influences, plying Celtic folk hued Fleetwood Mac-ish rock before the Corrs were invented. The artistry of guitar and violin harmonies is complimented by five vocal harmonies producing an exciting dynamic sound.
Quill's repertoire includes many time-honoured classics, performed with energy and enthusiasm and their original material blends perfectly.
A stunning entertaining stage show, equal to any world class act!
At every concert the audience is comprehensively entertained and always end the evening with a smile having danced, swayed and rocked to an endless stream of perfectly performed show stoppers. |
| Robin and Bina Williamson
ROBIN - founder in the 60's of the influential Incredible String Band and the Merry Band of the 70's, has been a key figure at the forefront of the storytelling revival in Europe and America since the 80's. BINA has a voice of resonance, innocence and warmth, drawing on a variety of Indian styles as well as the Celtic heritage and British folk traditions. Bina plays bowed-psaltery, auto-harp and percussion.
After the Incredible String Band, and all the other projects they have been involved in as a duo and individually over the past years, Robin and Bina have put together something completely new. There is no one else doing anything like them. They harness the essence of previous years in a unique present of their own.
This incredible duo makes a unique Indo - Celtic sound, performing a variety of original, traditional, mystical and spiritual folk music from many roots. Their acoustic concerts of song story and music feature the East West harmonies of Robin and Bina's voices with harp, bowed psaltery & many other instruments
|
 |
 |
Aziz
Be prepared for a sonic showdown of Asian Blues. Prodigiously talented guitar player Aziz Ibrahim hails from Manchester’s toughest district, Longsight where he still lives today. Son of a Pakistani mum and dad who moved to the UK in search of a better life, he was told as a young lad ‘you’ll not make any loot, not if you’re playing in a band.’ Fortunately, he didn’t listen and has reveled in a stellar indie career to date.
Having played with a host of British bands including Simply Red, Asia and the Stone Roses, his skills span many genres. |
| King Hammond The cat is finally out of the bag! I'm pleased to be able to share one of the worst kept secrets in modern ska history Gammy Award winner Nick Welsh is King Hammond and King Hammond is Nick Welsh! Coming nearly 25 years after the release of 'Revolution 70' in 1987, Welsh has once again donned his alter ego 'King Hammond' Nick started the King Hammond project back in 1987 while he was a member of the band Bad Manners. The first 2 tracks recorded were ‘Skaville UK’ (which went on to become a Bad Manners single in 1989 but was in fact a King Hammond cover version! it was also used as the theme music for the tv show ‘British Tribes’).
The other song ‘King Hammond Shuffle’ has been featured on many ska compilations all over the world. In 1989 the album ‘Revolution 70’ was released on the Bluebeat label. This has become a much sought after collectors’ item. |
 |
 |
The WeeBagBand
We are 5 eejits that bring trad, popular and modern toe tappin' diddly, diddly Irish music & songs to pubs, clubs, doos 'n festivals to North Wales, Cheshire, Infinity & beyond.......
Paul - on the strummy thing
Rory - on the picky thing
Alan - on the boomy thing
Mark - on the bassy thing
Jules - on the scratchy thing
Oh.! and the name.......? Well lets just say we were under the influence of something a tad iffy when we came up with that one and were stuck with it now...!!!
|
Joe O'Donnell's Shkayla
Joe O'Donnell is one of the finest electric violin players performing in the Celtic tradition. He's also widely acclaimed as a first-class mandolin-player, singer and composer. The captivating sound of Joe O'Donnell's Shkayla brings together the spirit of Celtic tradition and the dynamic grooves of modern rock and jazz. Limerick-born Joe’s career has previously included work with former Steeleye Span members, Terry and Gay Woods, dynamic fiddle-driven rock band East Of Eden and the late, great Irish bluesman Rory Gallagher. Singing songs in English and Gaelic and playing soaring fiddle melodies and improvisations, Joe is accompanied by a team of first-class musicians who really understand and do justice to the dynamic spirit of Celtic and rock music. |
 |
 |
T.Rextasy return to the Acoustic Festival of Britain by popular demand after their packed out set at last years festival left the audience cheering for more. You can view their appearance here
They
are the only band to have been authorised and endorsed by Marc Bolan's Catalogue Management, are now officially recognised as the world's No.1 group dedicated to the greatest glam rocker of them all, Marc Bolan of T.Rex. With their uncanny doppelganger lead singer and lead guitarist, Danielz. T.Rextasy perform a powerful and mesmerising presentation of Marc Bolan's rock and pop anthems. Now in it's 16th year of touring, this show will take you on a journey through all those hits.
|
Rusty Shackle. Formed in early 2010 the Shackle create a rustic old time sound that conjures up imagery of Mississippi steam boats, seedy show girls and bar room brawls.
Their sound draws influences from Bluegrass, Folk, Celtic and Old time Blues; throwing together guitar, fiddle, banjo, bass, drums and percussion to give the natural ingredients for their contemporary folk music.
High energy live performances and boundless enthusiasm make sure you'll leave exhausted with their tunes swimming around your head for days after.
The Shackle were signed by Kissan Productions early in 2010 and have been recording at Acapela Studios ever since. The boys have been creating quite a stir on the Welsh music scene with the release of their debut EP 'Hounds of Justice'. |
 |
 |
Rodney Branigan is the guy that plays two guitars at once. But, it's not gimmicky. That's right, he is a master at alternate tuning, and strums one while he does hammer-ons with the other. He creates a controlled piece of mayhem
This artist calls his music ‘progressive folk fusion,’ but that doesn’t do it justice. Clearly, he’s invented a new genre one that blends rock, folk, flamenco, madrigal, classical, bluegrass and jazz and, it all works. Most songs are instrumentals that are driving, thumping monsters. The vocal pieces are just as strong, but not quite as thrilling. Branigan plays music so compelling that you have to listen to it. It stuns the audience and hushes the room even in a bustling L.A. club.
Rodney Branigan is one of the most amazing artists you will ever see. Not simply because he’s unique, but rather because he’s impossibly talented. Whether this artist made a deal at the Crossroads, or has preternatural abilities is unknown.
Even if someone doesn't like acoustic music, one is going to watch in slack-jawed amazement wondering, WTF did I just see?! |
The Re-entrants
The Re-entrants formed in 2007, when Phil Doleman and Ian Emmerson encountered each other on an internet ukulele forum and found they were near neighbours. They quickly became one of the most in-demand ukulele acts in the UK.
Nothing is out of bounds for the Re-entrants, whether it be classic Bowie or Britney Spears, Motorhead or Madonna. They somehow manage to get in all the hooks, riffs, solos and vocal harmonies without any backing tracks or fancy tricks - nothing but two voices and two ukuleles, and have built up a fine reputation at The Acoustic Festival for producing memorable gigs
Their act is so very strong: they transcend the limitations of the ukulele. |
 |
An acoustic warrior with an acoutsic guitar as his weapon - Martin Lucus aka - THE CELTURIAN - has been captivating audiences with his unique musical style for many years
Dubbed the 'Celtic Hendrix' The Celturian has raised the popularity of Gaelic - themed music to new levels by pioneering it's performance on the acoustic guitar.
With no margin for error The Celturian relies on concentration and muscular fingers for his continuous solo's that veer from heart felt melody to frantic flurry!!
Sounding good is one thing when you’re hooked up to a Marshall amp and 12 metric tons of distortion. Small mistakes sound like brilliant improvisations. But acoustic instruments are not so forgiving. That’s why most rock musicians, when they do pick up a dreadnaught, mainly stick to strumming |
 |
 |
Previous Acoustic Festival goers will know that The Outcast Band bring a live performance like no other. The influences from folk, punk and rock are apparent but they have created a distintive sound which has earned them a reputation for giving what many have described as the best live music experience of their lives.
With echoes of The Waterboys, New Model Army and The Levellers, the band produce a huge sound firmly based in rock and complemented by violin, mandolin and accordion. With songs such as Hurricane Day and The Garden Song the band hold nothing back, giving the audience a performance packed full of raw emotion.
The lyrical narrative of the songs, both stark and compelling, tells stories of struggles with the extremes of emotion and, although characterised by a distinct lack of optimism, there are “glimpses of stars from the gutter” |
| Pig Earth are an original five piece acoustic band performing Country Folk music based around song writing of Neil Keveren and Emma Steele. The band features tenor banjo, mandolin, melodeon, double bass and acoustic guitar. To quote some popular Country magazines “Pig Earth are not a Country band but come pretty close. Mainly Folk they have influences of Rock, electric Cajun, Bluegrass with a thread of Latino woven in”. They play uplifting catchy tunes with well honed musicianship. Tales of love, travel, roots and home. |
 |
 |
Shamus O'Blivion and the Megadeath Morrismen
This Exciting Band have been playing together for over ten years, and if you are yet to encounter them, then they are probably the best band you have never heard of! All of them are highly accomplished musicians and as a band have been steadily earning a reputation across the country for playing Rock influenced Celtic Music (traditional Irish & Scottish) in a hard edged, fast and cheeky style.
With an outlandish stage show which is both extremely visual and very amusing they deliver a high energy set encompassing super fast jigs and reels, enigmatic Celtic melodies, powerful folk rooted songs and a whole heap of rock attitude. |
Since the well publicised break up of Waking the Witch, Patsy Matheson and Becky Mills have continued to delight audiences throughout the UK – Patsy as half of a duo with the legendary Clive Gregson (Gregson & Collister, Richard Thompson Band), and Becky singing alongside Ken Nicol (Steeleye Span) and Ashley Hutchings (Fairport Convention). Now, to support the release of their two new albums ( Patsy’s ‘Stories of Angels & Guitars’ available 16th Jan 2012) and Becky’s ‘Dandelion’ , these two highly respected songwriters, singers and guitar players have joined forces resulting in a unique and personal sound, drawing on roots in traditional and contemporary folk, acoustic blues, R & B, jazz and rock, with an emphasis on intricate vocal harmonies. Combine this with the pair’s engaging charm and sense of humour, and this promises to be a very special set of top quality entertainment. |
 |
Daily Activities and Workshops
The Shimmy Armageddon Belly Dancers |
The Zazu Tribal Dancers |
Black Pig Border Morris |
The Biker Urban Morris Dancers
|
The Balliamo Dancers |
Other Workshops - Drumming & Percussion, Guitar, Ukelele, Didgeridoo making & Playing,
Childrens & Adults Craft Workshops, Juggling area, Tibetan Singing Bowls & Vocalisation, Healers
THE BADGE PIRATES
(Capt' Joanie Depp and Capt' Bill Blackbird)
Badge making workshops, for children of all ages
