The Young’uns
SATURDAY 2nd MAY, Unitarian
The Young’uns headlined our very first festival so it’s fabulous to welcome them back for our tenth!
The Young’uns’ live shows are renowned roller coaster rides. With heart-on-the-sleeve storytelling, beautiful lyrics, warm harmonies and relentless repartee, Sean Cooney, Michael Hughes and David Eagle (the award-winning stand-up comedian) write and sing folk songs for today.
Born from empathy, crafted with care, fired by hope, and shared with joy, The Young’uns’ songs have been described as ‘a heartfelt secular hymnary for these troubled times and a rallying call for humanity’ (The Scotsman). They have led the band to three BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards (including Best Album in 2018 for Strangers) and the creation of the acclaimed international theatre show The Ballad of Johnny Longstaff (based upon their 2019 album of the same name).
Malin Lewis
FRIDAY 1st MAY, Unitarian
Innovator, award winning, multi-instrumentalist Malin Lewis melds Scottish West coast tradition with a newly invented, self-made bagpipe alongside stars Sally Simpson (Fiddle) and Ali Hutton (Guitar). Hair tingling, philosophical and dance inducing melodies inspired by European folk traditions, queerness and the universe.
Having toured across the UK, Canada and Europe, Malin released their debut album ‘Halocline’ in May 2024 on Hudson Records. A Halocline is a visible layer that forms between salt and fresh water and is home to a unique microbial ecosystem. Halocline is a metaphor for Malin’s trans identity and living in a space in between; a beautiful space between a binary.
Malin’s unique timbre is born from the deep connection that comes from making and composing for their own instrument. Their one of a kind two-octave Smallpipe creates a whole new world of sound, captivating audiences at every opportunity.
Inspired by the likes of Martyn Bennett, Duncan Chisholm and Sharron Shannon their music is as lively as it is thought provoking and sensitive. Recently Malin has been recording music for The Outrun film, composing for contemporary dance and theatre and been learning the tradition of the extinct Finnish Bagpipes.
RE:VULVA
FRIDAY 1st MAY, Unitarian
These dazzling talented women present virtuosity, strength, and power in a language that is unashamedly and decidedly female. Their vision of the future is of a platform fit for the young women of tomorrow – so excuse us while we take just one minute of your time to peg our masculine counterparts to the wall!
RE:VULVA features Janice Burns on mandolin, Holly Clarke on vocals and guitar, Cathy Geldard on fiddle and Amy Thatcher on accordion, synth and drum pad. They reclaim the best classic folk tunes and refashion these and their own compositions with a squirt of millennial pop nostalgia. Each performance promises to be as sparkling as a brand new vagazzle….
RE:VULVA – Stop blushing and listen!
The Carrivick Sisters
SUNDAY 3rd MAY, St Mary’s
One thing that is always evident at a Carrivick Sisters performance is their joy in playing together, in singing in close harmony and in delighting an audience. Twin sisters Charlotte and Laura Carrivick have grown up playing music together, and at a live show the stage becomes an extension of their kitchen; welcoming you into a warm, musical embrace while cooking up delicious melodies and tasty instrumentals. The sisters draw inspiration from their passion for traditional American old time and bluegrass music, English folklore and the wide variety of instruments they play: guitars, mandolin, fiddle, banjo and dobro.
Performing professionally together since 2006, the Carrivicks have toured internationally, picking up fans and stories along the road and now have 7 albums under their belts. Aside from playing as a duo, Laura and Charlotte have been involved in many other bands and projects through the years, most recently with the twice IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) Award nominated, Island Recording artists, Midnight Skyracer.
Lazlo Baby
SUNDAY 3rd MAY, Oxford St
Lazlo Baby began to play their twist of folk-punk-ska in 2010 with a single goal – to have fun and have great experiences. In the early days they ran a regular Acoustic Soup night for local bands and artists, which gave them ample opportunity to perform and explore new tunes and sounds, melding trad folk into their own material.
Fifteen years on and counting, they have played at numerous enjoyable events including Kendal Calling, Beat Herder, Just So Festival, Northern Green Gathering, Góbéfest (the UK’s only Transylvanian music festival), New Mills Festival, Off the Tracks, Rustic Fest… But more to the point the Lazlos have made great friendships along the way and had an absolute blast.
Lazlo Baby just love the festival scene – energising audiences by blending European and Irish folk traditions with dollops of ska and punk.
Jon Sanders and Alex Seel
SUNDAY 3rd MAY, St Mary’s
Jon Sanders is recognised as a virtuoso bouzouki player, tenor ukulele player, drop D and DADGAD guitarist and an internationally acclaimed composer. His composition draws on elements of jazz, gypsy, funk, Arabic, Latino and Celtic styles, somewhat reminiscent of Sylvain Luc, Pierre Bensusan, Antonio Forcione and James Hill yet instantly different. He has developed the ngoni uke, a hybrid Mali small ngoni and ukelele, and the guizouki, a bouzouki/guitar fusion instrument. These are used extensively on his last four albums, Twigs of the Neem Tree, Latitudes, Zoukelele and Nada Brahma.
Jon’s latest collab is with award winning London-based singer songwriter Alex Seel. The two will perform their unique blend of contemporary song writing and world music sounds.
Zawedde (trio)
SATURDAY 2nd MAY, Unitarian
A Yorkshire-based singer-songwriter of Ugandan heritage, Zawedde brings a unique and deeply personal sound that blends elements of folk, soul, and acoustic storytelling. Her music is rich with emotional depth, drawing on themes of identity, belonging, and human connection. Inspired by legendary artists such as Terry Callier, Joan Armatrading, Nick Drake, and Laura Marling, Zawedde crafts songs that are both intimate and universally resonant.
Described as “audio self-care at its finest” (Two Story Melody), her performances are known for their warmth, sincerity, and immersive storytelling. Whether performing with a full band or in an intimate acoustic setting, Zawedde captivates audiences with her soulful voice, poetic lyricism, and intricate guitar work.
Don’t miss the opportunity to experience Zawedde live — an artist whose music lingers long after the final note. Prepare to be moved.
Cobalt Tales
SATURDAY 2nd MAY, Central Methodists
Long-standing friends of the festival Cobalt Tales are a vibrant, entertaining, female duo based in Sheffield; originally from Wigan and Stockport (via the NW Highlands of Scotland).
Through a wide variety of styles, (ballad, country, folk, rock, soul and a capella), Pat and Nuala follow threads through the tales of lives and ancestry, singing of people, places, events and experiences that have made them who they are.
Expect compelling, soulful vocals, warm, acoustic guitar and plaintive harmonica, nifty rolling bass and swingy scat, dramatic a capella harmonies, haunting low whistle and entertaining banter. They deliver ‘music from the heart that stirs the soul’ to build a warm relationship with the audience bringing joy and spirit to their performance.
Scintilla
FRIDAY 1st MAY, Todmorden College
Scintilla are joining us for our famous Friday night ceilidh at the college. A West Yorkshire band with a European twist – playing French, Scandi and original tunes. They create Euro ceilidhs with unique energy, and traditional and original dances created by their experienced caller.
Homecoming Brass Band
SUNDAY 3rd MAY, Oxford Street
Homecoming Brass Band will be joining us at our outdoor stage on Sunday, bringing African influenced music played by a New Orleans influenced brass band.
Seasoned musicians from varied backgrounds with brass and percussion, bring their own interpretations of world, funk, Latin American and original grooves.
Square Peg
SUNDAY 3rd MAY, Oxford Street
Square Peg are an old-time Appalachian string band playing mountain music from the southwest region of Virginia. Their sound is built around driving fiddle and banjo tunes, with southern vocal harmonies woven throughout. The music is rich in tradition and storytelling, and they like to bring that sense of history and narrative to their performances.
Hussnain Hanif and
Daniel Bath
SUNDAY 3rd MAY, Oxford Street
Hussnain is one of the North’s best-loved nasheed artists with a powerfully expressive vocal range and a lifelong immersion in the Punjabi traditions of na’ats and qawwali. Daniel, founder of Music for the Many, is an ethnomusicologist, composer and multi instrumentalist, who has been working with Hussnain for several years to share this beautifully engaging devotional music with the whole community. For this celebration of our Muslim communities’ song traditions Daniel and Hussnain will also be working with some local young singers to bring you irresistible new arrangements of classic nasheeds.
Alkelda
SATURDAY 2nd MAY, Central Methodists
Alkelda have emerged from York’s vibrant folk-session scene, where Ewan Chipping (banjo) and Tommy Dolan (bouzouki) are familiar faces. Drawn together by a passion for traditional music (and fishing), they have honed a sound that is contemporary in ethos, yet grounded in folk heritage and reminiscent of the crackling atmosphere of the beloved pub session. An instrumental duo, Alkelda harness the formidable combination of banjo and bouzouki. This pairing provides a rich, resonant foundation for their music—think searing strings, punchy tones, and a rhythmic engine propelling tunes forward. In fact, one of the great stalwarts of York’s folk scene (who shall remain nameless!) has taken to referring to them as “power banjo” and “the rhythm machine”! Alkelda’s sets weave original melodies with inventive takes on traditional jigs, reels, and more. They combine spontaneity with thoughtful arrangements and technical precision. Alkelda’s music is earthy, playful, and powerful; crafted for listening, with the energy to move feet!
John Haycock and Mark Tranter
SATURDAY 2nd MAY, Central Methodists
John Haycock is an accomplished kora player having trained with Gambian griot and kora master Jali Nyonkoling Kuyateh for over 10 years. Griots are a central part of West African oral tradition, passing down history, stories, music and poetry, and Jali can trace his lineage back over 1000 years. The kora is a 21 string, double bridge harp with a gourd body, dating back to the Malian Empire. John has been to Gambia to meet Jali’s family and absorb the culture. He performs interpretations of traditional folk tunes as well as some of his own compositions.
Mark Tranter is a virtuoso who blends Flamenco, Latin, and other world music styles to create his own unique, emotive guitar music. Located in Todmorden, Mark relies on word-of-mouth to become known for his art, preferring a more peaceful existence away from social media.
Witness the blending of two world-class musicians who have taken the musical roots that were their artistic beginnings and developed contemporary expression, new compositions and cross-cultural improvisation.
Laura Farrow
SATURDAY 2nd MAY, Central Methodists
Laura is an indie folk singer-songwriter inspired by real life, quiet moments, and human connection. She’s been performing live for over a decade and hosts regular open mics in Manchester.