Wakefield Morris dance North West Morris which originated in Lancashire in the late 19th century when dancing took a central role in the annual village carnival processions. The team perform a mixture of traditional dances and their own, that have taken their inspiration and names from the Horbury landmarks. The team colours of blue and gold are taken from the crest of Wakefield City. In the 45 years that the team has existed, they have toured in France and Germany and performed at many folk festivals throughout England, gaining a reputation for a fast and lively dance style.

Sussex Junction are an energetic mixed Cotswold Morris team drawn from across Sussex. They dance a variety of traditional and non-traditional dances with their own unique twists. You won’t miss them in bright blue and yellow, with sticks and hankies flying.

Southport Swords formed in 1968 after seeing sword dancing at festivals. They added a sixth figure to North Skeleton, and since before the turn of the century have worked on the Southport oeuvre. Work on the fifth such is near complete. With over a dozen sword dances in the repertoire, thrill to their blue corded, white shirted (with red epaulettes) and red cummerbunded gyrations. Less so the singing

Old Speckled Hen are a mixed side based in South Oxfordshire. They were founded in 1992 and named after one of the beers from the Morland Brewery in Abingdon. They dance in the traditions from Lancashire and Cheshire, wearing clogs and holding sticks and slings. Their colours are red, green and yellow, as well as black and white.

Northgate Rapper are a Bath based sword dance team who recently celebrated their 33rd birthday. “Great tunes. On the beat and under the swords. Good body positioning. Top dance figures, entertaining and skillful. Verging on the frenetic. Some slightly odd socks.”

The Gillow Family combine traditional clog dance steps with both original and well-known tunes. Based in the North-east of England, they hope to make folk traditions appealing to everyone, with their range of instruments, abilities and love for dance!

Anstey Morris are a Cotswold side from Anstey in Leicestershire. Since the mid-1980s, they have been performing a range of stick, hanky and occasional hand-clapping dances, combining their own unique style with traditional forms of dances. They are proudly sponsored by Leicestershire’s Everards brewery, whose pubs they frequently perform at on Wednesday evenings in the Spring and Summer. They are unlikely to win any beauty contests, but are known for achieving a healthy balance between putting on a good performance and having a good time.

Wynton Moore is an uilleann piper and singer from New Zealand, now resident in Dublin. His piping has been influenced by the playing of Séamus Ennis, Robbie Hannan, and Seán McKiernan, among others. He also has a strong interest in Donegal fiddle music and in adapting this to the pipes. He teaches piping classes in Na Píobairí Uilleann, anchors weekly sessions in the Cobblestone and Piper’s Corner in Dublin, and has appeared in the piping recital at Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy. Wynton is also a traditional singer with a small but growing collection of songs in English and Irish. He has recently been a guest at An Góilín, Na Píobairí Uilleann, The National Celtic Festival Australia, and Ceol Aneas in New Zealand.

Exceptionally talented brothers, Joe and Will Sartin, performing as ‘Patakas’ (pronounced pa : ta : kus) are a skilful, innovative and assured acoustic duo bursting on to the folk scene. With Joe’s sublime voice and guitar playing and Will’s dexterous mandolin, the brothers beautifully and skilfully express the music-making and folk tradition that run through the very core of their family. They bring rhythms and innovative harmony to their fresh interpretations of traditional music and their own original tunes and songs.

Luke Daniels is a distinguished folk musician renowned for his virtuosity on the melodeon and accordion. At 17, he earned the BBC Radio 2 Young Tradition Award, marking the beginning of an illustrious career. His accolades also include the PRS for Music Foundation’s New Music Biennial Award and the Palme d’Or Award for Music. Luke has toured extensively with Riverdance, De Dannan, and Cara Dillon; and as a solo artist, he has played venues such as the Royal Festival Hall, London Jazz Festival, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, and the Philadelphia Folk Festival. As a singer songwriter Luke has released four solo albums to date. Luke’s musical style seamlessly intertwines traditional folk tunes from England, Ireland, and Scotland with innovative elements, creating a sound that is both rooted in heritage and refreshingly contemporary. His album “A Tribute to William Hannah, featuring melodeon music transcribed from early wax cylinders and 78s, was acclaimed as “outstanding”.

Helen Capes, was born in Hexhamshire, Northumberland, where she learned the Northumbrian Smallpipes, developing her unique playing style, influenced by legends like Joe Hutton and Colin Ross. Thirty years ago, Helen took her musical talents to Aotearoa, NZ, creating a diverse repertoire of songs and tunes inspired by her roots and travels. As a singer, piper, and all-around entertainer, she has performed at pubs, clubs and festivals in New Zealand, Australia and Britain, gathering tunes and stories along the way. Helen brings her stories to life with a captivating combination of pipes and voice. Her performances include everything from ancient ballads to contemporary jigs and reels, often leaving the audience crying one moment and laughing the next—sometimes both at once! So, come and welcome this Kiwi Hexhamshire Lass! Treat yourself to a refreshing experience with a solo artist who can entertain like no other.

This new trio combines the acclaimed talents of folksinger Rosie Hodgson, traditional fiddler Rowan Piggott, and guitarist-flautist Philippe Barnes. Independently, they have earned audiences’ esteem as consummate musicians; together, they weave an eclectic tapestry of traditional and original songs and tunes; from a cappella three-part harmonies to luscious instrumental arrangements.

Anthony and Heather Robb take their inspiration from the playing of shepherds Will Atkinson and Willie Taylor and feel honoured to keep their music alive today. As the shepherds did before them Anthony & Heather absorb newer tunes from other areas but invariably give them the shepherds’ treatment. Their programme is based on fiddle duets and the unique sound of fiddle with Northumbrian pipes. Between them they have been members of the Cut and Dry Band, The Castle Band, Windy Gyle, The Cheviot Hills Band, and The Full Stottie.