EXTRA ACTS FOR BEVERLEY FOLK FESTIVAL

June 17th – 19th 2016

www.beverleyfestival.com

Beverley Racecourse, York Rd, Beverley, North Humberside, HU17 8QZ

Beverley Folk Festival has announced major additions to the line-up for what’s already acknowledged as the biggest musical event in the East Riding of Yorkshire.

Latest bookings include Steve Tilston, one of the country’s most celebrated singer/songwriters, a winner of the Folk Awards “best song” category and the inspiration behind a new film starring Al Pacino which tells the story of a “lost letter” John Lennon sent to Steve when he was a struggling young folk singer.

Also joining the festival line-up is the Lancashire band, Merry Hell, winners of the Fatea Award as “Best Group” and described as Folk/Rock with attitude. Already rated for a strong Americana line-up, the festival has now also added the Buffalo Gals Stampede, the UK’s favourite Old-Time Country String Band and Dance Company.

Both Merry Hell and the Buffalo Gals Stampede will be featured in a new late night venture by the festival. Along with US band, Billy Lee & The Swamp Critters, they’ll be appearing on successive nights on the new Big Top stage for what’s described as “Bop in the Big Top”.

Even more Americana comes courtesy of Hull-born Emma King who recently returned to the City after 5 years of touring the United States while based in Nashville, where she recorded in the legendary Sun Sound studios, acknowledged as the birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll.

Headliners Kate Rusby, Steeleye Span, Animals & Friends, Gillmore & Roberts, Acoustic Strawbs, Jez Lowe, The Lindisfarne Story and Tim Edey are already attracting what’s anticipated to be record audience levels to the Beverley Racecourse site.

“We’ve got more acts than ever before,” says Festival Chairman, Geoff Sargieson, “around 100 in all, representing a 30% increase in what’s on offer. There’s also been an increase in other areas of the festival’s wide and varied programme of events with performances taking in comedy, the spoken word, local choirs, children’s activities, dance teams, the film club and a craft fair”

“The “Spring Special” full weekend deal for the festival, priced at £105, is available until midnight on 12th April. offering a saving of £10 on the full price. Concession and family weekend deals are also available, plus an add on camping option.” he added.

“For those unable to make the whole weekend, the festival offers full day, half day and main stage evening concert tickets which can all be purchased through the website – www.beverleyfestival.com where you can also find full artist information, videos, read about the various ticket options, check through the schedule and plan your visit to the 33rd Beverley Folk Festival which is also FREE for the under 12s!”

Notes for editors:

A local festival with national and international appeal set in a family friendly environment.

For over 30 years Beverley Folk Festival has been producing an annual weekend event to be remembered. Offering the best new performers alongside some of the greatest established acts, it is a unique opportunity to spot tomorrow’s stars and enjoy today’s greats.

Located at Beverley Racecourse and adjacent to the ancient pasture land of Beverley Westwood, where the countryside meets the town, the event is situated in the perfect spot to ensure you have an unforgettable weekend.

“Beverley is one of my favourite festivals ever; small enough to have a friendly cosy atmosphere and yet big enough to book the very best in folk and roots music. I have had some of the best musical experiences of my life at Beverley. See you there!”  Mike Harding (festival patron)

Whilst British Folk music, both traditional and new, remains at the heart of the festival, we also feature Americana, World Music, Blues, some Classic Rock and much more… If the music is good, we will embrace it. We also encompass Comedy, Film, Poetry, Drama, Dance and Morris troupes, Literature and the Spoken Word.

Beverley Folk Festival provides a rich cultural mix, offering a weekend of memories for young and old.

Past line-ups have ranged from legends such as: Ralph McTell, Wizz Jones, The Watersons, Steeleye Span, Home Service, Show of Hands to The Bootleg Beatles, Hayseed Dixie, Billy Bragg, The Proclaimers, New Model Army, Sean Hughes, Curtis Eller, Andy Kershaw, Lau, Thea Gilmore, Michael Morpurgo, Chas & Dave, Seth Lakeman, Bellowhead, Eliza Carthy, Paul Carrack, Joe Brown and many more fabulous performers!

Every year a fresh and unique programme is developed which caters for all tastes and ages.

“The Beverley Folk Festival is a true jewel in the region’s crown”  John Godber (festival patron)

The festival as a whole includes:

The Festival Village Green:
Here you will find open-air music and dance displays, a range of quality food providers and a fantastic array of information and craft stalls.  Relax in the sun with a bite to eat from one of our fabulous onsite food stalls whilst listening to music or enjoy an alfresco pint watching the dance teams – a lovely way to spend a summer afternoon.   Read more →

Main Stage Marquee:
With a capacity of 1,500, this marquee hosts not only the festival’s main headliners, but also stages a variety of performers throughout the weekend.  This is the heart of the festival – full of life both on stage and in the audience!  

The Big Top Marquee: NEW FOR 2016
Capacity 790 approx. From concerts and ceilidhs to literature events and artist ‘meet and greets’, this venue has it all. Big enough to house the current stars and just the right size to offer an intimate concert setting, this venue showcases some of the freshest young talent, old favourites and a truly eclectic mix to suit all tastes.

Wold Top Marquee:
A truly intimate and inviting venue, this is immensely popular and not just because of the quality local real ales available!  At different times of the day you will find: The Moonbeams Sessions, the Area 2 Youth programme, and the legendary Late Night Festival Club.

The Racecourse Rooms:
Each function room and bar takes on an identity of its own, ranging from open mic music sessions, CD and instrument stalls, The Film Club, youth performances, the comedy programme, drama, literature, lots of workshops and much more.

Children’s Marquee:
Running a range of free activities for the under 12’s, including arts, crafts, music and storytelling, this venue ensures the festival is a truly family friendly event.  

Fringe Events:
As well as a great selection of music and entertainment on-site, music and song sessions take place at locations in Beverley over the festival weekend. 

Artists already confirmed:

KATE RUSBY   -  STEELEYE SPAN  -  THE YOUNG’UNS   

TIM EDEY  -   THE LINDISFARNE STORY  -   ANIMALS & FRIENDS

GILMORE & ROBERTS  -  ACOUSTIC STRAWBS

LINDISFARNE STORY BAND PLAY ‘FOG ON THE TYNE’

JEZ LOWE  -   THE CHURCHFITTERS

BILLY LEE AND THE SWAMP CRITTERS (USA)  -  WILD PONIES (USA)  

  KING COURGETTE   -  THE GOAT ROPER RODEO BAND

CELTARABIA  -   MAIA   -  ANTHONY JOHN CLARKE

THE DURBERVILLES  -   RÓISÍN BÁN  -   THE GRAND OLD UKE OF YORK

JOE BROUGHTON’S CONSERVATOIRE FOLK ENSEMBLE

(many more names to be added)