Schedule
River Stage
6.00pm-6.45pm 7.00pm-7.45pm 8.00pm-8.45pm 9.00pm-9.45pm 10.00pm-10.45pmRiver Stage
4.00pm-4.45pm 5.00pm-5.45pm 6.00pm-6.45pm 7.00pm-7.45pm 8.00pm-8.45pm 9.00pm-9.45pm 10.00pm-10.45pmCottage Stage
4.00pm-4.45pm 5.00pm-5.45pm 6.00pm-6.45pm 7.00pm-7.45pm 8.00pm-8.45pm 9.00pm-9.45pmBar Stage
5.30pm-6.15pm 6.30pm-7.15pm 7.30pm-8.15pm 8.30pm-9.15pmRiver Stage
12.30pm-1.15pm 1.30pm-2.15pm 2.30pm-3.15pm 3.30pm-4.15pm 4.30pm-5.15pm 5.30pm-6.15pm 6.30pm-7.15pm 7.30pm-8.15pm 8.30pm-9.15pm 9.30pm-10.15pmCottage Stage
11.15am-12.00pm 12.15pm-1.00pm 1.15pm-2.00pm 2.15pm-3.00pm 3.15pm-4.00pm 4.15pm-5.00pm 5.15pm-6.00pm 6.15pm-7.00pm 7.15pm-8.00pm 8.15pm-9.00pm 9.15pm-10.00pm 10.15pm-11.00pmBar Stage
12.30pm-1.15pm 1.30pm-2.15pm 2.30pm-3.15pm 4.00pm-4.45pm 5.00pm-5.45pm 6.00pm-6.45pm 7.00pm-7.45pm 8.00pm-8.45pm 9.00pm-9.45pmRiver Stage
11.00am-11.45am 12.00pm-12.45pm 1.00pm-1.45pmDragons Breath (twmpath/ceilidh
with Pat Smith)
Cottage Stage
11.15am-12.00pm 12.15pm-1.00pm 1.15pm-2.00pm 2.15pm-3.00pm 3.15pm-4.00pmBar Stage
11.30am-12.15pmTwo Pieces of Work
(Jon Airdrie & Peter Hagii)
Artists
14 Wolves
Click for biography14 Wolves
Beth and Tom have been crafting beautiful acoustic roots music for their home in the South Wales Valleys for some years. Ideal sounds for those who like First Aid Kit, Fleetwood Mac or Fleet Foxes. Lead singer, Beth, grew up in a remote smallholding in West Wales, and the rugged landscape and isolated location have seeped into her vocal stylings, combining effortlessly with Tom's unique guitar playing to create moments of musical magic. The pair are joined by friend and neighbour, Eira ,whose uplifting harmonies bring hints of gospel to the sound…and, in 2024, a rhythm section both strong and subtle!
‘From the first seconds of this new project, I was taken away to the halcyon days of American and British folk-rock - the sweet but rich vocals whisking us back to glory days of informed innocence’ - Welsh Connections
The band of friends have played gigs across the UK including these festivals: How the Light Gets In, Purbeck Valley Folk Festival, Merthyr Rising, Filey Folk Festival, Fishguard Folk Festival, Folk on the Lawn, Surplus Festival, The Big Cwtch, Swansea Fringe, Rhonda Rocks, Hub Festival.
Allan Yn Y Fan
Click for biographyAllan Yn Y Fan
Scott Baker – guitar, bass ukulele; Emma Farnsworth – fiddle; Chris Jones - accordion, flute, low D whistle, vocals; Catrin O’Neill - lead vocals, bodhran, guitarlele; Linda Simmonds - mandolin, octave mandola, bodhran, vocals; Kate Strudwick - flute, alto-flute; recorders, whistle, vocals.
Since their formation in 1996 Allan Yn Y Fan has carved out a reputation as one of Wales’ foremost traditional bands, with an impressive catalogue of concert, twmpath, festival and recorded work, as well as a number of European tours to their credit.
With their ‘beautiful vocals’ as for their ‘fiery instrumentals’, the band breathe life into the traditional songs and music of Wales, with, also, their own tunes inspired by both homeland and travels.
Internationally, Allan Yn Y Fan has performed at Festival Interceltique Lorient in Brittany, and at venues in France, Ireland, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Belgium and Austria, as well as successfully touring in Germany and the Czech Republic. UK appearances have included Glasgow’s Celtic Connections, Trowbridge Village Pump, Bromyard, Beverley, Fylde, Middlewich Folk & Boat, Tredegar House, Fire in the Mountain, Shepley Spring and Fishguard as well as the world-famous Llangollen International Eisteddfod and the Royal Welsh Show. Along the way they have also made a number of radio and television appearances. Since 2003 Allan Yn Y Fan has released 6 albums and one EP on the Steam Pie Label, all of which have received terrific critical acclaim.
Allan Yn Y Fan has undertaken major theatre tours of Wales supporting the release of their ‘Pwnco” and ‘NEWiD’ albums. This summer, we are privileged to welcome them to Folk on the Lawn!
Anna My Charlotte
Click for biographyAnna My Charlotte
Anna is always a pleasure to host at Folk on the Lawn. Ostensibly, a folk harpist and singer-songwriter, Anna writes songs which are enthralling and beguiling…lyrically unique: uplifting and haunting melodies containing narratives about ‘quirky relatives’, the comical aspects of everyday life, journeys in the mind inspired by the shipping forecast.
The home-grown (in every aspect) songs are often interpolated with unusual choices of harp-led covers, together with more traditional fare, sung in both Welsh and English.
Anna has spent the last year combining the life of a working musician with motherhood: no easy task!
As has always been the case in writing these biographies to introduce Anna My Charlotte, it is difficult to categorise what she does. She has talked of influences such as Anne Briggs, Joanna Newsom, Bjork, Kate Bush…and hymns. Possibly, her music has aspects of all of these, but it is also a whole lot more. An intriguing and enigmatic musician, songwriter…and personality!
Brenig
Click for biographyBrenig
Brenig are an Aberystwyth-based duo consisting of Daniel Laws and Mandy Martin.
Formed in 2021, they first played at FotL not many years after that and make – after a long hiatus – a welcomed return.
Daniel - a guitarist - composes folk songs and tunes. He grew up on a farm in Tregaron, mid Wales, and draws on his observations, experiences and love of the countryside to tell stories and compose songs that will take you on a pastoral journey, with beautifully crafted and emotive lyrics that capture both the lighter and the darker side of life.
Mandy lives near Aberystwyth but was brought up in the midlands of England. She and her family were deeply rooted within the midlands folk music scene and at a very young age became a musician and vocalist. Mandy plays the mandolin, guitar, banjo and has an exquisite pure voice that will remind you of the great 60s and 70s female folk singers (Comparisons have been made with Julie Felix and Sandy Denny).
Brenig have performed at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod, headlined at folk clubs, art centres, country fayres in Wales and England, and have supported Winter Wilson, Sild, Vin Garbutt and other leading folk artists.
Celtic Vagabond
Click for biographyCeltic Vagabond
‘A mix of Irish, Folk and Rock and Roll tradition, in a retro futurist cinemagraphic universe. Retro celtic non-traditional sci-fi psychadelic rock and roll bubblegum fusion.’
Celtic Vagabond came to FotL last year for the first time. We were intrigued…no, beguiled by the rich assortment and connectivity of sonic flavours they bought to their two magnificent sets: the insertion of a sampled American evangelist over insistent arpeggios to nuanced versions of more traditional fiddle-based tunes. Superb musicianship from lovely, fascinating people.
We are more than delighted to manage to hook them in again this year as they tour from their base in France.
Dr Zebo's Wheezy Club
Click for biographyDr Zebo's Wheezy Club
“Hugely entertaining. Three guys who just light up a room. Can’t recommend them highly enough” – Westbury Festival
Dr Zebo's Wheezy Club is an acoustic trio of guitar/vocals, fiddle and double bass, based in Wiltshire - good-time, foot-stomping, folky, jazzy, swingy stuff, putting a new spin on material from 1920’s songs to Stuff Smith, Bob Wills, Tom Waits, Steely Dan and quotes from film music - mixing this with original tunes from members of the band.
With a combined performance record of greater than 120 years, there is no lack of experience! Guitarist Simon Taylor and fiddler Mike Fossett go back a long way, having grown up together in Bristol. Both played in the well-established pub and ceilidh band the Electric Lobsters and western swing outfit Vamoose. Simon also plays in the harmony trio The Water Thieves. Mike played in the Prog/Rock outfit BlueDog. Double bassist Ralf Dorrell is busy throughout the South West as a composer, performer, community music ensemble director, lecturer, teacher and workshop tutor.
The Zebos promise an enjoyable afternoon/evening of great music that goes down well anywhere, but we have the good fortune to have them playing on the lawns of Tintern!
Dragons Breath
Click for biographyDragons Breath
It is a pleasure, at such a late stage, to welcome firm favourites of Folk on the Lawn, back to our festival. Despite many logistical dilemmas, they agreed to play two sets in 2024.
The band exudes the talents of Jenny (violin), Barry (concertina, whistle and mandolin), Denise (saxophone, whistle and percussion), Mark (guitar and octave mandola) and Trish (bass Guitar and octave mandola). For a number of years, they have aroused audiences to both active engagement (You tend to move your feet listening to them) and contemplative consideration (Dark songs from the distant past). One – on the river stage – may veer to the former; the other – in the seated bar stage – may veer to the other…but we will see.
On the River Stage at 1pm on Sunday, guaranteed for at least part of the Dragons Breath performance will be some dancing in the form of a traditional twmpath (Welsh) / Ceilidh (Irish). Instructions will be given by the wonderful Pat Smith, who, with Ned Clamp has been a mainstay on the south Wales folk scene for decades. Pat’s good humour and inclusive stance towards all dancers of any calibre makes her the perfect caller for FotL.
Enda McCabe
Click for biographyEnda McCabe
Enda McCabe is a highly experienced songwriter & performer who has three albums under his belt. Born in Dublin, he is now based in Conamara, Co. Galway. He has performed extensively in Ireland, Britain, France, Belgium, Austria and the USA.
A solo performer who collaborates with other singers and musicians from time to time: TimEdey, Róisín El Safty, Johnny Connolly, Johnny Óg Connolly and a wonderful Japanese flute player, Tomoyo Sugai, to name a few.
After a break for health reasons, he is back on the road. His show, which is lively, funny and filled with great songs and music, is better than ever. Enda effortlessly switches between traditional songs (in both his native Irish language and English) linking them with fascinating stories, most of which are based on personal experiences from his lifelong journey in music.
Enda runs workshops on Traditional Singing, Songwriting and Accompanying Traditional Irish Music. He recently completed an M.A. in Irish Traditional Music Performance at the University of Limerick and appeared with Róisín on Bosca Cheoil, a TV program on TG4.
For us at FotL, it is a real coup for Enda to be part of the 2024 event!
Gaudy Orde
Click for biographyGaudy Orde
A massive FotL favourite, and for many years.
Hailing from the vibrant South Wales region, Gaudy Orde has captivated audiences with their infectious blend of toe-tapping, quirky music that defies easy categorization. Their sound, often described as a fusion of skiffle and vaudeville, is infused with a dash of whimsy and a sprinkle of absurdity, leaving listeners delightfully entertained.
The band's eclectic line-up features Jeff Japers on ukulele, keyboard, and main vocals; Huw Chidgy on bouzouki; Romany Bob on washboard and clarinet; Helen Spoons on spoons and djembe drum; Tall Joy on bass; and James Parr on charango, pan pipes, and keyboard. This diverse ensemble brings a unique energy to their performances, creating a sonic tapestry that is both engaging and unpredictable.
Since their inception in 2009, Gaudy Orde has graced the stages of renowned festivals, leaving a trail of delighted fans in their wake. Their performances are characterised by (infectious) energy, theatrical flair…and unexpected props, including a vibraslap, a drumming bunny, and a Charles and Diana tea tray.
Gaudy Orde's unique brand of entertainment has garnered rave reviews from critics and fellow musicians alike. Georgie Watson described them as "totally bonkers, fabulously unique, superbly cheesy, refreshingly different, confidently daft, crazily imaginative," while Neil Innes of the Bonzo Dog Band praised them as "fantastic" and expressed hope for their continued success.
Prepare to be swept away by their infectious energy, quirky charm, and the sheer joy they bring to every stage they grace.
Ghost Writers
Click for biographyGhost Writers
The Ghost Writers are a Forest of Dean based duo consisting of vocalist and guitarist Julie Dunkley and vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Alex Davies. Both regular performers on the local music scene, the pair joined forces in 2023 to perform their eclectic mix of folk, blues, country and jazz at events such as the Wotton Blues Festival and Gloucester Folk Trail.
While still a ‘new’ act on the scene their combined experience shines through and their mix of original material songs by composers as varied as Jean Ritchie, Peter Green, Neil Young and Amy Winehouse is guaranteed to turn heads.
Grinning Scarecrows
Click for biographyGrinning Scarecrows
Grinning Scarecrows are a dark, bluesy duo made up of Autumn Dawn Leader & Paddy McCullough. Both are well-known solo singer/songwriters in the Leicester music scene.
One of Paddy's songs is 'Lazarus Walk'. Autumn, liking the dark imagery, suggested working as a duo and calling themselves after characters in the song, namely 'Grinning Scarecrows'. At an early gig Autumn and Paddy came up with the tag-line 'Grinning Scarecrows - music with a hint of menace' But don't be afraid...just enjoy the music!’
Autumn has played at FotL in the past – a vivacious, spontaneous and incredibly prolific creative force, who feels and expresses every musical jot – and it’s our good fortune that we’re able to welcome her and her soulful voice back, with Paddy giving both grounding and – with his bluesy inklings and sparkling roughhewn guitar playing – extension.
Here and There
Click for biographyHere and There
Here and There are Scottish/Irish folk duo, Pauline Vallance & Jacynth Hamill.
Pauline who hails from Ayrshire in Scotland is a multi-talented musician - singer, harpist, flautist and songwriter. She has several CDs to her credit including "Golden Slumbers" a beautiful selection of soothing lullabys and her most recent, "The World's a Gift", a collection of her own songs - about life and those important to us. It was nominated for Scottish Album of the Year and was deemed a 'Must Listen' by Folk London.
Jacynth, originally from Coleraine, lives in Belfast and loves to tour around sharing her clear, calming voice with audiences small and large. She often adds a little dancing to proceedings!
Together they can be heard on "Red Winged Blackbird" - the final CD of Caim, the group they previously were in. On it there's a flavour of what they do - traditional Irish and Scottish songs, covers and their own compositions.
Their gigs reflect this mix, whether concerts, folk clubs, care homes or conferences. Solo and harmony singing, lively or soothing instrumentals, story and dance - for some great craic come and enjoy Here and There.
Jeff Japers
Click for biographyJeff Japers
Jeff Japers performs comedy songs accompanied by a slideshow and a stuffed sheep. It's an entertaining performance of inoffensive daftness including songs about Tigers & Bees and the missing junction on the M4 amongst many others. He delivers his songs with an energy perhaps unbefitting of a man his age.
''A musical comedy genius / idiot” - Neath Comedy Festival
"The audience loved the daftness of it” - Chortle
“Like a frantic pony” - Beyond the Joke
Jeff originated from Glossop in the North of England, and moved to Pontypridd in South Wales in 1992. In 2015 he brought his songs to the comedy circuit and by 2016 got to the finals of the Welsh Unsigned Stand-up Awards (WUSA). Since then he has become a regular headliner on the South Wales comedy scene. In 2022 he won the Musical Comedy Awards, a national competition with various heats and a final in the Bloomsbury Theatre in London. Not only did Jeff win the main prize, judged by industry professionals, but also the audience favourite award.
Jeff has appeared at a number of festivals over recent years, including, last year, The Green Man. We are privileged to accommodate his solo set, for one night only (Friday), which incorporates, also, his wonderful digital visuals!
Jon Matthews
Click for biographyJon Matthews
It is the novelty of imitating popular music that appeals to Jon Matthews. In his own words, it can be likened to forging a Picasso, or re-painting the Mona Lisa with one’s own signature at the bottom.
And by incorporating accomplished musicians into recordings and improving one’s own musical skills, a life-long hobby of music making can be had.
Jon aspires to be a type of Thomas Edison: not an inventor of microphones, light bulbs and record players, but an inventor of songs.
Meadowsuite
Click for biographyMeadowsuite
Oxford-based friends and multi-instrumentalists George, May, Claire and Lizzie met over a shared love of music, nature and wild swimming. As folk quartet Meadowsuite, they play original songs with lush harmonies, intricate guitar playing and string arrangements. With songs covering myth and legend, past and present and the ever changing patterns of nature, they create something both timeless and fresh.
Their first visit to Folk on the Lawn and, we believe, they will add an apt musical backdrop to the serenity of our beautiful home by the Wye.
Melanie Pegge
Click for biographyMelanie Pegge
Melanie Pegge told us how pleased she is to return to FotL this year. This, we suspect, is a pleasure beneath that which we hold in being able to host her after a too-long absence.
An outstanding, unique creator; a musical force and an inspiration to many, she has a catalogue of seven magnificent albums behind (and is working on an eight as I type this, in April), all of which we would commend to you, from the most recent, ‘A Mouthful of Tangled Vines’ (2022), for its ethereal spaciness, back to the steel-strung guitar hitting of her first, ‘Mother’s Children’ (2012) and, a favourite of mine, the solemnity of ‘Earth Box’ (2014), recorded in All Saints Church, Loughborough, with collaborators Thee Old Joy.
Melanie’s now nylon guitar playing will carry you through whispered narratives of ghostly dreams, tinged with the earthy landscapes of the English Midlands. Her unique style fuses folk, flamenco and classical technique, with a pinch of the local community of musicians and friends who have influenced her over the years
Self-described as ‘A middle aged earth mother and incessant songwriter’, she is a favourite on Tom Robinson's BBC Introducing 6 music show, and recently supported Tom as special guest on his solo UK tour.
Absolutely not to be missed.
MoonFace the Mage
Click for biographyMoonFace the Mage
MoonFace the Mage is the bardic alias of indie-folk solo artist Rhodri Welsh. It's been 20 years since the inception of the MoonFace moniker. Following an indefinite hiatus of his first band, Rhod opted to perform under the pseudonym to complement the finger-picking style, broken-hearted strum, and folk-fantasy confessions of his new solo acoustic project.
In 2005, Rhod joined forces with producer James Morgan to record and release a DIY EP titled 'Beyond All Recognition.' And at the same time as working full time in a Cardiff tailor shop, MoonFace continued to be a presence on the South Wales music scene with live shows and festival appearances before a UK tour sharing the stage with renowned artists such as Devendra Banhart, Seth Lakeman, Maria Taylor, and Hayseed Dixie. And in 2008, seamlessly evolving into a 4-piece band called 'MoonFace and the Familiar Shapes.'
Now, after a decade of creating a compendium of tales that traverse the realms of godless things and mountain kings in thematic existentialism, Rhodri Welsh and James Morgan join forces once again to record 'Astoria, to the Sea' the first full length LP from MoonFace the Mage to be released later this year.
We look forward to welcoming MoonFace the Mage for his maiden FotL performance this year!
Paul Lewis
Click for biographyPaul Lewis
Paul is a musician, poet and photographer with his roots in the hills of South Wales. He has played with several bands over 40 years as a bassist and experimenter of eBow guitar. Paul has recorded several albums of experimental and ambient music which reflect his interest in the Avant Garde.
Paul’s poems began taking shape during the late 1980s following a foray into nursing as a career and as a response to changes in his personal life, initially as a spontaneous outlet in the form of a reflective diary.
His work as a Psychiatric Nurse and his travels have influenced much of his work. Some of his poems might be described as morbid with emphasis placed on the fragility of life and the experience of illness, the complexities of mental illness and society’s difficult relationship with recreational drug use. Some of his work reflects the impact landscapes can have over us and the power of objects within landscapes, meditating the power they can hold over our imagination.
Influences come from an eclectic range of artists, from the esoteric music of Bill Nelson, the writings of Michael Moorcock or the cinematic world of Jean Cocteau to name a few.
When relaxing Paul can usually be found cycling or motorcycling quiet back roads and mountains or entertaining his Border Collie, Oscar.
Pauline Vallance
Click for biographyPauline Vallance
Pauline Vallance Singer/songwriter, clarsach, flute and whistle player Pauline is a singer/songwriter and clarsach player from Ayrshire with a varied repertoire and an entertaining and engaging manner.
Her sets often consist of her own songs, which vary from the thought-provoking to the downright ridiculous (such as dogs eating mobile phones), traditional Scottish and Irish songs, particularly those of Burns and Tannahill and a new development of Songs to the Tune of Another, developed during Lockdown. This has been deemed “a mind-bending musical hoot”. Her performance has been described as “delightful and convivial on so many levels”.
Her latest album ‘The World's a Gift’, was nominated for Scottish Album of the Year in 2023. It was called a Must Listen by Folk London and “a gift that keeps on giving” by Folking.com. It was made with support from Creative Scotland and produced by James Grant, receiving extensive radio play and was Album of the Week on Celtic Music Radio and Beyond Radio.
She has turned her Songs to the Tune of Another venture into shows called Song Swap-o-rama and has now presented two of these at the Edinburgh Fringe, with comments such as “melts and delights the brain in equal measure”.
Other recent gigs include Ayr Phoenix, Dunfermline, Irvine, Loughton, Tunbridge and Cambridge Folk Clubs, Toft House in Middlesbrough and the Wild on the Wall Festival in Cumbria. Next year, she is booked to play at the Moira Furnace Festival and at Glastonwick (Attila the Stockbroker's Festival).
Peter Gowen
Click for biographyPeter Gowen
Since the age of sixteen, Peter has written and performed poetry for a variety of different reasons and in a variety of different styles at a variety of different venues and festivals (inc. FotL). He’s all about variety.
He writes all sorts of poems but prefers to look at the world through a surreal lens. However, his focus has always been on getting people to laugh and have a good night out, so nothing too weird. His avowed mission is to convince people that poetry is not dry or boring but entertaining and fun. He has also presented a very different quiz with on the spot prizes (a success at FotL, a few years ago). Who knows, it may make a welcome return this year.
Since convincing management that he won’t say anything untoward, Peter has also been one of the compère team at FotL- a role he says he only does to satisfy his huge ego (try talking to him for ten minutes!). However, he’s done this for about ten years and is not going to give it up without a struggle.
Since taking early retirement, he’s also moved into a little bit of carpentry. His pride and joy being the cigar box guitars he’s made and (sort of) play.
However, the proudest thing in his life is his relatively new granddaughter. He says that being a granddad is the most satisfying thing he’s done, which puts the world into a different perspective. It also means he can wind his granddaughter up into a frenzy and then hand her back to her parents and go home- great fun!
So, sit back, relax and don’t be afraid to enjoy yourself when Peter takes the stage for an unashamedly silly, funny performance.
“It’s poetry Jim, but not as we know it”
Phil Millichip
Click for biographyPhil Millichip
Phil Millichip is a well known singer-songwriter from the south Wales folk scene, who regularly performs at folk clubs and festivals around the country.
Audiences enjoy his vast repertoire of well-crafted songs, with a current catalogue of his own material, comprising of 4 well received albums to date.
This catalogue includes the intensely moving song ‘If I Had A Son’ which has also been recorded and performed by many other artists, including the late great Vin Garbutt.
Phil’s songs are popular requests on radio shows, including Frank Hennessy’s Celtic Heartbeat on radio Wales.
Considered an accomplished singer-songwriter and guitarist, Phil’s performance encompasses a variety of musical influences within his own unique style.
Pieces of Work
Click for biographyPieces of Work
Pieces of Work was formed to perform at the festival in the summer of 2023, executing versions of many songs that were staples of their writer’s – Jon’s - bands from the first few years of the century. The reception the band was met with, over three performances, led to the extension of the project, with both concerts and an album ensuing.
Pieces of Work contains a talented bunch. In addition to Jon Airdrie (acoustic guitar and vocals): Peter Hagii (Prodigious musician and composer in his own right) – piano/keyboards; Louise Hiscott (Dark Valley Revival) – violin and vocals; Will Holmes (Platform 1) – electric guitar and vocals; Andy Ponsford (Producer extraordinaire, behind numerous titles) – bass; Jem Ponsford (Blind River Scare) – drums and vocals.
The PoW songs contain exegeses of moments in time from the distant past: musing on photographs (‘Woolacombe Bay’; ‘Garden of the House’) with both the loss of strength of feeling and the chastened recollections from the times intermingling; barbed diatribes on those pursuing hedonistic delights at another’s expense (‘Fun’); romping tunes, celebrating the impending conjoining of the divine with the flesh whilst driving through Powys (‘Halfway’); songs eulogising those we’ve lost (‘Those who took their light underground’).
In terms of the sound, critics have cited a Bowie-esque verisimilitude, with references also to Radiohead and Smashing Pumpkins, together with an out-there dimming-of-the-light quality to the band’s work: ‘There’s always something a bit crepuscular and agreeably eccentric when Airdrie’s on the mic’ (Buzz, April 2024).
Piskey Led
Click for biographyPiskey Led
Piskey Led first performed at FotL in 2023, closing the festival with a wonderfully apt, nuanced and varied performance. We jumped at the chance when they suggested a return this year.
‘Piskey Led are four young musicians who formed in Cardiff in late 2021; they showcase a highly entertaining and absorbing mixture of original and traditional music, influenced by the folk traditions of Cornwall, Northern England and Ireland. The personnel are Cornishwoman Katie Lower on flute, whistles and piano, Lancastrian Josh Goodey on double bass, harmonium and mandocello and two Ulstermen, guitarist James Bower and Chris Mercer on mandolin, bouzouki, harmonicas and bodhrán; the band has played at a number of Welsh festivals, including Devauden, How The Light Gets In at Hay on Wye and Folk On The Lawn in Tintern, and they launched their eponymous debut album at the Norwegian Church Arts Centre in Cardiff Bay in August. Suffice it to say that it really is a little cracker’ - Mick Tems, FolkWales
Piskey Led’s debut album is now available on all streaming platforms, and has received airtime across the UK and North America, on shows such as BBC Celtic Heartbeat, Radio Wigwam, Blues and Roots Radio, and the Irish & Celtic Music and Is This Thing On?
Platform 1
Click for biographyPlatform 1
Platform 1 are a three-piece band hailing from Carmarthenshire. Having played together for almost a decade, Martha, Josh and Will play a medley of original songs, spanning themes of adolescent uncertainties and adversities, to finding tranquillity and solace from the place they call home. Having released their debut EP titled ‘So Much for The Sadness’ back in 2021, there has been somewhat of a hiatus in order to pursue different avenues, but they are pleased to be regrouping this year to collaborate and gig again.
We couldn’t be more delighted to welcome this unique, inspiring band back to FotL.
"The music is broadly ‘contemporary folk’, but veers from what is restfully and attractively tuneful to sharp, more direct and broken tracks, with lyrical content moving from the personal (longing; indignation; deep self-reflection) to exploring the interface between the personal and the social, all tackled in a unique manner" - Jon Airdrie.
"Platform 1 produce music that is uniquely beautiful. Like a bright red tie in a room full of beige, their songs have a brilliant uniqueness. With chord structures from Josh containing a subtle chromaticism blended with Martha's faultless vocal they are one of a kind” - Daniel James – BGfm Radio.
Rachel Tomsk
Click for biographyRachel Tomsk
Making an inaugural and – for this year – brief appearance at FotL is Rachel Tomsk. Some of those involved in the festival played alongside Rachel not so long ago and were impressed by the cacophony of sound she, so skilfully, produced from just a single voice and a sole guitar.
Her songs are both personal and political. She sings with verve and passion, multi-tracking in the moment, with an innovative guitar technique that soars with assonance on one occasion and emerges with a perfect dissonance on another.
A single performance this year (We hope she will return) and one not to be missed.
Rhiannon O'Connor
Click for biographyRhiannon O'Connor
Cantores o Ffarmers yw Rhiannon. Mae hi'n cydblethu adrodd straeon gan gwedd newi caneuon gwerin traddodiadol. Mae hi'n ysgrifennu o safbwynt mam, amaethwraig a Chymraes. Daeth Rhiannon i'r brig ym mrwydr y bandiau gwerin eleni yn yr Eisteddfod Genedlaethol. Yna fe pherfformwyd set o ganeuon gwreiddiol i'r beirniadau Gwilym Bowen Rhys a Lleuwen Steffan. Mae'i cherddoriaeth hudolus yn atsain o'i phrofiad a'i hangerdd fel Cymraes cefn gwlad heddiw.
Rhiannon is a singer from Ffarmers. She intertwines storytelling with the new aspect of traditional folk songs. She writes from the point of view of a mother, a farmer and a Welshwoman. Rhiannon made it to the final in the battle of the folk bands this year at the National Eisteddfod with a set of original songs performed for the judges, Gwilym Bowen Rhys and Lleuwen Steffan. Her enchanting music is driven by a deep rooted passion to keep the tradition of Welsh folk music alive.
Rob Barratt
Click for biographyRob Barratt
In Rob's own words:
I’m a Dudley-born, brain-tickling, word-mangling comic poet and singer from North Cornwall. I combine clever word play and song with satire, parody and audience participation. I deal with such important topics as squid, Neanderthal politics, the weather in Scotland, data-driven education, distressed furniture and my relationship with potatoes but often beneath the comedy there lurk serious issues. I have appeared at arts, literature and folk festivals all over the British Isles and in Australia. I have published three books of performance material and a book of short stories for children. Please have a look at my website (link over the page).
In 2022 I performed at BigLit and Aviemore Folk Festival in Scotland. In 2023 I appeared at Beardy Folk Festival, Swanage Folk Festival, Wolverhampton Literature Festival, Penzance Literary Festival and Morecambe Poetry Festival. In October 2023 I travelled to Australia to perform at three folk festivals in three different states. It was the fourth time I’ve been to Australia to perform at folk festivals and I was a headliner at Fleurieu Folk Festival.
Rob Connolly Band
Click for biographyRob Connolly Band
The Rob Connolly Band is a semi-acoustic, country folk-rock trio from Chepstow featuring two guitars, cajón & vocals. Since forming seven years ago they have played many local venues and festivals. Their style is reminiscent of The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac and the Beautiful South, with originals that tell of the dark and the light side of life. Come ready to be wowed by energy, fun and lashings of harmonies!
Rob Lear Band
Click for biographyRob Lear Band
'A voice to die for' - John David, producer (Echo and the Bunnymen, The Charlatans)
'Great songs with such a sad voice' - Justin Hayward, Moody Blues.
'Rob Lear, a criminally underrated singer-songwriter…there’s a rare depth and beauty to his songs that suggest if they were ever heard in a wider context, he’d be a household name' - Dave Owen, South Wales Echo.
'Rob Lear is an artist with undoubted quality, which shines throughout… Rob Lear commands a great respect as an artist. This is backed up in the skilful ability to write likeable, catchy and bouncy tunes that make you sit up and smile and want to hum along' - Plugged in Magazine
'One of the best singer song writers around' - Greg Haver, producer (Manic Street Preachers, Cerys Matthews, Catatonia, Melanie C, KT Tunstall).
Sarah M. Davies
Click for biographySarah M. Davies
Sarah is a poet, writer and mixed media artist. She is the author of two short story collections and a historical novella.
Over twenty years as a freelance writer for print and online publications she has used her training as a teacher, her love of gardening, walking, planning and organisation to offer readers exciting learning experiences and boosts for their wellbeing and creative output.
She has three books to her name, plus many articles and a regularly updated blog (See link below).
As a poet, Sarah writes and performs work around change and becoming and what it means to be a post-menopausal woman in the modern world.
When not writing, she can be found walking, reading, knitting, making art or gardening (sometimes all the things all at once), at home in Edinburgh.
Simone Mansell Broome
Click for biographySimone Mansell Broome
From 2006 to the present day Simone’s writing has appeared in magazines, e-zines and anthologies including – Buzz, Cinnamon Press, Ragged Raven, Roundyhouse, Carillon, Envoi, Boomslang, Cane Arrow Press, .ink-sweat-and-tears, .jbwb.co.uk, Iota, The 7th Quarry, The New Writer, Out of Love, Ukraine & Other Poems, Razzamatazz & Other Poems, Coffee & Chocolate,‘The Best of 2007, The Best of 2008, Norwich Writers’ Circle Anthology, The Cannon’s Mouth, Aesthetica Creative Writing Annual 2013, The Interpreter’s House, Out of Season, Stripe, Country Living, The Voice of Women in Wales, A Star fell from Orion,& ‘Red Lamp, Black Piano, Poems for the Year 2020’, Gwrythryfel/Uprising, an anthology of radical poetry from contemporary Wales, 2022, Wildfire Words, Littoral poetry magazine, The Aberystwyth Ego, Welsh Country, Dreich, The Dawntreader, Reach, Hedgehog Poetry, Black Bough poetry, etc.
Simone has been recorded on Poetcasting and her poems have been read on Radio 4, including BBC’s ‘Poetry Please’, ITV (in 2018 & 2020), 101.8WCRFM and Radio Wales. Simone is a member of Second Light network & has poems on the ‘poetrypf’ website. Fifty of Simone’s poems were translated into Romanian in 2020 as part of a Bucharest University M.A. dissertation. Simone has been commissioned to write poems by ITV, by a local theatre group and by an art gallery. Up to mid-August 2023, she’s published one pamphlet, three slim volumes and one full collection of poetry and is currently editing a second full collection – due for publication in October 2023. She’s also published her journal of the Plague Year, ’12 months of going nowhere’, 2022, one work of children’s fiction and a first memoir.
Soft Hearted Scientists
Click for biographySoft Hearted Scientists
After releasing seven critically acclaimed albums between 2005 and 2016, Cardiff psychedelic collective, Soft Hearted Scientists, embarked on a hiatus, engaging in offshoot projects. The band returned to the studio in late 2019 to record their new album “Waltz of the Weekend”, with all good intentions, but then small matters like a global pandemic and some life changing personal events got in the way.
Work resumed in 2022, with significant new songs and multiple sections added, leading to a 75-minute double album monster, featuring four action-packed, radio-friendly, Syd Barrett era Pink Floyd, psychedelic singles, such as: “Rode My Bike” and “What Grows Inside the Garden?”, as well as some much longer, stranger songs, such as the eleven minute “Lost Mariners”…which doubtlessly kicked off the craze in aquatic ghost psychedelia.
“Waltz” is a truly experimental – and much vaunted – record. The Scientists promoted it with a run of live appearances, including their first for a number of years at last year’s FotL.
The band are hard at work on their ninth album, for a 2025 release. All their back catalogue is available to sample on the devil’s website (aka Spotify), and also to buy on Bandcamp (See link below).
Hugely delighted to have Soft Hearted Scientists back at FotL for a second year!
Spencer Segelov
Click for biographySpencer Segelov
Spencer Segelov is a composer and musician who has released six albums under different names (Spencer McGarry Season, Instructions) and played drums with various artists (including Sweet Baboo and Soft Hearted Scientists).
Most recently, he has excited the plaudits with the work with his band, Great Paintings - a much vaunted album: You’re a Lighthouse, I’m at Sea, issued by local label, Country Mile Records: ‘The album possesses a compelling fragility, and therein lies its true power…From the first listen, the album warmly envelops you, and with each subsequent play, its grip remains steadfast. ‘You’re a Lighthouse, I’m at Sea’ is truly exceptional, ensuring that once it takes hold, you won’t be inclined to let it slip away.’
We will witness the essence of the songs on ‘Lighthouse’ and others, as Spencer treats us to a unique solo show.
The Blessèd Crow
Click for biographyThe Blessèd Crow
‘A heady mixture of storytelling, folklore, a burning sense of injustice and finger-pointing barbs against the age-old uncaring establishment’ – Folk Wales
The Blessèd Crow are Tim and Iona Crahart; a talented father-daughter duo with a gift for writing songs which express their passionate and positive attitude to life. With Iona’s strong clear voice and Tim’s highly accomplished musicianship they deliver an energetic and uplifting set.
The duo were top of the list in terms of the FotL team’s list of ‘those we’d like back’ after their inaugural performance last summer.
Tim and Iona write original songs in a decidedly traditional style and call upon folklore, true stories and spiritual themes for their inspiration. Many of their songs relate to local folk tales, such as The Pwca, or to historical events, like The Newport Rising. All of this is tempered with a slice of good old-fashioned protest songs, echoing the fact that folk music has always been about promoting the side of the underdog.
Tim and Iona share the vocal duties and ‘they create marvellous harmonies which will please and thrill the audience’. The songs are accompanied by guitar, bouzouki or mandola, played by Tim, and driven along by Iona’s bodhran.
The Blessèd Crow entered the studio in 2023 to work on their debut album which became, ‘Maiden Flight’. It contains ten tracks which have been gig favourites for some time. It has been described as a ‘Fine album full of strong songs with irresistible tunes’
Since their inception, The Blessèd Crow has gone on to become known for their rousing choruses, earthy harmonies and passionate lyrics.
Their album is available on Bandcamp (see over for link) and will be available to get from them, directly, at this year’s FotL.
The Long View
Click for biographyThe Long View
The Long View are a Forest of Dean based Alt-Folk Band playing beats-driven songs across a spectrum of genres.
Made up of Simon Richards (guitar and vocals), Tracey Dixon (vocals, guitar and glockenspiel), Steve Stockham (bass guitar) and Gabe Mckie (percussion), the band’s time spent playing together revealed a signature sound: a neat blending of acoustic and electric guitars with percussion, bass and tight harmonies. As multi-instrumentalists, The Long View are also constantly adding new sounds and songs to their set to make each appearance a unique performance.
The band describe a more than broad set of influences - from Sandy Denny to Blondie; from Joni Mitchell to Portishead!
We welcome them to their first Folk on the Lawn.
The Rohan
Click for biographyThe Rohan
Established in 2018 as a duo, The Rohan, based in the Abergavenny/Monmouth area, are currently a four-piece, fun-loving outfit who like nothing better than to engage with the audience and share their passion for delivering a lively blend of traditional folk, bluegrass and a sprinkling of contemporary music, performed in their own unique way.
Mandolin Ruth - A founder member of The Rohan, Ruth's instrument of choice is her beloved mandolin. She also plays occasional bodhrán. She is one of the bands main lead vocalists and a big fan of the sea shanty movement. Overall, Ruth would be classed as a multi-genre vocalist.
Mike Snelgrove - Mike is a multi-instrumentalist which would include the playing of the banjo, various guitars, mandolin and whistle, plus so much more. Mike is another of the bands lead vocalists and has a passion for harmonising.
Tom Ward-Jackson - Guitarist and lead vocalist Tom, has what has been described as a “classic voice for folk music”! Like Ruth he is also a keen promoter of the sea shanty style.
Steve J. Smith - Steve is the bands main percussionist and backing vocalist. Specialising in “world” drums such as the bodhran, cajon and djembe.
The Wild Warblers
Click for biographyThe Wild Warblers
The Wild Warblers are a new group that formed this year - Ami, Jenn and Matt are parenting friends who have a love for music so are collaborating! They are currently inspired to arrange and perform music with a folk influence and Ami is writing music with a modern chilled-folk style.
Jenn is a voice leader, singer and holistic therapist. She creates spaces for people to grow and flourish. She leads choirs and community groups/ individuals, therapeutically and in a teaching capacity. She works mindfully with the body and voice to promote well being. She plays flute, hand drum and guitar.
Ami began as a classical singer, then performed other genres (rock, pop, musical theatre, folk, classical and jazz). She loves to write songs. Ami is a community musician, teacher, youth theatre musical director and choir/workshop leader- making music fun and accessible to the community. She plays piano too.
Matt hosted ceilidhs with Jig of Slurs Ceilidh Band and held Tintern Folk Session to bring music back to the pubs and discover the many musicians hidden around the Wye Valley. He occasionally joins Ami and Jenn to provide guitar backing.
The Wild Warblers are excited to share their material with you for the first time at Folk on the Lawn…and, having had sneak previews of their work, we’re excited to host them!
Worldwide Welshman
Click for biographyWorldwide Welshman
Worldwide Welshman is Liam Rickard, a singer-songwriter, folk-musician and multi-instrumentalist from North Wales, currently based in Machynlleth.
Since 2016, Worldwide Welshman and his ever-changing band have been entertaining audiences in cafés, clubs, pubs, boats, squats, living rooms, community gardens and festivals across the UK and abroad with their multi-lingual, tragi-comic mix of folk-pop ballads, party-bangers, spontaneous improvisations, folk songs from Wales and beyond, and dark comedy.
His performances touch upon a diversity of themes including climate change, migration, mental health, cognitive dissonance, lockdown, and face-cream. Liam has collaborated with musicians from all over the world, but in particular, with his brother, Siôn, with whom he founded the Welsh indie-folk band, Lo-fi Jones.
Lo-fi Jones performed at FotL last year. Both that performance and the informal session following it were much lauded. Later that summer, we heard the Worldwide Welshman band and bought the music, playing it ever since. We couldn’t be more delighted, therefore, to have the band at FotL this July.
Liam, young as he is, has had a remarkable life and comes from a fascinating lineage. We would urge you to read about this on the website (see over for link).