English Folk Expo is delighted to announce its eagerly anticipated return from Wednesday 10th through to the early hours of Saturday 13th March.
Most delegate activity will take place Wednesday – Friday, with delegates then departing on Saturday morning. Manchester Folk Festival 2027 also runs across those dates but includes an additional full day of programming on Saturday 13th March.
Showcases will take place across Band on the Wall, Hallé St Peter’s, Hallé at St Michael’s, The Smithfield Market Tavern, Cutting Room Square and Stoller Hall, with two new stages being unveiled at the latter venue.
Artists announced today are: Spiers & Boden, Leveret, Olivia Chaney, The Wellermen, Steve Knightley with Daniel Salvatore, Tarren, Chris Brain, Ceitidh Mac, Something Sleeps, Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne & John Kirkpatrick, Eleanor Dunsdon & Gregor Black and Arthur Coates & Kerran Cotterell.
MEET THE ARTISTS
Described by The Sunday Times as “a home-grown poet whose lyrics, dense and allusive, blend pastoral tradition with singer-songwriter sophistication”, Olivia Chaney occupies a singular space in contemporary folk. Backed by her superband, she arrives at the festival following the release of her latest single, Dark Eyed Sailor, which features prominently in the new Wuthering Heights film.
Described by The Guardian as “the finest instrumental duo on the traditional scene”, Spiers & Boden have been at the forefront of English folk music for 25 years, both as a groundbreaking duo and as founder members of folk phenomenon Bellowhead. Dubbed “the dons” by The Observer, their impassioned, exquisitely played music is sure to be a festival highlight.
Similar displays of “almost telepathic interplay” can be expected when fellow Bellowhead founder Sam Sweeney joins melodeon master Andy Cutting and English concertina ace Rob Harbron in Leveret, whose performances eschew conventional arrangements in favour of captivating spontaneity and consummate musicianship.
And if that wasn’t enough squeezebox wizardry, esteemed intergenerational duo John Kirkpatrick and Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne will deftly explore the possibilities of concertina music, including what promises to be the world’s first duet for bass Anglo concertinas.
With a progressive twist to her music, Ceitidh Mac is an alt-folk artist, tipped by Jude Rogers as a “fascinating new Welsh-born, Tyneside-dwelling singer-songwriter and cellist, with an unusual, stunning voice.” Mac has released multiple EPs and has been lauded by BBC Radio 2, BBC 6 Music, BBC Radio Wales and BBC Introducing.
Steeped in the British folk tradition, Yorkshire singer-songwriter Chris Brain’s quietly powerful songs will provide a balm for Friday night festivalgoers, following Tarren’s intricately woven melodies and subtle grooves.
Offering something entirely different, bass supergroup and viral sensations The Wellermen continue to ride the wave of the sea shanty revival they helped ignite in 2021, blending American East Coast folk roots with exemplary musicianship in jaw-dropping style.
Celebrated for his deep connection to the West Country and his extensive body of work with Show of Hands, Steve Knightley has been praised by Mark Radcliffe for writing “some of the best songs in the last twenty years.” Next spring, festivalgoers will witness a songsmith and performer at the peak of his powers joined by handpan maestro Daniel Salvatore.
Eleanor Dunsdon & Gregor Black are a multi-award-winning harp and percussion duo, interweaving traditional music with jazz, folk, classical and electronic influences. Winners of the prestigious Danny Kyle Award at Celtic Connections and Purbeck Rising, their sound explores the boundaries of vibrant Scottish folk-jazz through storytelling, themes of nature and the Irish language.
Arthur Coates & Kerran Cotterell are a two-man trad tornado, tearing through the folk world with foot percussion, fiddle, guitar, vocals and groove to spare. Mixing Scottish and English roots with modern flair, they are winners of the Robinson Emerging Artist Showcase at Canada’s Goderich Celtic Roots Festival and are fast becoming one of the scene’s most talked-about acts.
London-based dream-folk band Something Sleeps features distinctive songwriters Fiona Fey and Rey Yusuf, known for their breathtaking harmonies and emotionally provocative lyrics. Intricately flowing songs of introspection and protest are enhanced by stirring string arrangements from violinist Monica Viñoly and cellist Josh Considine.
Delegate passes are available now. See HERE for more information.
