“The Madeleine Stewart Trio are a trad fiddle, piano and bodhran trio who play tunes old and new. Fronted by Madeleine Stewart on fiddle, their music is rooted in the traditional music of New England and Scotland, moulded by the melting pot of Glasgow’s sessions.

Madeleine moved to Glasgow from New Hampshire in 2014 to study at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and earned a BMus (Hons) in Traditional Music. In 2023, she was a finalist in the BBC Young Traditional Musician of the Year competition, and her trio was nominated for Up and Coming Musician of the Year at the MG Alba Scottish Music Awards. She has played at festivals including Celtic Connections and Celtic Colours, and has toured in the UK, the US and Europe. 

The trio released their debut album at Celtic Connections in 2023, and have been performing around the UK ever since.”

“Wychbury perform mesmerising traditional and self-penned folk songs, steeped in epic, tragic and passionate storytelling. With intricate finger-picking guitar by Che Bradley and captivating vocals and flute by Rhiannon Kenny.

Despite being in their 20s, they have been playing together for over a decade and their deep musical connection is palpable on stage. They have performed at folk clubs and festivals across the country including, Glastonbury Music Festival, The Green Gathering and Sidmouth Folk Festival! “

Wolftown Rendezvous is a trio of multi-instrumentalists with a foundation of violin, guitar and double bass. They bring a joyful twist to gypsy jazz, along with vocals and vibrant music from film, Eastern Europe and Celtic traditions. Their wide repertoire ranges from foot-tapping tunes to more soulful laid-back numbers.

Multi-instrumentalists Bethany Pugh and Hazel Sharp – from Ulverston and Dumfriesshire – bring music from Cumbria, Lowland Scotland, and further afield, exploring themes of home, travel, and a shared love for a good story. Whether a traditional or an original song or tune, they’ve all been pieced together around their little kitchen table in the heart of Glasgow. From fiery fiddle playing to mellow saxophone tones, with piano, vocals and whistle in between, their music stays rooted in the inextricable link between folk music, landscape and people.

The Long Nights are a four-piece band from Lancaster, UK.

Taking inspiration from several country genres, including bluegrass, western swing and americana, the band capture an old-time sound around a single mic, with soaring vocals and harmonies backed by guitar, banjo, fiddle and double bass.

Originally formed by brother and sister Alan and Lynne Hempton, whose sibling harmonies continue to characterise many of the songs, the duo was soon joined by virtuoso vocalist Susie Clegg, charismatic fiddle player Jacob Phelps, and band pups Maya and Townes van Puppy.

Their live performances offer a mix of classic western swing and country numbers, originals, and a few recognisable covers, often given a powerful and captivating vocal makeover.

Inspired by the lively traditional dance music of Europe, Hearken Quartet are an energetic ensemble of clarinet, uilleann pipes, guitar, piano and diatonic accordion. Bringing fresh flavours to Euro-bal music, whether it’s the chain dances of Brittany, Scandinavian couple
dances, or the bourree of the French Auvergne, Hearken Quartet delivers delicious arrangements of tunes new and old that will whet the appetites of traditional and contemporary music fans alike.
The project began as a collaboration between Bruce Lambelle-Rudd and Bob Downham in 2017, forming a duo of melodeon and uilleann pipes / low whistle to explore the traditional dance music of continental Europe. In 2022, the band expanded to include music techhead
Alex Walters and clarinet powerhouse Em Lomas, who brought stomping accompaniment and wistful harmonies, resulting in a rousing atmosphere powered by a wall of sound.

Raving Rock play Mike Willoughby’s songs, infused with elements of British folk-roots, rock, ska and reggae. Their eclectic music is played with passion and precision.
Raving Rock members Mike Willoughby (lead vocals, electric guitar, bouzouki and harmonica) Rick Middleton (bass guitar, double-bass and vocals) and Ben McCabe (drums and vocals) have played together for well over two decades in the popular Cumbrian roots band Striding Edge. They make music together as tight as a bowline knot: They take this approach forward with them into Raving Rock…

Stories that connect people, places and communities.

Ian Douglas is an internationally respected storyteller, author and educator whose work is rooted in traditional tales, folklore, myth and community stories. Based in Cumbria, Ian has spent many years bringing stories to life in schools, festivals, museums, libraries and community settings across the UK and beyond.
Known for his warm, engaging style, Ian has a particular gift for connecting people through story. His performances draw on traditional wisdom, local history and contemporary themes, creating experiences that entertain, inspire and encourage reflection. Alongside his storytelling, he has worked extensively in education and community development, helping people of all ages discover the power of narrative to build understanding and strengthen connections.
Ian regularly performs at festivals and cultural events and is passionate about keeping the oral storytelling tradition alive for future generations.