THE late May Bank Holiday weekend will bring folk to a Chester village as some of the biggest names in English folk come to play.
Kelsall, near Tarvin, will host the Chester Folk Festival from May 23-26 with well-loved local artists also contributing to a family friendly festival that offers something for all.
There will be showcase concerts alongside informal events such as ceilidhs, dance displays, sessions and workshops, plus a festival market and a full programme of children’s entertainment run by Panic Circus.
A spokesman for the event said: “This is a very special year as Chester Folk Festival celebrates its 50th anniversary.
“Don’t miss Friday’s unveiling of an extraordinary work of art which has been a year in the making and has been stitched together by some very talented festival supporters.
“This year the festival headliners include: The Melsons/ Melrose Quartet/ The Wilsons; John Kirkpatrick; Bryony Griffith and Alice Jones; Jez Lowe; Saul Rose and James Delarre; Patakas; Tom Kitching with Marit Falt and Greg Russell.
“The Melsons combine the mighty talent of two of the country’s leading folk bands: ‘The Melrose Quartet ‘and ‘The Wilsons’.
“This is harmony singing as good as it gets along with some exceptional fiddle, melodeon and guitar playing.
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“Expect to be blown away! The bands are also performing separately for us over the weekend.”
“John Kirkpatrick is a multi-award-winning legend in his own lifetime. He is one of our finest proponents of English traditional music and song. A superb singer, and virtuoso concertina and melodeon player!
“Bryony Griffith and Alice Jones hail from Yorkshire. Mark Radcliffe (Radio 2) described their act as “Straight up, beautiful and bold folk singing”. Expect guitar, fiddle, gutsy honest vocals, a warm sense of humour and shameless plugging of their native county!
“Jez Lowe hails from the northeast and is another folk legend for the festival’s 50th anniversary.
“Jez has penned many well-loved songs. His fine voice, skilled guitar playing and gentle humour will have you captivated.
“These are just some of the many delights on offer.”
There's plenty for dancers too with a ceilidh each evening featuring some of the country’s top exponents of ceilidh dance music – Oakstone Trio, Head over Reels, Melrose Ceilidh Quintet and The Time Bandits Ceilidh Band. Experienced and well-respected callers, Martyn Harvey, Erin Mansfield and Tom Kitching, will also be on hand to help everyone join in, experts and beginners alike.
With so much going on over the weekend, why not come along and join in the fun?
Day and evening tickets as well as full weekend tickets are available and can be purchased on the website www.chesterfolk.org.uk where you will also find lots more information.
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