Fishguard Folk Festival

For festival artist enquiries mail judy.whitehouse@gmail.com
For general festival enquiries storesman@gmail.com

APPEARING

APPEARING SATURDAY 2nd JUNE, THEATR GWAUN 7.30
JAMIE SMITH'S MABON
Jamie Smith's Mabon’s music is well described as Original, Interceltic, World Music. Composed by frontman Jamie Smith, and brought to life by six highly accomplished musicians, it draws inspiration directly from the traditional folk music of the Celtic countries. This is not Welsh music, nor Scottish or Irish; this is Interceltic music, a true exploration of forms and styles found in Celtic music and their forging into something bold and new.
Click here for more
Supported by Issy and David Emeney with Kate Riaz

	APPEARING MONDAY 4th JUNE, THEATR GWAUN 12.00 KATHRYN ROBERTS & SEAN LAKEMAN Two of the British folk scenes most accomplished performers, Kathryn and Sean have graced stages the world over in a number of guises, however, the intimacy and strength of passion shown as a duo, combined with an eclectic repertoire ensures a rare treat. With a story that includes music making with the likes of Seth Lakeman, Cara Dillon, Levellers, Kate Rusby and Show of Hands, Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman have established themselves as pillars of modern British folk. Click here for more +
	CALAN Calan bring together the remarkable talents of 5 young musicians giving a fresh and vibrant sound to traditional Welsh music. With their contemporary and lively approach they breathe new life into the old traditions. Sparkling melodies, foot tapping tunes and a spirited and energetic performance of Welsh step dancing. They blast their way through some of the old favourite reels, jigs and hornpipes before melting into some of the most beautiful and haunting songs. Click here for more £9. +.50pp before 1st of May

APPEARING MONDAY 4th JUNE, THEATR GWAUN 12.00
KATHRYN ROBERTS & SEAN LAKEMAN
Two of the British folk scenes most accomplished performers, Kathryn and Sean have graced stages the world over in a number of guises, however, the intimacy and strength of passion shown as a duo, combined with an eclectic repertoire ensures a rare treat.
With a story that includes music making with the likes of Seth Lakeman, Cara Dillon, Levellers, Kate Rusby and Show of Hands, Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman have established themselves as pillars of modern British folk.
Click here for more
+

CALAN
Calan bring together the remarkable talents of 5 young musicians giving a fresh and vibrant sound to traditional Welsh music. With their contemporary and lively approach they breathe new life into the old traditions. Sparkling melodies, foot tapping tunes and a spirited and energetic performance of Welsh step dancing. They blast their way through some of the old favourite reels, jigs and hornpipes before melting into some of the most beautiful and haunting songs.
Click here for more

Buy tickets for both concerts here £18 +.50pp (Before 1st of May)

MIKE CHANT
Pembrokeshire born singer songwriter Mike Chant has forged a reputation for himself as a passionate multi instrumentalist and powerful singer and lives by a small, simple but very important bit of advice given to him by the legendary Finbar Furey… “Always from the heart…” Didgeridoo is one of the things Mike is best remembered for at his live gigs and is regarded by some critics as a “Master of the art”
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	ISSY & DAVID EMENEY with KATE RIAZ Issy, David and Kate perform a mix of traditional and original songs and tunes accompanied on an array of instruments including melodeon, cello and guitar. Beautiful melodies, great stories and terrific arrangements have become a trademark. “Make sure you see them - you won’t be disappointed” EDS Magazine “A must for folk lovers.” Vin Garbutt Click here for more		TYLWYTH TEG Born in a small practice room in Cardiff in 2009, Tylwyth Teg are a folk-rock shambles of a band, with members bringing together influences from the worlds of ska, punk and experimental music as well as traditional pan-celtic folk. Tylwyth Teg draw on their Welsh roots, singing in Welsh as well as English with a majority of the band locally from Carmarthen Click here for more

	RAPSQUILLION Grizzled veterans of the Shropshire folk scene, Rapsquillion's eclectic mix of music is at its best towards the witching hour, when, all cares and sheets to the wind, they tear off their inhibitions and display their crinkly credentials to the world. Back by popular demand Click here for more		THE VAGRANTS CREW Formed in the town of Pembroke Dock around 1983 The Vagrants Crew have undergone several changes over the years, not only in membership, but also musical styles and interpretation. Musical influences have been absorbed from many sources including traditional styles from home and abroad.Though mainly performing music and songs of the sea, The Vagrants Crew also provides folk and traditional musical entertainment for a variety of occasions. Click here for more

	IAN PITTAWAY Traditional songs and tunes played on a range of differently tuned guitars, with an occasional early instrument, lap dulcimer or fretted fiddle thrown in. His songs are drawn largely from the English tradition, punctuated with traditional Irish, American and modern folk songs, morris dance tunes and the beautiful melodies of Turlough O’Carolan. Click here for more		HARRIET EARIS Harriet Earis specializes in lively, fun Celtic harp music. She reached Grade 8 in pedal harp and then had a religious conversion to Celtic music and has never looked back since! Based in Aberystwyth, she gives regular solo recitals and workshops around the world and has toured in America, Canada, Holland, France, Belgium, Ireland, Italy and Germany. Click here for more

STEVE TYLER and ANDY CLARKE
Stephen Tyler began playing the hurdy gurdy in 1993, adding this instrument to the sound of the recently formed medieval music ensemble Misericordia, which he founded with Anne Marie Summers. He also plays Gothic Harp, Cittern and Citole.
Andy Clarke has a repertoire of mainly traditional song from the British Isles including the South West of England. His reputation as a strong performer continues to grow with increasing appearances at folk festivals and folk clubs across England
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With thanks to our sponsors

Fishguard & Goodwick T.C	The Arts Council Of Wales	Pembrokeshire County Council	The Royal Oak Fishguard	Brains Brewery	Stena Line	Interreg	Fishguard Folk	Rising Tide

Check out what happened in 2011...

	Click the image for a video snapshot of the 2011 festival. (9 minutes long)

Click here for the 2011 programme

.....We've just arrived home from Fishguard Folk Festival and would like to let you know how much we enjoyed the weekend.
You have managed to combine excellent organisation with a friendly and accommodating approach - we felt very welcome wherever we went. We also appreciated the sheer quality of the music that was being made all over the town.
Your sponsors must be very pleased and they should also be congratulated for their foresight in supporting the event. It not only brings people in to the area which is obviously of benefit to the local economy; it also gives them and the local community a great weekend,
and, through the various workshops, helps keep traditional music alive, thriving and developing....
....Jac, Jen, Kay, Keith, Liz, Sue and Trevor....

...I have just returned to Leicester after spending a fantastic weekend at the Fishguard Folk Festival.
The festival in this magical spot has become an annual ‘must’ for me. It differs from others because of its relaxed, informal nature, but that doesn't mean to say that the event is not organised well.
It is wonderful to be in a really happy atmosphere, listening or participating in such a diverse variety of music and dancing.
...Janet Leicester...