We are delighted to announce…
Frankie Archer has exploded onto the folk scene with music that transcends stereotypes using a combination of manipulated samples, synths, drum tracks and earthy Northumbrian fiddle and voice to capture her audience. Her aim? To shake up genres and traditions, challenge perspectives and call for a fairer future.
Edgelarks - described by BBC 6 Music as "extraordinary", this is the first chance to see the Radio 2 Folk Award-winning duo of Hannah Martin and Phillip Henry live in London for nearly two years. Edgelarks combine soulful, original songwriting with deep folk roots; and with influences as diverse as Indian classical and American blues, they produce a sound like no other.
The Bookshop Band is the unique musical offspring of award-winning folk songwriters Beth Porter and Ben Please and independent bookshop Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights.
As their name suggests, they derive their songwriting inspiration from books and, inspired by hundreds of authors from Shakespeare to Philip Pullman, have released 13 studio albums featuring many of the authors they have worked with.

The Magpie Arc: Multi-award-winners Martin Simpson (on electric guitar), Nancy Kerr, Findlay Napier, Alex Hunter and Tom A. Wright mix their unique songwriting styles and musicianship with traditional UK folk sensibilities. In a full-on electric band, they create exciting new music and update the classic 60s and 70s British folk rock sound.
Note: Martin Simpson will be replaced by Sam Carter for this gig due to illness. A message from The Magpie Arc:
Hi folks, our Martin Simpson is just coming out the other side of a horrendous bout of flu and, whilst he's on the way to recovery, his doctors' advice is that he needs to rest up for another week to get back to full match fitness.
Sadly, that means he will not be with us for our upcoming gigs in Leicester, Shoreham and Colchester or for our own festival at Cecil Sharp House in London.
Luckily our good and talented friend Sam Carter has dived in to help us save the dates and will be joining us stage left on the electric for some folk 'n' roll.
All our wishes are for a hale and healthy Mr Simpson and hope you will join us in wishing him a speedy recovery.
PLUS Matthew Bannister (BBC Radio and Folk on Foot broadcaster) interviews Ashley 'The Guv'nor' Hutchings in his 80th birthday year.

Timings for the day
12 noon House doors open and the cafe!
1pm Gig door open
1.20pm - 2.20pm The Bookshop Band (60 mins)
10 minute break
2.30pm - 3.30pm Frankie Archer (60 mins)
30 minute break
4pm - 5pm Matthew Bannister Interviews Ashley Hutchings (60 mins)
2 hour dinner break
7pm - 8pm Edgelarks (60 mins)
10 Minute break
8.10pm - 9.10pm Sam Carter (60 mins)
10 minute break
9.20pm - 10.20pm The Magpie Arc (60 mins)
End 10.30pm
Presented by EFDSS and The Magpie Arc
Tags:
Spring 2025