Queer Folk Festival

Maddie Morris tells powerful stories with haunting vocals, The Pegwells bring groovy Americana and the Spice Girls of folk RE:VULVA blend bold traditional fiddle, mandolin and guitar with synths and beats.

Jo Brydon-Dickenson delivers a fascinating talk exploring the life and work of Edwardian folk song collector Percy Grainger through a trans lens, and there'll be a lively folk session in the bar with the night ending in one of our epic Queer Ceilidh Dance Parties.

Early bird discounted tickets are now available - only until 30 April, so get booking to get your discount!

Line-up:

Maddie Morris

Bold, insightful and refreshingly unique, Maddie takes traditional song in new directions to shine a light on contemporary issues.

Folk songs have always told stories, but how Maddie makes their mark is by turning this storytelling into action. Described by Jim Moray as “leading the next generation of socially conscious songwriters”, they use their work to highlight inequality, challenge viewpoints and provide an inclusive space for shared experiences.

Whether they’re turning a centuries-old ballad on its head or writing something new, Maddie places their focus on drawing out true meaning rather than being true to tradition. Their debut studio album, Skin, (release in February 2024) is a beautifully crafted collection of songs which amplifies the stories of those often marginalised by society. Passionately political, yet gently understated, this is music that deftly treads the path between art and activism.

The Pegwells

Bianca Wilson (banjo, spoons, vocals) and Rebekah Bouche (resonator guitar, vocals) play a mix of black traditional music from across the Atlantic.

From Appalachian banjo tunes to early New Orleans jazz and everything in between, this duo is all about groove and feeling. They play the old standards but in their own reimagined way, continuing the tradition of reinterpreting and sharing this rich and generous music, with spirits to match.

RE:VULVA

This quartet comes fully loaded with talent, taking aim at hyper-masculine culture in music.

These dazzling, talented women present virtuosity, strength, and power in a language that is  unashamedly and decidedly female. With bold traditional fiddle, mandolin and guitar playing in sparkly synth and dance beats, their vision of the future is of a platform fit for the young women of tomorrow. The band features Janice Burns (Janice Burns & Jon Doran) on mandolin, Holly Clarke on vocals and guitar, Cathy Geldard on fiddle and Amy Thatcher (Kathryn Tickell, The Shee) on synth and drum pad.

Talk from Jo Brydon-Dickenson

Trans Experience in the Life of an Edwardian Folk Song Collector

A presentation exploring the life and work of Percy Grainger through a trans lens, and showing how they fit into a trans history of the early twentieth century.

Jo Brydon-Dickenson is in the process of finishing a PhD on trans life in Edwardian London and is the first person to apply a trans analysis to the writings of Percy Grainger.

Folk session in the bar

Ceilidh from 8 'til late - with interval performance

Presented by EFDSS and Queer Folk.