Kris Drever originally comes from Hrossey in the Orkney Islands. Over the years, he has taught himself to be a songwriter, guitarist and singer of note (and sometimes many notes). As well as creating award-winning original songs and instrumental pieces with the trio Lau, he has had a fruitful solo career exploring the cracks between classic and modern songwriting and the traditional music that he comes from. Drever’s sound is rooted in the earthy and hypnotic rhythms of much older music, but there’s a sophistication to both the lyricism and the instrumentalism which places him skilfully in the present. He has an extensive collection of BBC R2 Folk awards, plus a fistful of Scottish NaTrads awards for everything from best album, best singer and best live act to best original song. He has worked with many excellent musicians, including Jack Bruce, Eddi Reader, Mark Knopfler, Jerry Douglas and Roddy Woomble, and is a member of the beautiful multi-media project Spell Songs: The Lost Words. Currently, Kris is preparing for a series of Lau events around the UK, writing music for a new solo album and learning some old tunes for reasons he can’t quite explain.

Ranagri produce an electrifying mix of virtuosic instrumentals, haunting melodies, vivid storytelling and their unique take on old and new folk songs.

Blair Dunlop is an award-winning British singer-songwriter and guitarist, who has released 5 albums, 2 EPs and toured around the globe. Blair burst onto the scene with his debut album Blight & Blossom in 2012, showcasing virtuosic musicianship and lyrical maturity, and was awarded the prestigious BBC Horizon Folk Award in the wake of its release. A string of critically acclaimed albums followed, along with headline tours and festival appearances in the UK, Europe, North America and Australia. His third album Gilded was widely acclaimed, gaining BBC Radio 2 Playlist status for the two single releases (The Egoist and 356). With the release of Out of the Rain in 2024 Blair has now cemented his place as one of Britain's most exciting talents: 'With songwriting and musicianship of the highest calibre, the expansive, wide-screen sound underlines Blair's growing stature as one of the country's most impressive contemporary musical artists, regardless of genre-labelling.' - Americana UK Live

Old Spot (Rowan Piggott & Joe Danks) burst onto the scene in 2023 with a critically acclaimed debut album and a whirlwind UK tour, quickly establishing themselves as a fresh force in old-time music. Praised for their raw energy and expressive musicianship, the duo lit up stages across UK/EU folk, bluegrass, and old-time festivals. Now Old Spot continue to push the boundaries of stringband tradition digging deeper into the roots of old-time while crafting a live show that's equal parts intimate and electrifying. Their new album Old Spot (II), recorded in the Scottish Borders, captures this evolving sound with fresh material and atmospheric arrangements. Whether trading close harmonies, ripping into a tune, or experimentally reworking a classic, Old Spot captivate audiences with a sound that's both steeped in tradition and boldly original. Joe (Banjo, Gourd Banjo) Joe Danks is a multi instrumentalist and singer from Nottingham. As well as being an accomplished songwriter Joe thrives on collaboration, and is currently touring regularly with experimental folk artists Jim Ghedi and Nick Jonah Davis. Joe has played in a myriad of different genres, but grew up surrounded by the patchwork of American folk music played by his parents, and has taken a winding path home to these traditions. Five string banjo became Joe's place of solace and is now the beating heart of Old Spot. His trademark rhythmic intensity and energy is more present than ever. Rowan (5 String Fiddle, Viola) Rowan Piggott is a folk fiddler, traditional singer and tune collector who grew up in the foothills of the Burren on the west coast of Ireland, surrounded by traditional music. Rowan is best known for performing and writing with his folk trio, The Wilderness Yet. Rowan brings his studious passion for international folk traditions to Old Spot, and his inventive 5-string fiddling pulls in melodic elements of the Swedish and Irish traditions to ornament traditional Old-Time grooves. Rakestone Trio is 3/5ths Rakestone, bringing you beautiful songs peppered with vibrant folk melodies. Dan Kittmer, Nottingham-based multi-instrumentalist and singer, will be kicking off our afternoon concert.

In this instrumental workshop, Joe and Rowan "Old Spot" will be sharing the joy of old-time music, teaching appalachian tunes and some of the idiomatic playing styles that make them come to life. Learn about the history of this musical melting pot whilst picking up a tune or two along the way. -All instruments welcome, may be a bit string specific but hopefully interesting to everyone. -No previous old-time music experience required -Teaching by ear, sheet music available afterwards!

On tour from Ireland, Gatehouse is a distinguished Irish traditional band known for their thoughtful interpretations, rich musicality, and deep respect for the tradition. Featuring Rachel Garvey on vocals, Jacinta McEvoy on guitar and concertina, John McEvoy on fiddle and mandola, and John Wynne on flute and whistles, the group brings together some of Ireland's most respected musicians. Their music blends refined instrumental interplay with compelling vocal performances, offering a sound that is both rooted and refreshing. From evocative ballads to lively dance tunes, Gatehouse strikes a delicate balance between tradition and innovation. Their debut album, Tús Nua, received critical acclaim for its subtlety and elegance, followed by the well-received Heather Down the Moor, which further established their signature style. Their live performances have been praised for their warmth, precision, and ability to connect with audiences.

1:45 Old Time Tunes Workshop with Old Spot 3:30 Afternoon concert with Old Spot, Rakestone Trio and Dan Kittmer 7:30 Evening concert with Gatehouse and all the bits in between ...