The Atkinson’s 2016 Love Folk Festival lineup has been announced with headliners Seth Lakeman and Michael McGoldrick, John McCusker & John Doyle confirmed to appear.
The Love Folk Festival, as its name suggests, takes place on the weekend closest to Valentine’s day as possible, this year it will fall on Friday 12 & Saturday 13 February and has a line-up of new, upcoming, traditional and contemporary folk for the second year of this event.
On the line-up this year is Seth Lakeman, Michael McGoldrick, John McCusker & John Doyle, Elbow Jane, Will Pound & Eddie Jay, Ange Hardy and Sheelanagig.
Seth Lakeman will get up close and personal in an intimate solo performance to close the festival on Saturday 13 February. The popular West-country folk singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist unearthed hidden histories and unsung everyday heroes to commemorate in song from in and around his native Devon and Cornwall for his latest album ‘Word of Mouth’ released in February 2014.
Michael McGoldrick, John McCusker & John Doyle – an Englishman, an Irishman and a Scotsman – all top notch musicians and all part of the acclaimed BBC Transatlantic Sessions will open the festival on Friday 12 February.
Michael McGoldrick, John McCusker & John Doyle offer traditional music from master flautist McGoldrick (Flook, Lunasa and Capercaillie), McCusker (Battlefield Band) and guitarist Doyle.
Saturday is a busy day starting with Elbow Jane, who make their first appearance at the venue – the band are one of the finest live acoustic acts in the UK. Come and hear their unique blend of bouzouki, mandolin, guitar, keyboards and percussion all complemented by expressive vocals and stunning harmonies that has won them national acclaim.
FATEA Female Vocalist of the Year 2014 Ange Hardy will be performing original contemporary songs written in a traditional style with an emphasis on vocal harmony.
Referred to by veteran folk broadcaster Mike Harding as “one of the bright stars of the new wave of folk singers” and since then Ange Hardy has established an enviable reputation as one of the fastest emerging folk acts in the UK.
Will Pound & Eddie Jay are an exciting new duo to tour the circuit. Triple BBC Folk Award nominee Will Pound & Accordion/Composer Master Eddy Jay create a unique sound of Folk Music and we are really excited to have them as part of this year’s Love Folk festival.
Sheelanagig bring their Balkan folk, Gypsy Jazz sound to the proceedings. Their intricate, groove and heavy arrangements of original and traditional tunes draw influence from the folk music of Europe and beyond. It is a high-octane five-piece playing a wide variety of instruments with reckless abandon, forcing you to dance your socks off and have a good time!
Emma Lloyd, Principal Manager: Programmes, Audience Development & Enterprise said:
“Love Folk is one of my favourite weekends of the year as it brings such as lovely atmosphere and an outstanding calibre of music to the venue.
2016’s line-up is very exciting and we know the audience will enjoy it just as much as this year’s. There is such passion, love and support for folk as a genre that I hope we can develop Love Folk into a town-wide event over the next few years.
Southport definitely has the hotels, theatres, bars and restaurants to create one of the best folk festivals in the UK that can match the other established events such as Sidmouth, Shrewsbury, and Cambridge to name but a few.”
We have great support from our friends at the Bothy Folk Club who once again will be playing across the 2 day event. They are one of the oldest folk clubs in the UK and have recently celebrated their 50th birthday!
Love Folk the little festival with a big heart invites you to spend the most romantic weekend of the year singing, dancing drinking, eating and generally loving folk!
Early bird festival tickets will be on sale for £36 from Friday 28 August ( limited number available and only until 30 November), festival tickets are £41 thereafter. Tickets are available online at theatkinson.co.uk or by calling the Box Office on 01704 533333. They are also available over the counter during The Atkinson opening hours.
Please be advised that there is a £2.50 booking fee for telephone and online sales. Form September 1 this will change to £1 for all bookings.
-ENDS-
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LISTING INFORMATION
Love Folk 2016 – At A Glance
Friday 12 February from 7pm
Bothy Folk Club
Michael McGoldrick, John McCusker & John Doyle
Saturday 13 February from 12pm
Bothy Folk Club
1pm- Elbow Jane
2.45pm- Ange Hardy
4.30pm- Will Pound & Eddie Jay
Bothy Folk Club
7pm- Sheelanagig
8.45pm- Seth Lakeman (Solo)
Early Bird Festival Tickets: £36 (Limited Availability)
Festival Ticket: £41
Please be advised that there is a £2.50 booking fee for telephone and online sales. Form September 1 this will change to £1 for all bookings.
The Atkinson
Lord Street
Southport
Merseyside
PR8 1DB
HOW TO BOOK
In person: Visit The Atkinson box office on Lord Street
For tickets: visit the website theatkinson.co.uk or call box office on 01704 533333
-ENDS-________________________
About The Atkinson
The Atkinson is Southport’s beautiful new home for music, theatre, art, poetry, literature and history, right in the middle of Lord Street in Southport. Significant investment has been made in refurbishing the stunning 19th century buildings, to create a really welcoming multi art-form venue with a strong contemporary feel.
The Atkinson offers an exciting and varied destination for families, cultural tourists and arts enthusiasts alike, with a full day and night time offer. Wile the day away visiting the new shop, that sells gifts and contemporary crafts from regional makers and then relax in the Bakery, choosing from a selection of artisan bread sandwiches, cakes and sharing platters. You can even take little bit of The Atkinson home with you from the delicatessen. Wander through the major exhibitions and see performances from some of the UK’s foremost musicians, actors, performers and companies, films, family activities and much more.
The new Museum is now open. Sefton Between Land & Sea tells the story of Southport and Sefton as well as the area’s dramatic maritime history. While Discover Ancient Egypt – the new Egyptology Gallery is the home of the Goodison Egyptology Collection, a remarkable collection of archaeology that has not been seen for over 40 years.
Posted on 28 August 2015 under Just announced
