Love Folk Festival 2025

Join us at The Atkinson for Love Folk Festival; a celebration of traditional, upcoming and alternative folk music.

Headliners Alex Hart and Blue Rose Code are joined by Greenman Rising, Suthering, Good Habits, Naomi Bedford & Paul Simmonds and Eleanor Dunsdon & Gregor Black.

In addition to the main stage, Fatea will once again be hosting the Busk Love Folk acoustic stage.

Throughout the festival, the Studio and Theatre Bar will be offering a full selection of drinks and bar snacks, with guest ales from Southport Brewery.

#LoveFolkFest 

Festival Tickets £52

Festival tickets are valid for all acts taking place Friday 14 & Saturday 15 February 2025. Lower level and balcony seating is reserved.

Schedule

Friday 14 February. Doors open 7:30pm.
8.00pm – Main Stage – Eleanor Dunsdon & Gregor Black
9.00pm – Main Stage – Alex Hart

Saturday 15 February. Doors open 12:30pm.
1.00pm – Main Stage – Eleanor Dunsdon & Gregor Black
2.15pm – Main Stage – Naomi Bedford & Paul Simmon
3.45pm – Main Stage – Good Habits
4.45pm – Break
6.00pm – Main Stage – Suthering
7.30pm – Main Stage – Green Man Rising
9.00pm – Main Stage – Blue Rose Code

Busk Love Acoustic Stage
To be announced

Food & Drink

A Great Little Place café is open 10am-4pm on the ground floor.

Throughout the festival, the Studio and Theatre Bar will be offering a full selection of drinks and bar snacks, with guest ales from Southport Brewery.

There is a break in the festival programme 4:45pm-6pm.
The Pavilion and Crave Pizza are located directly outside The Atkinson on Lord Street.

The Bands

Alex Hart

Alex Hart, described by BBC Radio 2’s Mark Radcliffe as “the Stevie Nicks of Folk”, has just released her highly anticipated album VISIONS. Discovered at 18 by producer Neil Stainton, Alex honed her skills through collaborations with musicians like Barney Dine. Her exceptional voice and musicianship caught the attention of Jethro Tull’s Martin Barre, leading to international tours with the band. Alex also collaborates with Seth Lakeman, contributing her vocals and instrumental talents to his latest album and touring extensively.

★★★★★ – The Arts Desk / The Morning Star
★★★★ – Mojo Magazine / RnR Magazine

“UK Spangled Americana” – Jude Rogers in the Guardian 2024

alexhart.com

Blue Rose Code

Ross Wilson aka Blue Rose Code writes songs straight from – and to – the heart. They address universal themes in a deeply personal way and seamlessly blend folk, Americana, jazz, soul and pop influences into something truly unique and uplifting.

“One of the greatest live acts around right now…do yourself a favour and go.” – Americana UK

“A set of almost religious intensity and sincerity…full of the holy fire of live performance.” – The Times

“Jubilant, prayerful, compassionate, Caledonian soul maestro Ross Wilson’s latest iteration of his Blue Rose Code band sees his songs bursting with heart” ★★★★★ The Scotsman

bluerosecode.com

Greenman Rising

Greenman Rising is a dynamic folk band that brings raw energy to the world of traditional music. Based in the UK, they specialize in reimagining classic English and Celtic folk songs, infusing them with powerful vocals, intricate harmonies, and driving rhythms. Their sound blends traditional acoustic instruments like fiddle, melodeon, and bouzouki with a modern, high-octane twist, creating an electrifying live performance experience. Known for their fiery passion and storytelling, Greenman Rising captivates audiences at festivals, ceilidhs, and gigs across the country. Their performances are a celebration of folk heritage, delivered with a unique edge that resonates with contemporary listeners.

greenmanrising.co.uk

Suthering

Suthering, the evocative folk duo of Julu Irvine and Heg Brignall, captivates audiences with their exquisite harmonies and poignant messages of hope. Described as “two excellent singers” by BBC Radio’s Genevieve Tudor, their fresh approach to folk blends delicate guitar and cascading piano. Their 2022 debut album If We Turn Away was praised for its “hard-hitting, beautiful songs” (Folk Wales). 2024 sees the release of Leave A Light On, a powerful album co-produced with Sean Lakeman, exploring social and political themes. With a UK tour and a deep connection to nature, they continue to inspire through music and community work.

suthering.com

Good Habits

Good Habits are a genre-bending indie-folk duo blending virtuosic musicianship with vivid storytelling. Composed of Bonnie Schwarz (cello/vocals) and Pete Shaw (accordion/synths/perc), their sound fuses folk, pop, and contemporary styles into action-packed narratives. Launched into full-time music after being “happily stranded” in New Zealand in 2020, they’ve since performed at Glastonbury, WOMAD, and toured worldwide. Praised by BBC Radio 6’s Tom Robinson as “21st-century folk at its best,” their high-energy performances showcase soulful vocals, revved-up grooves, and technical brilliance. With a Top 40 Folk Charts album, Good Habits are rapidly rising stars in the global indie-folk scene.

goodhabitsband.com

Naomi Bedford & Paul Simmonds

Naomi Bedford is a celebrated English singer blending folk and country music into a distinctive, evocative sound. Her latest album, Strange News Has Come To Town (2024), fuses folk and Americana and has received widespread acclaim. Her previous release, Singing It All Back Home, a Guardian ‘Album of the Month’ (2019), spotlighted Appalachian ballads and affirmed her reputation as a master interpreter of traditional songs. Collaborating frequently with Paul Simmonds of The Men They Couldn’t Hang, Naomi has worked with luminaries like Justin Currie and Shirley Collins, toured major UK festivals, and earned praise from icons like Iggy Pop and Mark Radcliffe.

naomibedford.com

Eleanor Dunsdon & Gregor Black

Eleanor Dunsdon & Gregor Black are a Glasgow-based harp and percussion duo blending traditional music with jazz, folk, classical, and electronic influences. Graduates of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, they push musical boundaries with innovative arrangements and fresh compositions. Winners of the Danny Kyle Award and Purbeck Rising 2024, they’ve performed at events like the Edinburgh International Harp Festival and sold out their Ireland tour. Their debut EP, Let No Man (2024), earned airplay on BBC Radio 3, RTÉ Radio 1, and more. Recognized as UKHA Emerging Artists, the duo is redefining the role of the harp in contemporary music.

eleanorgregorduo.com

Festival Partner

The ‘Busk Love Folk’ acoustic stage is proudly sponsored by Fatea. Established over 30 years ago, the indie organisation features music from across the acoustic spectrum.

Busk Love Folk 2025 to be announced.

Refund Policy

Line-ups are correct at time of purchase but may be subject to change.
Please check our refund policy before booking.