Friday, 27 April 2018 - thanks to Hebden Bridge Roots Festival for this report
Folk Roots Festival
11-13 May
Hebden Bridge Roots Festival is run by a group of musicians, enthusiasts and folk-loving people. This festival has been created organically, and is connected to the heart of the community. It is exciting to see it grow and evolve bringing in a wonderful mix of artists, dancers, storytellers and musicians from all over the world.
All the worlds a stage and Hebden Folk Roots Festival has certainly captivated a wide range of amazing performers and musical styles for your entertainment.
Photo: Craig Shaw
Musical Director Dave Boardman says, "Looking forward to another great Folk Roots weekend here in Hebden Bridge starting on May 11th 12th and 13th, kicking off with a Yorkshire night at Hope Baptist Chapel featuring Jon Palmer's Acoustic Band and Roger Davies supported by our own, Reggie and the Krayfish. The weekend also brings top singer songwriters like Reg Meuross, Steve Tilston and Ewan McLennan to the Hebden Bridge stage.
"The Americana and Bluegrass event has become a regular for the Folk Roots and is happening at the Hebden Bridge Trades Club and we are revisiting 'The World on Your Doorstep', so expect anything from Latin to Klezmer. Get your Hebden Folk Roots Festival weekend tickets and make sure you are ready for an amazing festival."
Wonderful acts like, Henry Priestman, Blanty, The Harmony Jar, JJ Hayden, Ghost School, Will Kaufman, Logan and Manley will all be singing for your entertainment at Hope Baptist Chapel.
Happening at Hebden Bridge Trades Club on Saturday there is Americana and Bluegrass bands such as, Cousin Pearl, Farrago, The Groovin Brothers, Catfish Skillet and joint headlining this event is G-Runs n' Roses who are an energetic band from the Czech Republic. The G-Runs n' Roses have been voted No 1 European Bluegrass Band in 2010 and No 1 Audience Popularity award in 2012, so expect great things. Helen Hutchinson (event organiser for the Americana and Bluegrass Stage) states, "They will take your breathe away with their hot picking, they are delighted and excited about playing at the Folk Roots here in Hebden Bridge" West Yorkshire, 5 piece the '309's' will certainly live up to their reputation at getting everyone up on their feet and dancing till the early hours.
Phoenix Ceilidh Band is playing at the Mytholmroyd Community Centre on the Friday evening, all families are welcome. Then it is on to the Mytholmroyd 'Shoulder of Mutton' for a Americana and Bluegrass session.
Storytelling has always played a major role in the festival and this year, Shonaleigh who was brought up by Drut'syla tradition by her Bubbe (Grandmother) is sharing her tale called 'The Sapphire Staff' 'an ancient warlord is looking for three objects that will give him possession of all the kingdoms in the world. The Sapphire Staff given to Adam at the beginning of the world can make waters part....only two people can stop him. Go to Shonaleigh event to find out what happens next... on the Friday 11th May at The Stubbings Wharf, doors open at 7pm.
International and Award Winning Storyteller, Ursula Holden Gill has new stories on her 'Beyond the Veil of Calderdale' Ghost walk around Hebden Bridge. Ursula has developed this deliciously dark, 'Original Hebden Bridge Ghost Walk' so that all who accompany her can squirm at the horrible histories and blood thirsty tales she has recently discovered. Join her on Saturday 12th May near the wavy steps opposite The White Swan (see website for details) Suitable for families, prams, wheelchairs and dog lovers alike, this promises to be a magical evening of mystery and mayhem.
'Choirs across the valley' are coming together to put on one big concert at St James Church on the Friday evening, we have Calder Valley Voices, Three Valleys Gospel Choir, Remingtons, Corista, Recovery Choir and The 4 Hoarsemen. This is something to be seen and listened too, as it is not often you get to hear a choir of valley angels under one roof.
Here in our Valley and in the North, we are blessed with an amazing music community and this is a perfect opportunity to showcase our long standing professionals and emerging talent 'In and Around' our pubs and venues in our beautiful town. The talent you will experience at this festival will fill your heart with joy and make you realise coming to the Hebden Folk Roots festival has been the right choice, in no particular order we have Jack Parker, Thomas Graham, Frank Leigh, Creedy, Rock Salt, Jacky's Fantastic, Magdalen Bath, Soma, Henry Parker, Doggerland and The Amazing Slipper Men are just a few of the variety of talent for the Folk Roots Weekend plus lots more....
Street Performances and entertainment from, The Fire Man Dave, The Landlubbers, Mike Hancock, Moonshine Creek, traditional and contemporary dancing from Lancashire and Yorkshire including Leap to your Feet, Oakenhoof Cloggers Hill Millies and The 400 Roses and many more..this is going to be a wonderful weekend of folk, fun and friendship.
'World on your Doorstep' finishes off the festival with Town Musicians of Bremen, Trixxi Corish, Leeds based, Mambo Jambo, Don't Feed the Peacocks.
On the Sunday evening at Hebden Bridge Trades Club supporting the Klezmer night is Manouche North, they are a newly formed band and legends in their own right on the Klezmer and Gyspy Jazz scene creating their own versions of the masterpieces of Django Reinhardt, Brandwein and Dave Tarras. Headlining is the well known Klezmer, balkan, beats, gypsy, jazz bohemians 'Tantz'. There is something special about this band that manages to touch almost everyone who hears and sees them live, no matter what music they are into. Get there early it will be a busy dance floor.
Our official festival Camping is at Old Chamber Farm and Campervans at Mytholmroyd Community Centre. Links to other accommodation can be found on the website along with day and weekend tickets www.hebdenfolkroots.org