We are thrilled to reveal our programme for Spring 2026 as we continue to deliver on our promise to bring the very best in folk, roots and acoustic music to Downend. There's a mixture of returning favourites and new faces; and a mixture of genres as we bring you traditional folk, Americana, bluegrass and singer-songwriters.

We kick off the new year with a return from a duo that have become a bona-fide DF&R favourite. Americana to some, folk to others, THE BLACK FEATHERS headline on Friday 16 January. Sian Chandler’s soaring, dramatic, melodious but powerful voice is a perfect counterpoint to Ray Hughes’ piquant vocals and his sparkling and occasionally spicy guitar motifs. This is a duo who love what they play and play what they love with panache, humour, delight and rather a lot of commentary on the downside of being a human. Opening the evening will be HANNAH WOOD, a Bristol-based vocalist and songwriter who draws influences from folk, soul and pop to create dreamy, sometimes haunting, sounds. Melancholic vocals and introspective lyrics mirror and bring comfort to our shared struggles.

We continue with an evening of brilliant bluegrass. THE OFTEN HERD join us, all the way from Newcastle, to headline on Friday 20 February. This four-piece transcend the traditional boundaries of bluegrass music. Although they might resemble an American string band, complete with driving energy, tight vocal harmonies and dazzling instrumental interplay, their vibrant, transatlantic sound is deeply coloured by their surroundings; the striking natural and industrial landscapes of Northern England. They will be supported by GREEN TREE, who encompass a range of both traditional and more contemporary bluegrass songs. The end result is a performance built on two passionate musicians whose styles and playing work perfectly in harmony.

With March’s concert falling in the same week as St Patrick’s Day, we wanted a little Irish flavour, so we’ll be joined by SHERBURN BARTLEY SANDERS on Friday 20 March. Chris Sherburn (concertina) and Denny Bartley (vocals and guitar) have brought their unique sound to audiences across the globe since 1993. In 2016, they joined forces with Emily Sanders (fiddle and vocals) blending vocal harmonies and strings to their unique sound.  Now, their soul-stirring songs, exhilarating tunes and quick-witted banter ensures that their performances are filled with warmth, laughter, and exceptional musicianship. We couldn’t quite manage an Irish support, but we’ve kept to the Celtic theme, with PAUL LLOYD NICHOLAS hopping over the border. Paul is proud to call himself a South Wales singer-songwriter who’s fallen on his feet and has a brilliant time playing to terrific audiences 

All three concerts will take place at CHRIST CHURCH DOWNEND as usual, and seating is unreserved. Tickets are £14 in advance (£16 on the door) and are available online HERE, and from MELANIE’S KITCHEN in Downend (cash only). There is also the option to buy a season ticket for all four concerts for £38, which saves a few pounds as well as booking fees. All tickets are non-refundable. There will be a full bar at all concerts, as well as a prize draw, all proceeds of which go towards booking our support artists. Doors open at 7.00pm for a 7.45pm start. 

We're really excited about this season, and we hope you will be too. Keep supporting live music, it’s becoming more and more important with every passing month! For further information, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or find us on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, BLUESKY, YOUTUBE or TIKTOK.

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“We’ve been talking about this gig for about ten years,” the gathered music lovers were told before SARAH McQUAID took to the stage to headline this month’s concert. “The stars have never quite aligned before, but you’re going to be glad they have now.”

Perhaps never a truer prediction was made from the stage. Beginning her set with the unaccompanied Sweetness and Pain, McQuaid has the audience in the palm of her hand from the first second as Christ Church Downend descended into pin-drop silence. They clearly knew they are in the hands of someone who knows precisely how to engage her audience.

McQuaid’s two children are in their twenties now, but used to love being read bedtime stories by their mother when they were young… and little wonder, as in her hands, stories become living, breathing things. The Tide, inspired by the Swallows and Amazons books, is a fine example of just that. McQuaid’s voice is often described as lush and chocolatey. It’s hard to know exactly what that means, but when you hear it, the description suddenly makes sense. Her voice is a magical thing that just leaves you spellbound.

McQuaid was born in Spain but grew up in the USA before she relocated to Ireland and then Cornwall; but with her Chicago upbringing, it was surely inevitable that she’d eventually write a blues song, and in I’m Slowing Down As I Get Older, And That’s Good), she’s written a perfect one. It’s a proper ear-worm, too, and this reviewer has been singing it almost non-stop for the last 24 hours. That’s a special songwriting talent that so few possess.

Most of the songs in McQuaid’s set are one’s that she’s written herself, but the award for "Most Surprising Cover of the Year" surely must go to her take on Radiohead’s Fake Plastic Trees. Surprising, yes, but a truly "stops you in your tracks" version of a very good song, too. McQuaid is innovative, thoughtful and clearly takes great care in the shape of her set. And there’s room for a bit of trad too, with West Virginia Boys showing that she’s as adept with the old songs as she is with those written by herself (or Thom Yorke!).

Your reviewer hails from Derby, so In Derby Cathedral was a particular delight as McQuaid closed her set with a haunting set of layered vocals, before returning for a well deserved encore, with the appropriately-titled Last Song, a gentle, lulling delight to end her set perfectly and reiterate her genuine class.

Opening the evening was a long-time friend of both DF&R and McQuaid. MIKE WEAVER is a gifted songwriter, his songs are deep, thoughtful and personal, and are delivered with a gentle simplicity. Chasing Squirrels, written in honour of his beloved dog, is a particular highlight, while Weaver closed the set with his “hit”, Pembrokeshire Fair, which gets better on every hearing.

A gig ten years in the making, but the audience were in no doubt that it was entirely worth the wait. The stars aligned, tonight, in so many ways.

Words: Bea Furlong
Photos: Alan Cole/Fiona McKeon

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