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We are thrilled to reveal our programme for Autumn/Winter 2025. As usual, we’ve struck the balance between well-known names and brilliant emerging talent, we’re sure you’ll agree.
The programme kicks off on Friday 19 September, when SARAH McQUAID will be our headline guest. Sarah’s lush, chocolatey voice combines with her engaging personality and brilliant musicianship on acoustic and electric guitars, keyboards and (occasionally) drum to create a truly immersive experience. Opening the evening will be long-time friend of DF&R, MIKE WEAVER, a singer-songwriter originally from Cheltenham, but now living in Worcestershire. He is a writer and illustrator by day and an acoustic performer by night, presenting his own melodic songs which draw upon both contemporary and traditional influences.
We’ve been wanting to feature THE SHACKLETON TRIO for quite some time, and the stars have finally aligned as they headline our concert on Friday 17 October. The trio features Georgia Shackleton (fiddle, vocals), Aaren Bennett (guitar) and Nic Zuppardi (mandolin and banjo). Collectively the band draw influence from British, American and Scandinavian folk traditions, whilst Georgia’s flair for sourcing largely unsung material from East Anglia keeps the band firmly rooted in their local tradition. In support will be THE ASHEN KEYS, a multi instrumental, multi voiced celebration of heartfelt storytelling from Kent. Their sound tells of influences from folk, blues, pop, classical and even early music. Expect to be taken on a journey through dark folk tales, bittersweet love stories and reveries on nature, all with exquisite vocal harmonies and unique instrumentation.
Back in March of 2022, we were due to welcome KNIGHT & SPIERS, but that pesky covid intervened. We’re delighted to say we’ve finally managed to find a date to reschedule, and they’ll be with us on Friday 21 November. 'Folk a-listers’, ‘folk royalty’ and ‘folk icons' are terms frequently applied to both Peter and John, but what it means in reality is that they bring the best of traditional music to any stage they play. The exquisite explorations of the liminal space that exists between traditional and classical music is what makes the music so compelling and beguiling, ultimately rendering genres irrelevant. Getting us underway will be FLY YETI FLY, an alt-folk duo whose enchanting harmonies, warm instrumentation and heartfelt storytelling weave songs about connection and community. Blending folk, roots and Americana influences, their music is both uplifting and deeply moving. This concert will be live-streamed in partnership with LIVE TO YOUR LIVING ROOM.
Our December concert is always a highlight of the musical year, and this one should be no exception as we welcome a duo who stole the show at our 10th Anniversary Celebration last Summer. BRYONY GRIFFITH & ALICE JONES return with their sensational seasonal tour Wesselbobs on Friday 19 December. Following the success of their 2023 album of the same name, they present a unique collection of winter songs and tunes sourced from their beloved native county. Together they have unearthed a treasure trove of traditional gems, featuring uniquely local versions of more classic seasonal songs and showcasing the traditions, tales and winter rituals of the richly diverse musical culture in which they are immersed. As is now traditional, DF&R favourites HEARTWOOD CHORUS will open the evening. Leader Neil Johnson creates masterful arrangements of traditional songs and new interpretations of future classics from the contemporary folk scene. What started as a community project has evolved into a quality folk act in its own right. This is not a choir that sings folk music… this is a bonafide folk choir, and one that's been called the “finest in the UK”. This concert is another that will be live-streamed in partnership with LIVE TO YOUR LIVING ROOM.
All four 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. Please note that Melanie's Kitchen can only take cash payments. There is also the option to buy a season ticket for all four concerts for £50, 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 never been more important! 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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Photos: Barry Savell
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