We are delighted to announce our programme for Summer 2026. As usual, we’re bringing you the very best from across the folk, roots, acoustic and bluegrass genres; we’re sure you’ll agree that this is one of our best seasons yet.

We kick off the season on Friday 17 April with a visit from THE SAM KELLY TRIO. Sam  is a BBC Radio 2 Folk Award winning musician, singer, songwriter, and producer from Norfolk. Described by legendary folk broadcaster Mike Harding as ‘one of my favourite singers ever’ and by Cara Dillon as ‘an amazing singer with so much soul’, Sam has become one of the most accomplished and well-respected performers on the UK folk scene. He will be joined by long-term collaborator Jamie Francis and virtuosic multi instrumentalist and one of the finest button accordion players in the UK, Archie Churchill-Moss. Opening the evening will be Bristol’s own LOU SHEPHERD, a rising folk singer-songwriter whose emotive voice - “moss-soft and sun-tinged” (Bristol 24/7, FATEA) - has confirmed her place as one of the UK’s most exciting emerging folk artists.

We continue with an evening of modern bluegrass on Friday 15 May. THE CHARLOTTE CARRIVICK BAND brings together four of the most exciting musicians in the UK today. Charlotte Carrivick is a flatpicking guitarist of international renown. Joining Charlotte is in-demand fiddler Kieran Towers; master of tone and taste, Evan Davies on mandolin; and the firm hand of bassist Eleanor Wilkie. Together, their music is at times joyous, poignant, dark, pensive or exuberant with virtuosic instrumentals and close harmony singing. Getting us underway will be ERIKA OLSON. Heralded by Americana Highway as “a modern-day troubadour” with “impeccable musicianship and vocals,” Erika brings a distinctive blend of folk, Americana, and pop to the stage, forging a powerful connection with audiences through her intimate live performances.

Rounding the season will be BELINDA O’HOOLEY, who headlines on Friday 19 June. Belinda is an acclaimed pianist, singer, songwriter and composer celebrated for her expressive and distinctive musicality. Best known as one half of O’Hooley & Tidow, with her wife Heidi Tidow, she has been nominated four times for the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. Her piano playing - elegant, inventive, and emotionally charged - has made her a sought-after collaborator. Joining Belinda on the evening’s bill will be GREN BARTLEY. Forever evolving and adapting, and with unmatched guitar work, he is a modern day troubadour, using his influences from older folk and world music traditions, to bring something new and unique to his audience. 

All three concerts will take place at CHRIST CHURCH DOWNEND as usual, and seating is unreserved. Tickets are £15 in advance (£17 on the door) and are available online HERE, and from Downend Cards & Gifts (correct cash only). There is also the option to buy a season ticket for all three concerts for £40, 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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