Things are starting to get better, aren't they? The Snowdrops are peeking through the soil, birds are singing their hearts out, there's a tiny bit of warmth in the sunshine, there's actually some sunshine! You can feel that everything is going to be alright. 
 
If there's one man you need to soundtrack those bursts of spring-y joy then it is, of course, SAM SWEENEY. One of the finest fiddle players of his generation, member of Bellowhead, Leveret and countless wonderful collaborations and, most recently, part of Boss Morris; Sweeney sometimes looks as though he can't believe how beautiful the music he makes can be. 
 
 
Starting, as he always does, with Orange in Bloom, a Morris tune which Sweeney describes as “the best tune of all time”, it is full of woodsmoke and loveliness. Gently, slowly he coaxes spirits from the forest as Louis Campbell shaves slivers of moonlight with his guitar. It takes about thirty seconds before Sweeney smiles, tilts his head back and simply allows the music to flow from him.
 
The whole of the first set is taken up with the Shapes EP, which Sweeney and Campbell released in 2023. They play it sequentially and, quite simply, every tune is glorious. On Shape #1 (D) the fiddle flutters above the tune, Campbell's guitar ringing out like a piano, until everything soars. These two seem to be in constant motion, there's fluidity, the music glides and skips, it skims like stones. Shape #3 (E) stretches and unfurls, the guitar as soft as raindrops, while Shape #4 (G) patters like go-to-bed footsteps, a lullaby for the ages. 
 
Shape #5 (A) flits through the trees, Sweeney's fiddle humming snatches of romance, the soundtrack to a long-forgotten love. It's cinematic in the best possible way, projecting super 8 images straight into your memory box. Sweeney admits to falling asleep to this EP and it is easy to see why. All of the Shapes are blissful, tranquil, and gorgeous.
 
 
For the second set, Sweeney and Campbell break out the toe-tappers. Steppy Downs Road is huge fun, Campbell propulsive while Sweeney swoops up and over hills. Want to Fly, Want to Flee is another that explodes skywards. Both instruments launching themselves into the air, this is music for a summer's day, music of sunshine and heart-bursting happiness. 
 
There are light-footed hornpipes and haunting regimental marches, there's dance music for campfire embers and repeated shivers of delight. Sweeney and Campbell shimmer and pulse, sometimes they seem to be desperately trying to hold onto the streamers of light that they produce before they just fly away.
 
Sam Sweeney lets his fiddle do his singing for him, however, LOU SHEPHERD, in support, is all about the voice. This Bristol based singer-songwriter is seriously good.
 
 
With only a handful shows under her belt, she holds echoes of Sandy Denny and Nick Drake. Her voice is so poised, so pure. If she encapsulates the best of 60s folk on an unaccompanied Quiet Joys of Brotherhood, then she is beautifully contemporary on West Winds. In the same way that Katherine Priddy can still a room with her voice, Shepherd has a packed Christ Church entranced. 
 
Her own songs are sprinkled with nostalgic magic dust, they are peans to nature, to longing, to resilience. Mackerel Skies and Rise are flecked with sunshine, they skate on acoustic hope. Rambling ‘til Sunrise has the lazy roll of an Amsterdam bicycle wheel and allows us to glimpse a European summer evening.
 
Between them, Lou Shepherd, Sam Sweeney and Louis Campbell help to dispel the winter-y gloom, to look forward to brighter days. To remind us that, soon, everything will be alright.
 
Words: Gavin McNamara
Photos: Barry Savell
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Back in early 2021, just after the covid lockdowns when we’d just been allowed out again, with lots of restrictions and social distancing, SAM SWEENEY brought himself and his fiddle (he wasn’t allowed to bring anyone else!) to Christ Church Downend, and had the intimate crowd that was allowed in utterly mesmerised for 90 minutes.

 
 
It’s now time for him to return, this time with guitarist Louis Campbell in tow, and this time there are bound to be a few more people in the audience with almost 100 tickets already snapped up at the time of writing. And there will be yet more people watching virtually as the concert will be live-streamed in partnership with LIVE TO YOUR LIVING ROOM.
 
Sam is a veteran of the mighty Bellowhead, former and inaugural artistic director of the National Youth Folk Ensemble, founder member of the acclaimed instrumental trio Leveret, and "Britain’s premier fiddler" (Songlines), at the forefront of the revival in English traditional music.
 
Sam's most recent album, Escape That, is unashamed in its pool of influences. It’s an album laced with visits to old musical companions, culminating in something entirely new; not an uncomfortable fusion of genres but a genuine expression of love for his inspirations, past and present.
 
 
Opening the evening will be LOU SHEPHERD, a rising folk singer-songwriter whose emotive voice has confirmed her place as one of the UK’s most exciting emerging folk artists. With her compelling storytelling rooted deeply in nature and connection, Lou’s poetic lyrical perspectives, immersive soundscapes and commanding melodies cast "Laurel Canyon shadows", with the "quiet determination of a seedling seeking the light" (Bristol 24/7, FATEA).

Brought up on the best of the British folk revival and folk sessions in the South West of England, Lou’s live performances have gained Europe-wide acclaim, having spent two years at the heart of the Amsterdam folk scene. Now back in her native West Country, Lou’s awe and wonder for nature shine through. A talented multi-instrumentalist, her lucent and effortless vocals have left a lasting impression with audiences nationwide. Her debut EP Rise is scheduled for release later this year.
 
Tickets for the concert, which takes place at CHRIST CHURCH DOWNEND on Friday 21 February 2025, are available online HERE and from MELANIE'S KITCHEN in Downend (cash only). They are priced at £14 each in advance or £16 on the door. Doors open at 7.00pm and the music starts around 7.45pm. This event is also included in our Spring Season Ticket.
 
There will be a bar, stocking cider, soft drinks, wine, hot drinks and real ale from locally-based HOP UNION BREWERY. Audience members are encouraged to bring their own glass/mug/tankard, as well as reusable bottles for water, as part of the drive to be more environmentally aware; there is a 50p discount for those that do. There will also be sweet treats available at the bar courtesy of Radstock-based THE GREAT CAKE COMPANY, as well as a prize draw, which helps to fund the support artists for each concert.
 
For those that can’t make it to Downend, or miss out on tickets, this concert will also be live-streamed in partnership with LIVE TO YOUR LIVING ROOM, so you can watch from the comfort of your own sofa! Head to livetoyourlivingroom.com for more information on live-stream tickets.
 
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 are beyond delighted to reveal our programme for Summer 2025, which features a bonafide folk superstar and two of the most exciting emerging artists that the UK folk scene has to offer. To welcome an artist of CARA DILLON's stature to Downend goes to show how well-thought of we have become in the ten years that we've existed, while bringing you HOLLY CLARKE and LIZZY HARDINGHAM, both of whom have gone down well in South Gloucestershire supporting other artists, re-affirms our commitment to showcasing brilliant young talent.

The programme kicks off on Friday 16 May, when HOLLY CLARKE will headline with her full band. A singer who draws from the old ballads and stories, Holly conjures a performance that immediately captivates any listener. As a performer, Holly transports the listener into the heart of ballads, immersing them in the narratives that have shaped humanities experience through time. From songs of the supernatural and folklore, to the tales of love and loss, Holly sings with an infectious energy and passion for traditional song. Holly will be joined on-stage by her full band, which comprises Amy Thatcher (accordion & synths), Anna Hughes (fiddle & viola) and John Pope (double-bass). Opening the evening will be Cornwall-based duo LÖRE & LAMENT, who weave ballads from England and the Celtic isles. They play traditional songs, shanties, and originals inspired by folklore. Tickets are £14 in advance or £16 on the door. This concert will be live-streamed in partnership with LIVE TO YOUR LIVING ROOM.

CARA DILLON is surely the biggest name we've ever featured, and she will headline on Friday 20 June. Cara is an extraordinary, multiple award-winning Irish folk singer, and she'll be joined on-stage by acclaimed musician and producer Sam Lakeman. Throughout an enviable career which has seen them explore opportunities to tread many different paths – from releasing folk crossover albums on indie label Rough Trade; recording on Disney soundtracks to collaborations with orchestras and even leading dance DJs – Cara has continuously chosen to firmly plant herself within the landscape of her Irish cultural heritage and that’s something to celebrate. Supporting Cara will be HERON ISLAND, a duo that sparked into existence on a narrow boat trip on the River Avon in the summer of 2023 to write, record and gig songs which drew on their shared experiences of childhood in the south Devon countryside and their love for honest music built around the guitar. This one's a little more expensive at £20 in advance or £22 on the door, but it will be worth every penny and then some, and we expect it to sell out very quickly.

Rounding off the programme on Friday 18 July will be LIZZY HARDINGHAM, who sings songs that drive straight to the heart, giving audiences a chance for genuine connection and empathy. Lizzy is paving her way as a powerhouse performer with beautifully delivered songs, her wonderful voice grabbing the listener from the very first note and holding on until the last. Think Christine Collister, Joni Mitchell, Sandy Denny and KT Tunstall all wrapped into one. She will be joined on-stage by Katriona Gilmore (a very familiar face at Downend Folk & Roots!) & Jonny Wickham. Opening the evening will be DAN SEALEY, who started his career with folk rock band Ocean Colour Scene and toured the world, played headline slots at major festivals for over a decade and co-founded the band Merrymouth with Simon Fowler. Dan now takes his own show on the road, featuring music from all the bands he’s played in, along with the often hilarious stories he’s amassed along the way, plus material from his forthcoming album. Tickets for this concert are £14 in advance or £16 on the door. 

All three concerts will take place at CHRIST CHURCH DOWNEND as usual, and seating is unreserved. Tickets are available online HERE, and they will also be available from MELANIE’S KITCHEN in Downend ahead of each individual gig. Please note that Melanie's Kitchen can only take cash payments. There is also the option to buy a season ticket for all three concerts for £44, 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 7.30pm 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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