Ranagri

Ranagri is an award winning folk band from Ireland and England. With a unique

blend of instruments that includes voices, guitar, bouzouki, flutes, whistles, harp/

electric harp, and bodhrán/drums, they create a sound that is both mesmerising and

unforgettable.

Ranagri has established themselves as a standout act, drawing in crowds from around

the world with their captivating live performances and exceptional musicianship.

They have performed at some of the most prestigious venues & festivals across the

UK and Europe, including Cambridge Folk Festival, Bloom festival (Dublin),

Montelago festival (Italy),Towersey Festival, a headline slot at Costa Festival Ibiza

2023, Birmingham Symphony Hall, The Union Chapel, Kings Place London along

with regular tours of Scotland and Europe.

The band has recorded five studio albums to date, with their latest release,

"TRADITION II," receiving critical acclaim upon its release in July 2022. Folk Radio

UK placed the album in their top 10 albums of 2022, cementing the band's status as

one of the most exciting and innovative folk bands in the UK today.

Previous critically acclaimed albums, "Playing For Luck," "Fort of the Hare," and

"The Great Irish Songbook" (with pop legend Tony Christie), were recorded at the

Grammy Award-winning Stockfisch Records label. The band's third album,

"VOICES" - recorded at Real World Studios and produced by Grammy-nominated

producer Graeme Pleeth- and the album "Tradition" were released on

GoatsKin Records.

Fatea Magazine - Band of the Year 2022

Louder Than War - ‘You're unlikely to hear anything more irresistible and more folky

this year’

RTE - ‘Echoes of Pentangle, Jethro Tull and new Celtic folk sounds cemented

by strong contemporary songwriting’

Folk Radio UK - ‘Joyous and thoughtful, with a depth that repays careful listening in

spades. Makes for enthralling listening’

Ranagri website here

This year we will be bringing you a night of variety, with short, seasonal performances from five of our excellent local bands and singers; AJAR, Higgs Bo'sun, Julie & Steve Wigley, Jenny Wil & Dan, and Stringummyjig  Between those sets you will get the chance to do some community carol singing led by the Poppy team and hopefully we'll have a few songs from our own Poppy Carollers. There'll be a raffle drawn throughout the evening, and a mince pie in the interval. All this for just £5 on the door (which will go to the very worthwhile local charity, The Friary). The aim is simple - to have a excellent and fun evening of seasonal music and singing.

Please let us know (at poppyfolkclub@virginmedia.com) if you will be coming as, although we will not be selling tickets in advance, we will be limiting entry to 50 people.

Blair Dunlop is an award-winning British singer-songwriter and guitarist, who has released 5 albums, 2 EPs and toured around the globe. 

Blair burst onto the scene with his debut album ‘Blight & Blossom’ in 2012, showcasing virtuosic musicianship and lyrical maturity, and was awarded the prestigious BBC Horizon Folk Award in the wake of its release. A string of critically acclaimed albums followed, along with headline tours and festival appearances in the UK, Europe, North America and Australia.

His third album Gilded was widely acclaimed, gaining BBC Radio 2 Playlist status for the two single releases (‘The Egoist’ and ‘356’).  

With the release of Out of the Rain in 2024  Blair has now cemented his place as one of Britain’s most exciting talents: 'With songwriting and musicianship of the highest calibre, the expansive, wide-screen sound underlines Blair’s growing stature as one of the country’s most impressive contemporary musical artists, regardless of genre-labelling.' - Americana UK Live

'this is a glorious welcome re-energised return that should comfortably reinstate Dunlop among folk

rock’s upper echelons' - KLOF, Top 20 Albums of 2024

'There is so much to enjoy on this record, and repeated listens unveil level on level of depth that is richly rewarding. Here comes the summer, people, and here comes a record to soundtrack it.' - Americana UK Review 9/10

'The busy crowd… is testament to Dunlop’s talents.  Dunlop brings an air of tenacity while displaying a fine repertoire of well-crafted songs spanning traditional and contemporary.  He’s determinedly taking the traditions of folk in his own direction' - The Independent 

'Dunlop is by far one of the finest singer songwriters to appear from these shore in the 21st century. If that wasn’t enough, he is also one of the finest guitar players' - Americana UK

“From the outside, when listening to the music of Blair Dunlop, you get the impression that

though he’s something of a natural talent he continues to work hard to progress both his

songwriting and musicianship…. you can hear the folk heritage coursing through his veins as

well as the originality he brings to the genre.' - Songwriting Magazine

Spotify- Sweet on You 

YouTube- I Wanna be Running

Our round-the-room format is a relaxed and friendly affair. You can sing a song or play a tune, but  if you dance or are a storyteller then that adds nicely to the mix. There's also plenty of room for those who just want to listen, or maybe join in a chorus or an occasional session tune.

We have a half-time break for the re-charging of glasses, general chit-chat, and- of course- a raffle.

No need to book in advance.

Gatehouse is a distinguished Irish traditional band known for their thoughtful interpretations, rich musicality, and deep respect for the tradition. Featuring Rachel Garvey on vocals, Jacinta McEvoy on guitar and concertina, John McEvoy on fiddle and mandola, and John Wynne on flute and whistles, the group brings together some of Ireland’s most respected musicians.

Their music blends refined instrumental interplay with compelling vocal performances, offering a sound that is both rooted and refreshing. From evocative ballads to lively dance tunes, Gatehouse strikes a delicate balance between tradition and innovation.

Their debut album, Tús Nua, received critical acclaim for its subtlety and elegance, followed by the well-received Heather Down the Moor, which further established their signature style. Their live performances have been praised for their warmth, precision, and ability to connect with audiences.

Described by Folk Radio as having an “undeniable warmth and spirit,” Gatehouse continues to build on their reputation as a group that brings both heart and craft to the Irish tradition.

YouTube- The Gypsies

Spotify

 Old Spot (Rowan Piggott & Joe Danks) burst onto the scene in 2023 with a critically acclaimed debut album and a whirlwind UK tour, quickly establishing themselves as a fresh force in old-time music. Praised for their raw energy and expressive musicianship, the duo lit up stages across UK/EU folk, bluegrass, and old-time festivals.

Now Old Spot continue to push the boundaries of stringband tradition – digging deeper into the roots of old-time while crafting a live show that’s equal parts intimate and electrifying. Their new album Old Spot (II), recorded in the Scottish Borders, captures this evolving sound with fresh material and atmospheric arrangements. Whether trading close harmonies, ripping into a tune, or experimentally reworking a classic, Old Spot captivate audiences with a sound that’s both steeped in tradition and boldly original.

Joe (Banjo, Gourd Banjo)

Joe Danks is a multi instrumentalist and singer from Nottingham. As well as being an accomplished songwriter Joe thrives on collaboration, and is currently touring regularly with experimental folk artists Jim Ghedi and Nick Jonah Davis. Joe has played in a myriad of different genres, but grew up surrounded by the patchwork of American folk music played by his parents, and has taken a winding path home to these traditions. Five string banjo became Joe's place of solace and is now the beating heart of Old Spot. His trademark rhythmic intensity and energy is more present than ever. 

Rowan (5 String Fiddle, Viola)

Rowan Piggott is a folk fiddler, traditional singer and tune collector who grew up in the foothills of the Burren on the west coast of Ireland, surrounded by traditional music. Rowan is best known for performing and writing with his folk trio, The Wilderness Yet. Rowan brings his studious passion for international folk traditions to Old Spot, and his inventive 5-string fiddling pulls in melodic elements of the Swedish and Irish traditions to ornament traditional Old-Time grooves.

Old Spot website

YouTube

 Andy Martin, Deborah Short and Nick Morland are 3/5ths of Rakestone, and will be bringing to you beautiful songs peppered with vibrant folk medleys.

Blurb Coming soon...

Our round-the-room format is a relaxed and friendly affair. You can sing a song or play a tune, but  if you dance or are a storyteller then that adds nicely to the mix. There's also plenty of room for those who just want to listen, or maybe join in a chorus or an occasional session tune.

We have a half-time break for the re-charging of glasses, general chit-chat, and- of course- a raffle.

No need to book in advance.

Two of the UK’s most iconic voices have finally combined as a duo and are be touring a new album in 2025.

Miranda Sykes and Jim Causley have known each other for nearly 20 years and in 2024 they united with John Palmer to create and tour a show celebrating the centenary of the death of the song collector and author Sabine Baring-Gould. 

They enjoyed working together so much and audience feedback was so positive that they made plans to record and tour an album together.  

“The Last Of The Singers” is a collection of traditional, self penned and contemporary songs bringing their magical voices together.  

 Jim Causley is a folk-singer, award winning songwriter, musician, proud Devonian and all-round entertainer. He grew up in a wassailing village not far from Sidmouth Folk Festival and found his voice singing with local choirs. He studied Performing Arts and Jazz & Popular Music at Exeter College where he cut his teeth performing in bands on the Exeter music scene before heading to the University of Newcastle upon Tyne to study on their brand new degree course in Folk & Traditional Music. He rose to prominence singing with The Devil’s Interval and Mawkin:Causley as well as touring with Waterson:Carthy and David Rotheray. In recent years his work has focused on his musical settings of poems by his relative Charles Causley, penning his own songs and reviving lost gems from his home county.

Miranda Sykes started her career as a musician in 1996 at the age of 18, playing bass guitar in a country rock band. After 2 years touring and playing for line dancing in working mens clubs across Britain, folk-rock band Pressgang were looking for a bass player. Miranda spent the next 2 years touring internationally with them.  After a few years of musical promiscuity playing with Firebrand, Little Johnny England, Robb Johnson, Bill Jones, Steafan Hannigan, Reg Meuross, Kirsty McGee, The Phil Beer Band, Martyn Joseph and The Scoville Units; Miranda depped for Pete Zorn in the 2004 Show Of Hands festival band line up. She worked with them for the next 20 years. Miranda also found time for a short tour and album with the Miranda Sykes Band in 2005, duo album tours with mandolin player Rex Preston and 2 solo albums. 2024 brings a second tour with Hannah Martin, a new Baring-Gould Centenary project with Jim Causley, summer festivals with vocal group Daphne’s Flight, a tour with The Phil Beer Trio and a new solo album and tour “Out Of The Woods”. 

 Jim Causley “The Finest Singer of his generation” -MOJO MAGAZINE

 ''Miranda Sykes has spent so much time working with Show Of Hands it's easy to forget what a good solo performer she is...gorgeous and very compelling stuff'  - ROCK N REEL

Our round-the-room format is a relaxed and friendly affair. You can sing a song or play a tune, but  if you dance or are a storyteller then that adds nicely to the mix. There's also plenty of room for those who just want to listen, or maybe join in a chorus or an occasional session tune.

We have a half-time break for the re-charging of glasses, general chit-chat, and- of course- a raffle.

No need to book in advance.

Arthur Coates & Kerran Cotterell are a two-man trad tornado tearing through the folk world with

foot percussion, fiddle, guitar, vocals, and groove to spare. Kitted out with bouncing basslines,

tight harmonies, and offbeat charm, they’re just a couple of lads with a tangle of strings - yet

they somehow summon the sound and swagger of a much bigger band. Their sets blend original

material with tunes they’ve found in the wild, delivered with harmonies, tall tales, and a streak

of serious silliness. Their shows mix clickety clacks, plucks and strums, with easy repartee and

sharp turns—every set crafted to keep toes tapping, faces smiling, and the whole room leaning in.

It’s groove, grit, and guaranteed good times. They’re flipping folk - with a wink and a stomp.

Musically, they straddle tradition and mischief, with one foot in the folk archive and the other

slipping into a psychedelic sock. Some tracks glisten with clean lines and elegant harmonies -

crystalline structures that shimmer in the light of contemporary trad. Others veer gleefully off

course, hopping the blues train for a whistle stop tour of the Québécois folk line. One moment

it’s reels and foot taps, the next it’s jazz chords, pop turns, and grooves that could jump the

track and land somewhere between Vulfpeck and Seth Lakeman. Arthur, a fiddler raised in

Aberdeenshire, builds rolling, riff-heavy tunes rooted in Scottish tradition and his studies

under Jonny Hardie (Old Blind Dogs). Kerran, a melodic schemer from Cumbria, draws on pop and

choral training to weave in crisp harmonies and satisfying twists. Each set is its own route—part

heritage line, part scenic diversion, part runaway train.

Since first meeting at Sidmouth Folk Week in 2018 (one of them tipsy—you can guess who), Arthur

and Kerran have grown from pub jam sessions to becoming festival favourites across the UK. As

broadcaster Mike Blackburn put it: “One of the very best live acts I’ve ever seen - and I’ve seen

a lot!” They’ve earned repeat invitations and enthusiastic followings at events like Sidmouth

Folk Week, the UK’s longest-running folk festival; Purbeck Valley, known for spotlighting rising

talent; and the Scots Fiddle Festival, a cornerstone of Scotland’s traditional music scene. Their

growing profile has also reached international audiences, with a 2024 tour of Québec and Ontario

and a standout set at Festival Trad Montréal, one of Québec’s premier traditional music events.

In 2025, they were named winners of the Robinson Emerging Artist Showcase at the Goderich Celtic

Roots Festival, Canada’s leading pan-Celtic celebration. With 2025 performances at the UK’s

prestigious Shrewsbury Folk Festival, as well as FolkEast and Aberdeen’s Tall Ships Festival,

they’re quickly becoming one of the most talked-about acts on the circuit.

After charming critics and crowds with their most recent album Music for Cows (2024), Arthur and

Kerran are back in the shed cooking up something bigger, bolder, and slightly less bovine. Their

next release, due early 2026, leans hard into original material—with foot-stomping grooves,

cheeky turns and a few tunes that refuse to behave. As Folkworld put it, their sound is “powerful

and dark, fresh and fun” - and this time around, they're letting the weird and wonderful in

through the front door. Expect trad turned sideways, storytelling with a twist, and just enough

mischief to keep things interesting.

Arthur Coates & Kerran Cotterell website

YouTube

Our round-the-room format is a relaxed and friendly affair. You can sing a song or play a tune, but  if you dance or are a storyteller then that adds nicely to the mix. There's also plenty of room for those who just want to listen, or maybe join in a chorus or an occasional session tune.

We have a half-time break for the re-charging of glasses, general chit-chat, and- of course- a raffle.

No need to book in advance.

 Our round-the-room format is a relaxed and friendly affair. You can sing a song or play a tune, but  if you dance or are a storyteller then that adds nicely to the mix. There's also plenty of room for those who just want to listen, or maybe join in a chorus or an occasional session tune.

We have a half-time break for the re-charging of glasses, general chit-chat, and- of course- a raffle.

No need to book in advance.

“Sam Carter is a brilliant guitarist and songwriter who combines the observational with social comment and personal reflection”— Songlines

“Fans of acoustic music rejoice, the UK ‘s proud tradition of folk singer-songwriters is in safe hands.” — Guitarist Magazine

“Really wonderful” — Jools Holland

Midlands-born Sam Carter is a BBC Folk Award-winning singer-songwriter and guitarist. Renowned for his lyrical storytelling, Uncut once described his songs as being “as penetrating as Richard Thompson’s best work”. For over 15 years, he has been stirring audiences from Camden to Canada, from major festivals to intimate clubs. Carter’s expressive fingerpicking led Jon Boden of Bellowhead to call him "the finest English-style fingerpicking guitarist of his generation," while Ivor Novello-winner Nitin Sawhney has praised his "killer voice."

With a discography that spans six solo albums and two releases with the folk-rock band False Lights, Carter’s music reflects a blend of traditional English folk, shape-note singing, and rock. Notable highlights in his career include a spellbinding performance on Later… with Jools Holland, where he played songs from his shape-note-inspired album The No Testament alongside renowned fiddler Sam Sweeney.

His latest album, the acclaimed Top 40 Folk Chart release Silver Horizon, cements his reputation as a skilful blender of ancient and modern, with songs that are impressionistic, dreamlike, and deeply human.

Sam Carter’s live performances are nothing short of captivating, filled with the raw honesty, humour, and skilled musicianship that underscore his standing as one of contemporary folk’s brightest talents.

Sam Carter website

 Long Time Travelling- official Video- YouTube

A Place to Call My Own- Live in Session- YouTube

This unique collaboration draws from the strengths of two of the UK’s most highly regarded folk acts: The Shackleton Trio and Christina Alden & Alex Patterson. With a shared passion for thoughtful songwriting and intricate arrangements, Kitewing brings a fresh and powerful voice to the contemporary folk scene, rooted in tradition but unafraid to explore new ground.

Kitewing brings together soaring harmonies and roaring fiddles, blending guitar, mandolin, and banjo to deliver songs steeped in stories of the sea, migration, and environmental struggle. At the heart of the band lies a deep connection to the natural world — its rhythms, its challenges, and its beauty. Energetic tune sets and evocative instrumentals thread through their performances, carrying audiences on a journey that is both grounded and uplifting.

For our December concert we are promised a 'festive show'; repertoire will be a mixture of traditional carols, self penned seasonal material with an environmental leaning, seasonal tunes, and re-workings of some East Anglian carols. There will also be a handful of material that is performed year round in the set.