Gloucester Mini Folk Festival: Rousing Folk Finale for Gloucester’s Summer of Music Arts and Culture

Sunday 28 August sees a brand new event for the city that draws the SoMAC Stage and the Summer of Music, Arts and Culture to a close. The Gloucester Mini Folk Festival brings together folk, traditional and acoustic music to the heart of the city on the August Bank Holiday weekend.

Bewelian (3.15pm)

Taken from the old English word for ‘mix up’, Bewelian play traditional British songs with a electric twist. Taking British traditional songs and tunes as the core then mixing in the many styles that influenced the band members in their misspent youths, from Rock to Jazz to Ska, Bewelian are an arm waving, dancing-like-you-just-don’t-care celebration of life and folk. The band features Emma Vogwell (saxophone), Damon Coombs (bass), Alex McIntosh (drums), Joe Griffiths (saxophone) and Martin Vogwell (guitar).

Edd Donovan and The Wandering Moles (2.15pm)

Originally from Merseyside, Edd has made his home in Cheltenham. He has released two albums and The Guardian’s article on the “singing social worker” has gained Edd’s songwriting international attention. Edd’s music has been described by BBC 6 Music’s Tom Robinson as “Summery alt-country to gladden the heart”.

May Thrill (1.15pm)

Featuring Hazel Baker (whistle and vocals), Roy Stirzaker and Bill Taylor (acoustic guitars& vocals) with material largely drawn from traditional English folk songs , many of which originate or were collected in Gloucestershire to add that extra local flavour.

Mitchell and Vincent (12.15pm)

Known for their rousing tunes and haunting melodies, David Mitchell (guitar, mandola, whistle and recorder) and Graham Vincent (fiddle, guitar and vocals) have been described by Tim Edey (BBC Radio Two’s Folk Musician of the Year 2012) as “… flippin’ brilliant!”

Dark Island (11.15pm)

Dark Island are husband and wife duo Dave Scott and Alex West, based at Brownshill, near Stroud.
They share lead vocals, and create distinctive musical arrangements using strong sung harmonies, a wide variety of instruments, and a flair for the unexpected.

Mhairi Smith, Director of Events at Marketing Gloucester said: “We’re incredibly excited to debut a new festival in Gloucester. It’s a fitting way to bring the city’s Summer of Music Arts and Culture to a foot-stomping crescendo.”

The SoMAC Stage is in King’s Square, Gloucester, where festival goers can relax on deck chairs on the lazy lawn. The Big Red Bus Bar will be specialising in real ale and cider. More information can be found at www.facebook.com/GlosSoMAC

Gloucester News Centre – http://gloucesternewscentre.co.uk