Fabulous line-up for 2011 Chester Folk festival

May 25 2011 Ellesmere Port Pioneer

Chester Folk Festival began back in the mid-1970s and is now a regular fixture every spring bank holiday in Kelsall.

The fun this year runs from May 27-30 with a mix of high octane concerts showcasing some of the biggest names on the scene together with more informal events such as ceilidhs, dance displays, sessions, children’s entertainment and a craft fair.

There will also be a full programme of workshops so everyone can improve their skills or have a go at something completely new.

This year, among other things, you could try beginners or intermediate yoga; singing or songwriting; fiddle or guitar; French music and dance; or African drumming.

Among the top class acts on the bill are Belshazzar’s Feast featuring Paul Sartin and Paul Hutchinson.

Jamie Smith’s Mabon is a wonderfully energetic Welsh band led by accordionist Jamie Smith who is also an accomplished composer.

Visiting Chester for the first time, Finest Kind is a remarkable folk trio from Ottawa, Canada whose exquisite harmony singing and brilliant vocal arrangements have won a devoted following across North America.

Appearing on the Saturday will be singer and songwriter Jez Lowe who, for the last 30 years, has taken his songs of life in his native North East England to audiences across the world.

One of the most hard-working and popular acoustic/folk artists of the present day, Jez accompanies himself on guitar, cittern, mandolin and harmonica.

Jez’s songs also travel independently, thanks to cover versions by the likes of Fairport Convention and The Dubliners.

One of the most established and best respected duos on the folk scene, Nancy Kerr and James Fagan, are winners of the 2011 BBC Radio 2 Folk Award for Best Duo (and previous winners of 2003 Best Duo and 2000 Horizon Award.)

As well as being great exponents of their instruments (fiddle, viola and guitar-bouzouki) both are regarded as fine and influential singers.

Visiting from Ireland, Colum Sands is a universal storyteller who draws on a long Irish tradition of poetic musicality to weave songs for the world.

Warm, natural and witty, Colum charms audiences with his lively and evocative melodies, colloquial lyrics and gentle humorous tales of everyday life in the past and present.

In addition there’s a full line up of talented musicians, singers and dancers from around the country including some regular local performers such as Full House, Roy Clinging, Time Bandits and The Waite Collective.

Dancers are well catered for too. There will be a ceilidh each evening as well as a Saturday afternoon dance aimed at all the family.

Some of the top ceilidh bands will be in attendance including the immensely popular folk-rock band Aardvark Ceilidh Band and the amazing Blackbeard’s Tea Party.

Day and evening tickets as well as full weekend tickets are available and can be purchased on site by going to the festival office which is located near the Morris Dancer pub.

You can also buy tickets in advance through the festival website: www.chesterfolk.org.uk.