Ely Folk Festival is delighted to announce a very special concert for this year’s festival. On Saturday 12 July four of the finest acts on the Americana scene will take the stage for a celebration of all things roots and country.
Opening the evening will be Paul McClure, aka The Rutland Troubadour. Described as “open, honest and warmly melodic” by KLOFmag, he is famed for his dry on-stage wit and powerful songs. His performances are a delight and guaranteed to get the audience singing.
Next up will be Eve Selis, a Californian music veteran who has released eleven albums of acclaimed music over a thirty year career. A regular visitor to the UK, she has attracted rave reviews throughout her life, with her most recent album, 2024’s Dark Sky Blue (“Magnificent” – San Diego Troubadour), winning plaudits across the globe.
Third to take the stage will be the home-grown Ags Connolly. He has “the perfect voice for country music” (American Songwriter) as well as the approval of legendary DJ Bob Harris, who says he offers “modern day traditionalism of the very best kind”. His 2019 album Wrong Again was named UK Country Album of the Year at the 2020 UK Country Music Awards.
Finishing the evening with a bang will be “the Kings of British Americana“ (Americana UK) Danny And The Champions Of The World. Danny George Wilson has been making great music for nearly thirty years, with Grand Drive, critical and audience darlings Bennett Wilson Poole and of course the Champions. An “engaging and powerful force” (Blabber and Smoke”), he will be playing songs from his latest album, You Are Not Alone (**** Uncut, **** Mojo) and this performance will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of the festival.
The four acts will join those already announced, including headliners Oysterband, The Dhol Foundation, Blackbeard’s Tea Party and Sam Kelly and the Lost Boys as well as Maddie Morris, Gaz Brookfield, Sound of the Sirens, Gaelforce, The Magpie Arc and Martin Simpson and many others.
In addition the festival offers the well-established local music showcase, an “open mic” competition with the chance to play on the main stage,ceilidhs, instrumental and dance workshops, ‘meet and greet’ sessions with some of the festival’s leading artists, jam sessions and children’s entertainment and of course the return of Dog Bingo! All this takes place on one site at the beautiful Stuntney Estate, just behind Ben’s Yard. Add in an outstanding real ale bar with over 25 real ales and ciders, the return of the enormously popular gin bar and a wide range of mouth-watering food as well as plenty of tempting craft stalls and it’s clear to see why Ely Folk Festival continues to go from strength to strength.
Photo credit: Simon Weller
