Broadstairs Folk Week Winter Festival 2020

In order to raise crucial funds for Broadstairs Folk Week (which takes place annually throughout the second week of August), the Folk Week Winter Festival had its second outing last weekend at The Sarah Thorne Theatre, Broadstairs – after the huge success of last year’s first ever Winter Festival.

The ‘Winter Fest’ (as it is sometimes dubbed) is essentially a mini-folk week in itself , with a full weekend of music from Friday through to Sunday.  CommunityAd were lucky enough to get tickets for the opening evening, and what a night it was!  This year, Friday was Dance Night, and the evening certainly lived up to its name.  Three bands were on the agenda: Shedness, Hobo & the Hippies and The Lowly Strung.  Each with their own refreshing style; be it folk, alt-folk, country, bluegrass, Americana with a fusion of other genres all mixed in.  The dance floor was alive and the atmosphere electric as these seasoned musicians did what they do best; perform and entertain the crowd!  A thoroughly entertaining evening was had by all.

The Lowly Strung

Saturday saw four acts in the afternoon and a further four to take you throughout the evening, this time, seated affairs.  Bands from near are far entertained the crowd.

The afternoon included: Sally Ironmonger & Brian Carter (a couple who have been ‘writing, performing and bickering together for nearly 20 years’), Sam Brothers (a young singer-songwriter hailing from Canterbury) Capella (a duo with heavenly harmonies) and Glymjack (an English folk act Acoustic magazine calls “as goods as contemporary folk comes”.).

Shedness

The evening saw solo acts Richie Triangle (an acoustic singer-songwriter hailing from the norther Tees valley in County Durham), Thomas Abrahams (think gypsy jazz spliced with Latin guitar mashups of club anthems – one not to miss!), Edgelarks (one of the most innovative acoustic duos in the UK) and the inimitable The Little Unsaid, who’s live shows have been described as: “A thumping depth of passion, recalling the intensity and melancholic overtones of Nick Cave and Leonard Cohen.”

A further 8 acts entertained the audiences on Sunday over two sessions and the talent on display was once again rather awe-inspiring.  Highlights included the fantastic Mazaika, consisting of Igor Outkine (according, tenor) and Sarah Harrison (violin, domra) who play classical showpieces, Neapolitan songs, Russian folk songs and Gypsy fiddle music – something in there for everyone!  Their gorgeous pet dog even came out for one song and howled along (all in time, and exactly where he should – it was marvellous) – a truly unique show.  Arcelia, a soulful folk trio consisting of Gavin Alexander, Teresa Gallagher and Simon Foster, performed their wonderful music in the evening.  They’ve been likened to Crosby, Stills & Nash, America, Paul Simon and even Squeeze.

Hobo and the Hippies

In all, the festival has once again proved a huge success and raised more much-needed funds for the Broadstairs Folk Week coffers.  These events don’t just happen.  There has been an army of volunteers, helpers, local businesses, community groups and more who have all contributed and done their bit to make this festival the success it has been.  It’s incredible to see how people come together in times of need, and when you get the right mixture of support, enthusiasm, willingness and great music, not only does it keep an over 50-year-old folk festival going, you also get an absolutely astounding weekend!

Thanks to everyone who made Winter Fest happen and to all those who supported it – long may it continue!

For more information on Broadstairs Folk Week, apply for the work force and more, visit their website: https://broadstairsfolkweek.org.uk, or find them on Facebook, here.

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