Organisers of The Beverley Folk festival are thrilled to announce Barbara Dickson on Saturday and Bellowhead on Sunday as two of the headliners at this year’s festival taking place from 17 – 19 June at Beverley Leisure Complex.
Chris Wade, Artistic Director of the festival said “I am delighted that we have been able to book these two bands for this year’s festival. Barbara Dickson and her band reflect the established nature of the festival and its history of presenting some of the finest performers that have Worldwide acclaim, with Bellowhead the rising stars of today’s music scene, who performed at our 2007 festival and proved extremely popular, we can’t wait to see them again! I think this says a lot about the festival and how we are able to attract big acts” ”
She went on to say that “the festival is delighted to have Barbara back again after she visited us at late notice last year to give readings from her autobiography, published in 2009”. The book records her career, which she is now turning back towards her folk roots. Billy Connolly said “I love Barbara Dickson. From the very first time I heard her, her voice just nailed me to the wall! Her voice has that kind of smoothness… she’s just a one-off”.
Barbara started her career in the folk clubs in Scotland, went on to record numerous hit songs including ‘Answer Me’ which become a top ten hit in 1976, ‘Caravan Song’ and ‘January, February’ and ‘I Know Him So Well’, a duet sung with Elaine Paige, which became a huge worldwide and UK hit for many weeks. In addition she won many awards for her acting where she took leading roles in ‘John, Paul, George, Ringo….and Bert’, ‘Spend, Spend, Spend’ as well as on TV in ‘Taggart’ and ‘The Two Ronnies’.
Bellowhead, on the other hand have fast become established as the finest band on the British folk scene for many year. They have won Best Live Band at the Radio 2 Folk Awards, not just once but four times and have been nominated for four awards in the 2011 ceremony. Jon Boden, Bellowhead’s singer said “The band had a fantastic time when we last played the festival in 2007 and have been hoping to be asked back ever since. So we’re delighted to be returning again this year and are really looking forward to another great Beverley audience”.
The band recently appeared on Later with Jools and on BBC 2’s Hootenany with Jools Holland on New Year’s Eve.
Bellowhead are clearly a band with considerable boundary-crossing appeal. The 11 piece, who play more than 25 instruments between them (from Helicon to frying pan) seamlessly merge English folk, world, jazz, rock and music-hall influences are one of the few bands performing today who can dart effortlessly between the establishment and the fringes. “With the exception of The Who, Bellowhead are surely the best live band in the country” The Independent . “A party for young & old alike’”. The Mirror.
Jon Boden and John Spiers will also be appearing as a duo on the Sunday of the festival.
With its programme offering something for all tastes, organisers defy anyone not to find something of interest over the festival weekend. If you don’t think Folk is your thing, don’t be put off. Chris Wade, went on to say “we also offer Americana, Comedy, the Spoken and Written Word, Family and Youth programmes, many Workshops, and drop in sessions which attract a broad range of age groups and budding musicians”.
For those who have never attended before, 2011 is your chance to come and support your local festival. Come along just to watch or to help out as a volunteer and join us in ensuring the future survival of the festival and enable it to continue to bring that special something to Beverley every June.
The festival is now entering its 28th year which in the current economic climate, is going to be a tough one. Organisers are keen for anyone that is interested in any aspect of the festival to get in touch with them. They are always keen to hear from those interested in becoming a partner with them and sponsoring this great local event, of national significance, and are also always on the lookout for volunteers.
For more details about the festival, who’s playing, and to purchase tickets including the Special Weekend deal currently available, visit www.beverleyfestival.com or call the festival office on 01377 217569
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