Playing Out Loud UK. THE guide to live music in the South UK! -POL FESTIVALS-

*THE guide to Live Music in the South UK*
HOME - LIVE GUIDE - NEWS - REVIEWS - ARTICLES - FESTIVAL FOCUS - COMING SOON! Messages - (NEW) Food & Things! (NEW) - Archive - Contact - Links Search POL!
	PLAYING OUT LOUD! FESTIVAL FOCUS Welcome to our guide to music festivals in the South of England which will be a regular feature right up until October. This is just a skeleton list, which will be added to on a weekly basis from now onwards, so keep coming back for more info! SWANAGE BLUES FESTIVAL, DORSET - MARCH 3 - 5 The 6th Swanage Blues Festival will take place on 3, 4 and 5 March 2006. Admission is free to all venues. Artists appearing include Pete Saunders' Fat Tuesday Band, Cal Batchelor Band, The Guv'nors, Sonny Black, Robert Hokum Band, Roland Chadwick, John Crampton, Hollow Bone and The Jives. For further information see www.swanage-blues.org or phone 01929 422338. OXFORD FOLK FESTIVAL - APRIL 7 - 9 The 3rd annual Oxford Folk Festival - artists confirmed Bellowhead, Waterson:Carthy, Andy Irvine, Flook, Black Umfolosi, Steve Ashley accompanied by Chris Leslie & Al Fenn,The Old Swan Band with caller Dave Hunt, Chris Wood, Rachel Unthank & The Winterset, Steindór Andersen with Hilmar Örn Hilmarsson, Andy Cronshaw, Magpie Lane,The Oxford Waits, Bill Caddick, Pete Cooper & Richard Bolton, The John Dipper Band, Horses Brawl,Hand to Mouth Theatre and many, many more artists including 'On English Ground' For ticket details see www.oxfordfolkfestival.com ISLE OF WIGHT JAZZ DIVAS FESTIVAL - VENTNOR - APRIL 7 - 9 Amongst the artists already booked are Vortex Foundation Big Band, Rachel Moore Quartet, Humphrey Lyttelton & His Band, The Bovril Stan and Clark Tracey's Ellingtonia Septet pianist Andrea Vicari, with Mornington and Dorian Lockett are also appearing. See www.jazzdivas.freeuk.com for full lineup. SPRING BLUES 2006, RIVERSIDE CENTRE, NEWPORT, IOW - APRIL 21 This event features Big Bill Morganfield, the son of Muddy Waters and is his only appearance in the Southon his current tour. Also appearing are the Ian Segal Band (See www.iansiegal.com ) and The Amen Boogie Blues Band. Admission:£12 on door and the music starts at 8pm For more details ring 01983 521290. STROUD EASTER BLUES & BEYOND FESTIVAL, GLOUCESTRSHIRE - APRIL 13 - 15 The three day event will include concerts, dances, workshops and open mic spots and will be held at The Space and The Subscription Rooms, Stroud, Gloucestershire. Artistes confirmed so far are:- The Animals & Friends Steve Phillips Jamie Matthews with, Leon Hunt & Dom Harrison Dave Sutherland Kevin Brown Bob Tilling Billy Newton & Lee Bates Bluze Loman Plus Open Mic Spots/Sessions/Real Ale Weekend and individual tickets available from: Stroud Tourist Information Centre 01453 760900 or on line at www.wegottickets.com Full festival details go to www.bluesandbeyond.co.uk For Further information please contact John Eeles on 01452 700736 GOSPORT & FAREHAM EASTER FESTIVAL - APRIL 13 - 17 The main events are taking place at Ferneham Halls & Ashcroft Arts Centre in Fareham. Amongst the artists appearing are Janis Ian, ex-Fairport Convention fiddler Dave Swarbrick with his new band Lazarus which also features ex-Fairport member Maartin Allcock plus Kevin Dempsey. Other guests include Fairport founder Ashley Hutchings who will be presenting a special show about Cecil Sharp. Former Fairport drummer Dave Mattacks and current Fairport fiddler Chris Leslie will also be appearing as members of Feast of Fiddles, a remarkable ensemble bringing together many of Britain’ s top fiddle players including Peter Knight (Steeleye Span),Brian McNeill,Phil Beer and Ian Cutler among others. Other headline artists include the first family of UK.folk music Waterson:Carthy and, from America, Hayseed Dixie who were recently voted Best Live Festival Band in a poll of British festival-goers following their highly original barnstorming appearances at many UK festivals during the summer of 2005. Three of Britain’s best solo performers will also be taking to the stage during the Easter Festival - Scotland’s Brian McNeill will perform a solo concert as well as appearing with Feast of Fiddles while both Roy Bailey and Steve Tilston will also appear during the Festival weekend. Some of the finest young musicians from throughout the British Isles including the 2005 BBC Radio 2 Young Musician of the Year Lauren MacColl also appear, while there’s a welcome return for the sensational young Gaelic singer Julie Fowlis whose star-studded band will include John McCusker. The complete lineup can be found on www.gosportfestival.co.uk ENDORSE IT IN DORSET, CHEESE & GRAIN, FROME, SOMERSET – APR 16 It’s not in Dorset, but it’s going to be good – Pronghorn, The Beat and Toupe are amongst the bands appearing – more details to follow. WINCHESTER MAYFEST - MAY 12 -14 Already booked for 2006 is Karine Polwart, the winner of no less than three categories at the 2005 BBC Folk Awards. She is joined by other renowned guests including Pete Coe, Craig;Morgan;Robson, Ed Rennie & Jackie Oates, Steve Jordan, Kerfuffle, James Reynard, Tom Napper & Tom Bliss, Heather Bradford and Julian Longden, Albatross Pie and Brian Hooper. See www.winmayfest.co.uk SALISBURY INTERNATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL - MAY 26 - JUNE 11 Details to follow HI-FI SOUTH, MATTERLEY BOWL, NR WINCHESTER - MAY 27-28 Presumably this replaces Homelands or is Homelands under another name. Anway it’ a two day camping festival with live music between 2pm and 4am each day. So far the line-up includes Hard-Fi, the Staines four-piece who mix, rock, dub and disco headlining on the Saturday night - they'll be followed by the legendary Ian Brown who's confirmed for the top slot on the Sunday. Also on the bill are The Subways, Audio Bullys, Paul Oakenfold, Sasha and John Digweed, Carl Cox and 2Many DJs. The event is the brainchild of the Angel Music Group who are responsible for Global Gathering which last year drew more than 40,000 people to Long Marston Airfield. Organiser James Algate explains the new concept: "Hi:Fi South offers festival lovers the chance to camp at an event that will bring them face to face with their rock and dance heroes together for the first time." Hi:Fi will also feature a variety of non-musical entertainment including chill out areas, a cinema and exclusive VIP arenas. Bands from the local area will also be able to enter a competition to perform live in front of thousands of festival goers. A simultaneous one-day event in the north-east of England is also scheduled for Saturday 27th May, Hi:Fi North will take place at the Matfen Estate near Newcastle. EARTHWISE FESTIVAL, DORSET – JUNE 1 - 4 A mysterious festival taking place on a hill somewhere in Dorset. It’s an advance tickets only festival featuring natural health, earth mysteries, green technology, fair trade markets, a kids area, organic cafes. And much more including music from Seize The Day, Kangaroo Moon, SubGiant, 3 Daft Monkeys, Djambo, Breakneck Creek and many more. To find out more you’ll have to go to www.earthwise-uk.com or call 0845 330 4340. WESSEX FOLK FESTIVAL, WEYMOUTH - JUNE 2 – 4 Details to follow NOKIA ISLE OF WIGHT FESTIVAL 2006 – JUNE 9 – 11 Some big names have already signed for this year’s festival including The Prodigy, Placebo and Goldfrapp. More details to follow but see the official website www.isleofwightfestival.org for booking info. WIMBORNE FOLK FESTIVAL – JUNE 9 – 11 Already booked, with more to come: Show of Hands, Dochas, Michael McGoldrick Band, Cara, Gerry O'Connor Band, Alan Burke, Mike Silver & Johnny Coppin Johnny Dickinson, Claire Mann, Aaron Jones and friends , Healy Brothers Band, Rosie Doonan & Ben Murray, Phil Beer & Miranda Sykes, Cross Current, Mawkin, Paul Downes, String Whistle, Breakneak Creek See www.wimbornefolkfestival.co.uk BLUES ON THE FARM, APPLEDRAM, NR CHICHESTER - JUNE 22 - 25 The first names to be announced for this year’s festival are Popa Chubby, Sherman Robertson, Marcus Malone, The Gutter Brothers, The Pat Savage Band and The Danni Leigh Band Watch this space for the full line-up or see www.bluesonthefarm.co.uk SAUL CANAL FESTIVAL & FOLK ON THE WATER WEEKEND, GLOUCESTERSHIRE - JUNE 30 - JULY 1 Lineup includes\|: Lazarus - featuring Dave Swarbrick, Kevin Dempsey & Maartin Allcock, Ashley Hutchings Morris On Band, Sarah Jory Band, Shooglenifty, Filska, Magna Carta, Fred Wedlock, Johnny Dickinson, Wild Willy Barrett's Sleeping Dogz, Meet on the Ledge-Unledged (Acoustic), Roots and Galoots, Keith Donnelly, Jiggerypipery, Aranmore, Arlen, Les Barker, Derek Brimstone, No Fixed Abode, Celtish, One String Loose and Roy Kirby Paragon Jazz Band Over the weekend some 50 acts will be at Saul, in the Folk on the Water Music Pavilion, in the hold of the EntsWeb Sabrina Theatre, on board the Oliver Cromwell, in the Drum & Monkey bar and all around the beautiful waterside location. There will also be jazz bands, Morris Sides, Shantymen and street musicians. Keith is still looking and still booking, so keep an eye on the line-up www.junctionevents.org.uk GILLINGHAM FESTIVAL, DORSET - JULY 1 - 16 Artists confirmed to play so far incude: THE BLUES BAND, THE WILSONS, SHOW OF HANDS, THE LIGHTYEARS, GERARD KENNY, MARTIN CARTHY & NORMA WATERSON, HOWLING AT THE MOON, THE ROLLIN’ CLONES, WOMAN WANTS TALL MAN, TASTE OF SHADOWS, KIRSTY MCGEE, SEQUOIA, BEN WATERS BAND, BARRELHOUSE BLUES BAND, THE YETTIES, SOUL COMMOTION & many more acts. ROMSEY BEGGAR’S FAIR – JULY 7 & 8 Details to follow NEWT BEER & MUSIC FESTIVAL, NORTH NEWTON, SOMERSET – JULY 7/8 Details to follow PRIDDY FOLK FESTIVAL, SOMERSET - JULY 7 - 9 The lineup is: Waterson Carthy, Back of the Moon, Van Eyken, Jim Moray, Colum Sands, Johnny Dickinson, Les Barker, Kirsty McGee, Rackaback, Ben Murray & Rosie Doonan, Liz Carlisle, Incontinentals, Maggie Boyle, Nandobinyan, Quicksilver, KTB, Dragonsfly, Lynne Heraud & Pat Turner, Jo Hamilton, Miv Cameron Band, Tom & Barbara Brown, Ember, Kevin Brown, Anne Lister, James Warner Prophecies, Flash Harry, Backroom Band, Sulis, James Chadwick, Howden Jones, Mick Ryan & Pete Harris, The Willbees, Tom Napper & Tom Bliss, Issy & David Emeney, String Whistle, Left Hand Drive, No Fixed Abode, Pete Quin, Diana Johnstone, Jim Tigwell and Chico Holton. For ticket details go to www.priddyfolk.org LARMER TREE FESTIVAL, TOLLARD ROYAL, NR SALISBURY - JULY 12 - 16 Jools Holland’s Rhythm & Blues Orchestra open the festival on Wednesday July 12, then it’s music all the way for the next four days. Already confirmed are Kate Rusby, Afro Celts, Jazz Jamaica Motor City, BeGood Tanyas, Dreadzone, Chris & Thomas, Stringybark McDowell, Danny George Wilson, Stacy Earle and Mark Stuart, Ukelele Band of Great Britain and Bellowhead. To keep abreast of bookings see www.larmertreefestival.co.uk TROWBRIDGE VILLAGE PUMP FESTIVAL - JULY 20 - 23 Here are the performers that have been confirmed so far. Watch this space for constant updates: THE WATERBOYS - SUZANNE VEGA - ALTAN - WATERSON CARTHY - ELIZA CARTHY & THE RATCATCHERS - OSIBISA - GRETCHEN PETERS - THE KARINE POLWART BAND - SHOW OF HANDS - HANK WANGFORD & REG MEUROSS - DOGHOUSE SKIFFLE GROUP - JOHNNY & THE POORBOYS - MR. LOVE & JUSTICE - LAST NIGHT'S FUN - RACHEL UNTHANK AND THE WINTERSET - COSTO RICO - MERV GRIST PLAYERS - ZIG A ZAG CAJUN BAND - LOS DE ABAJO - WAILIN JENNYS - NINE BELOW ZERO – DANA GILLESPIE & HER LONDON BLUES BAND - MARY FLOWER - ALLAN YN Y FAN - ZYDECOMOTION - KEITH DONNELLY - JOHN ALDERSLADE - KEITH CHRISTMAS – THE BUFFALO GALS Also on Stage 3, the rock 'n' roll stage!! There will be a full programme of slightly more funky acts all weekend, reflecting the rockier edge of roots music. Artists include: Mystery Juice * Praying for the Rain * Pronghorn * Vince Lee & the Big Combo * Swamp Donkey * Pura Vida * The John E Vistic Experience * The Harrisons * The Huckleberries * Elephant Talk 2 * James Warren * RSVP * Gringo Ska * Skiffle Haze EASTLEIGH SUMMER FESTIVAL - AUGUST 3 – 6 – SEE UNDER WICKHAM FESTIVAL! SIDMOUTH FOLK WEEK, DEVON - AUGUST 4 - 11 Amongst the artists appearing this year are: Concerts Blue Murder John Spiers & Jon Boden Waterson:Carthy Warsaw Village Band Martin Simpson & Martin Taylor Seth Lakeman Chumbawamba Coope Boyes & Simpson Flook Mrs Ackroyd Band Chris Wood John Kirkpatrick The Poozies Boka Halat Rachel Unthank & The Winterset Van Eyken Lulo Reinhardt Duncan McFarlane Band Craig Morgan Robson Grace Notes Julie Fowlis Jon Swayne & Becky Price Crucible Dulaman John Dipper Band Faustus Mary Humphreys & Anahata Witches of Elswick The Cole Porters George Papavgeris Sandra Kerr Kandela The Devil&rsquos Interval Richard Durrant Rocas All Jigged Out Blackthorn ThingumaJig Lee Westwood Tickled Pink Peeping Tom Florida Hekety Jabadaw Mr Gubbins&rsquo Bicycle The Woodpecker Band Dartmoor Pixie Band Grand Union Steamchicken Spinach for Norman For ticket details see www.sidmouthfolkweek.co.uk CROPREDY CONVENTION, OXFORDSHIRE - AUGUST 10 - 12 Acts booked so far include acoustic duo Chris Newman and Máire Ní Chathasaigh (the renowned Celtic harpist), Feast of Fiddles and legendary folkrock five-piece Steeleye Span. See www.fairportconvention.com for full details. WHITE HORSE FOLK FESTIVAL, WANTAGE, OXFORDSHIRE - AUGUST 18 - 20 Watch this space for artists as they are confimed BEAUTIFUL DAYS - ESCOT PARK, DEVON - AUGUST 18 - 20 Tickets are now on sale via www.levellers.co.uk , www.seetickets.com and from Solo Records in Exeter, Tel: 01392 425309. The full lineup for the festival will be announced soon. SHREWSBURY FOLK FESTIVAL – AUGUST 25 – 28 Amongs the artists appearing are: LOUDON WAINWRIGHT III, ELIZA CARTHY & THE RAT CATCHERS OYSTERBAND, SHOOGLENIFTY, VIN GARBUTT, NEW ROPE STRING BAND THE DOONAN FAMILY BAND, JAIPUR KAWA BAND, THE WOODPECKER BAND, JOHN WRIGHT BAND, MRS ACKROYD BAND, GRAND UNION, KEITH DONNELLY, CHRIS WHILE & JULIE MATTHEWS and The SETH LAKEMAN BAND. See www. For full lineup and booking details. BURNHAM-ON-SEA FOLK FEST - SEPTEMBER 2 - 3 Saturday: free gigs, jams and open mike sessions in various pubs throughout the town, plus dance and music workshops, arts and crafts, farmers' market, kids' ceilidh, family entertainment and adult ceilidh (ticket only). Sunday: Mini-festival in Manor Gardens. For full details visit: www.folkfest.co.uk Looking for a different Festival Focus? Click here for our archive	Featured artists: see POL Articles Mark Gardener / Paul Simmonds The Railway Inn, Winchester Tuesday March 28 Michael Jerome Brown Havant Arts Centre, Havant Friday March 10 Alice Russell The Brook, Southampton Friday March 17 The Bushburys Ashcroft Arts Centre, Fareham Thursday March 9 The Blue Aeroplanes Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth Sunday March 26 Cosmic Rough Riders The Joiners, Southampton Thursday March 23	Southampton's No 1 recording studio

HantsWeb Awards 2004 Runner Up - Playingoutloud.co.uk HantsWeb Awards 2003 Runner Up - Playingoutloud.co.uk
THE guide to Live Music in the South UK

HOME - LIVE GUIDE - NEWS - REVIEWS - ARTICLES - FESTIVAL FOCUS - COMING SOON!
Messages - (NEW) Food & Things! (NEW) - Archive - Contact - Links

With over ten years experience as a professional photographer, Claire has a huge library of photographs which are available for reproduction. She is also available for promotional photography - just ring her for a quote.

PLAYING OUT LOUD!
FESTIVAL FOCUS

Welcome to our guide to music festivals in the South of England which will be a regular feature right up until October. This is just a skeleton list, which will be added to on a weekly basis from now onwards, so keep coming back for more info!

SWANAGE BLUES FESTIVAL, DORSET - MARCH 3 - 5
The 6th Swanage Blues Festival will take place on 3, 4 and 5 March 2006. Admission is free to all venues. Artists appearing include Pete Saunders' Fat Tuesday Band, Cal Batchelor Band, The Guv'nors, Sonny Black, Robert Hokum Band, Roland Chadwick, John Crampton, Hollow Bone and The Jives. For further information see www.swanage-blues.org or phone 01929 422338.

OXFORD FOLK FESTIVAL - APRIL 7 - 9
The 3rd annual Oxford Folk Festival - artists confirmed Bellowhead, Waterson:Carthy, Andy Irvine, Flook, Black Umfolosi, Steve Ashley
accompanied by Chris Leslie & Al Fenn,The Old Swan Band with caller Dave Hunt, Chris Wood, Rachel Unthank & The Winterset, Steindór Andersen with Hilmar Örn Hilmarsson, Andy Cronshaw, Magpie Lane,The Oxford Waits, Bill Caddick, Pete Cooper & Richard Bolton, The John Dipper Band, Horses Brawl,Hand to Mouth Theatre and many, many more artists including 'On English Ground'
For ticket details see www.oxfordfolkfestival.com

ISLE OF WIGHT JAZZ DIVAS FESTIVAL - VENTNOR - APRIL 7 - 9
Amongst the artists already booked are Vortex Foundation Big Band, Rachel Moore Quartet, Humphrey Lyttelton & His Band, The Bovril Stan and Clark Tracey's Ellingtonia Septet pianist Andrea Vicari, with Mornington and Dorian Lockett are also appearing. See www.jazzdivas.freeuk.com for full lineup.

SPRING BLUES 2006, RIVERSIDE CENTRE, NEWPORT, IOW - APRIL 21
This event features Big Bill Morganfield, the son of Muddy Waters and is his only appearance in the Southon his current tour. Also appearing are the Ian Segal Band
(See www.iansiegal.com ) and The Amen Boogie Blues Band. Admission:£12 on door and the music starts at 8pm
For more details ring 01983 521290.

STROUD EASTER BLUES & BEYOND FESTIVAL, GLOUCESTRSHIRE - APRIL 13 - 15
The three day event will include concerts, dances, workshops and open mic spots and will be held at The Space and The Subscription Rooms, Stroud, Gloucestershire.
Artistes confirmed so far are:-
The Animals & Friends
Steve Phillips
Jamie Matthews with, Leon Hunt & Dom Harrison
Dave Sutherland
Kevin Brown
Bob Tilling
Billy Newton & Lee Bates
Bluze
Loman
Plus Open Mic Spots/Sessions/Real Ale
Weekend and individual tickets available from:
Stroud Tourist Information Centre 01453 760900 or on line at www.wegottickets.com
Full festival details go to www.bluesandbeyond.co.uk
For Further information please contact John Eeles on 01452 700736

GOSPORT & FAREHAM EASTER FESTIVAL - APRIL 13 - 17
The main events are taking place at Ferneham Halls & Ashcroft Arts Centre in Fareham. Amongst the artists appearing are Janis Ian, ex-Fairport Convention fiddler Dave Swarbrick with his new band Lazarus which also features ex-Fairport member Maartin Allcock plus Kevin Dempsey. Other guests include Fairport founder Ashley Hutchings who will be presenting a special show about Cecil Sharp. Former Fairport drummer Dave Mattacks and current Fairport fiddler Chris Leslie will also be appearing as members of Feast of Fiddles, a remarkable ensemble bringing together many of Britain’ s top fiddle players including Peter Knight (Steeleye Span),Brian McNeill,Phil Beer and Ian Cutler among others.
Other headline artists include the first family of UK.folk music Waterson:Carthy and, from America, Hayseed Dixie who were recently voted Best Live Festival Band in a poll of British festival-goers following their highly original barnstorming appearances at many UK festivals during the summer of 2005. Three of Britain’s best solo performers will also be taking to the stage during the Easter Festival - Scotland’s Brian McNeill will perform a solo concert as well as appearing with Feast of Fiddles while both Roy Bailey and Steve Tilston will also appear during the Festival weekend. Some of the finest young musicians from throughout the British Isles including the 2005 BBC Radio 2 Young Musician of the Year Lauren MacColl also appear, while there’s a welcome return for the sensational young Gaelic singer Julie Fowlis whose star-studded band will include John McCusker.
The complete lineup can be found on www.gosportfestival.co.uk

ENDORSE IT IN DORSET, CHEESE & GRAIN, FROME, SOMERSET – APR 16
It’s not in Dorset, but it’s going to be good – Pronghorn, The Beat and Toupe are amongst the bands appearing – more details to follow.

WINCHESTER MAYFEST - MAY 12 -14
Already booked for 2006 is Karine Polwart, the winner of no less than three categories at the 2005 BBC Folk Awards. She is joined by other renowned guests including Pete Coe, Craig;Morgan;Robson, Ed Rennie & Jackie Oates, Steve Jordan, Kerfuffle, James Reynard, Tom Napper & Tom Bliss, Heather Bradford and Julian Longden, Albatross Pie and Brian Hooper. See www.winmayfest.co.uk

SALISBURY INTERNATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL - MAY 26 - JUNE 11
Details to follow

HI-FI SOUTH, MATTERLEY BOWL, NR WINCHESTER - MAY 27-28
Presumably this replaces Homelands or is Homelands under another name. Anway it’ a two day camping festival with live music between 2pm and 4am each day. So far the line-up includes Hard-Fi, the Staines four-piece who mix, rock, dub and disco headlining on the Saturday night - they'll be followed by the legendary Ian Brown who's confirmed for the top slot on the Sunday. Also on the bill are The Subways, Audio Bullys, Paul Oakenfold, Sasha and John Digweed, Carl Cox and 2Many DJs.
The event is the brainchild of the Angel Music Group who are responsible for Global Gathering which last year drew more than 40,000 people to Long Marston Airfield.
Organiser James Algate explains the new concept: "Hi:Fi South offers festival lovers the chance to camp at an event that will bring them face to face with their rock and dance heroes together for the first time." Hi:Fi will also feature a variety of non-musical entertainment including chill out areas, a cinema and exclusive VIP arenas. Bands from the local area will also be able to enter a competition to perform live in front of thousands of festival goers. A simultaneous one-day event in the north-east of England is also scheduled for Saturday 27th May, Hi:Fi North will take place at the Matfen Estate near Newcastle.

EARTHWISE FESTIVAL, DORSET – JUNE 1 - 4
A mysterious festival taking place on a hill somewhere in Dorset. It’s an advance tickets only festival featuring natural health, earth mysteries, green technology, fair trade markets, a kids area, organic cafes. And much more including music from Seize The Day, Kangaroo Moon, SubGiant, 3 Daft Monkeys, Djambo, Breakneck Creek and many more. To find out more you’ll have to go to www.earthwise-uk.com or call 0845 330 4340.

WESSEX FOLK FESTIVAL, WEYMOUTH - JUNE 2 – 4
Details to follow

NOKIA ISLE OF WIGHT FESTIVAL 2006 – JUNE 9 – 11
Some big names have already signed for this year’s festival including The Prodigy, Placebo and Goldfrapp. More details to follow but see the official website www.isleofwightfestival.org for booking info.

WIMBORNE FOLK FESTIVAL – JUNE 9 – 11
Already booked, with more to come:
Show of Hands, Dochas,
Michael McGoldrick Band, Cara,
Gerry O'Connor Band, Alan Burke,
Mike Silver & Johnny Coppin
Johnny Dickinson,
Claire Mann, Aaron Jones and friends ,
Healy Brothers Band,
Rosie Doonan & Ben Murray,
Phil Beer & Miranda Sykes,
Cross Current, Mawkin,
Paul Downes, String Whistle,
Breakneak Creek
See www.wimbornefolkfestival.co.uk

BLUES ON THE FARM, APPLEDRAM, NR CHICHESTER - JUNE 22 - 25
The first names to be announced for this year’s festival are Popa Chubby,
Sherman Robertson, Marcus Malone, The Gutter Brothers, The Pat Savage Band and The Danni Leigh Band
Watch this space for the full line-up or see www.bluesonthefarm.co.uk

SAUL CANAL FESTIVAL & FOLK ON THE WATER WEEKEND, GLOUCESTERSHIRE - JUNE 30 - JULY 1
Lineup includes|: Lazarus - featuring Dave Swarbrick, Kevin Dempsey & Maartin Allcock, Ashley Hutchings Morris On Band, Sarah Jory Band, Shooglenifty, Filska, Magna Carta, Fred Wedlock, Johnny Dickinson, Wild Willy Barrett's Sleeping Dogz, Meet on the Ledge-Unledged (Acoustic), Roots and Galoots, Keith Donnelly, Jiggerypipery, Aranmore, Arlen, Les Barker, Derek Brimstone, No Fixed Abode, Celtish, One String Loose and Roy Kirby Paragon Jazz Band

Over the weekend some 50 acts will be at Saul, in the Folk on the Water Music Pavilion, in the hold of the EntsWeb Sabrina Theatre, on board the Oliver Cromwell, in the Drum & Monkey bar and all around the beautiful waterside location. There will also be jazz bands, Morris Sides, Shantymen and street musicians. Keith is still looking and still booking, so keep an eye on the line-up www.junctionevents.org.uk

GILLINGHAM FESTIVAL, DORSET - JULY 1 - 16
Artists confirmed to play so far incude:
THE BLUES BAND, THE WILSONS, SHOW OF HANDS, THE LIGHTYEARS, GERARD KENNY, MARTIN CARTHY & NORMA WATERSON, HOWLING AT THE MOON, THE ROLLIN’ CLONES, WOMAN WANTS TALL MAN, TASTE OF SHADOWS, KIRSTY MCGEE, SEQUOIA, BEN WATERS BAND, BARRELHOUSE BLUES BAND, THE YETTIES, SOUL COMMOTION & many more acts.

ROMSEY BEGGAR’S FAIR – JULY 7 & 8
Details to follow

NEWT BEER & MUSIC FESTIVAL, NORTH NEWTON, SOMERSET – JULY 7/8
Details to follow

PRIDDY FOLK FESTIVAL, SOMERSET - JULY 7 - 9
The lineup is: Waterson Carthy, Back of the Moon, Van Eyken, Jim Moray, Colum Sands, Johnny Dickinson, Les Barker, Kirsty McGee, Rackaback, Ben Murray & Rosie Doonan, Liz Carlisle, Incontinentals, Maggie Boyle, Nandobinyan, Quicksilver, KTB, Dragonsfly, Lynne Heraud & Pat Turner, Jo Hamilton, Miv Cameron Band, Tom & Barbara Brown, Ember, Kevin Brown, Anne Lister, James Warner Prophecies, Flash Harry, Backroom Band, Sulis, James Chadwick, Howden Jones, Mick Ryan & Pete Harris, The Willbees, Tom Napper & Tom Bliss, Issy & David Emeney, String Whistle, Left Hand Drive, No Fixed Abode, Pete Quin, Diana Johnstone, Jim Tigwell and Chico Holton.
For ticket details go to www.priddyfolk.org

LARMER TREE FESTIVAL, TOLLARD ROYAL, NR SALISBURY - JULY 12 - 16
Jools Holland’s Rhythm & Blues Orchestra open the festival on Wednesday July 12, then it’s music all the way for the next four days. Already confirmed are Kate Rusby, Afro Celts, Jazz Jamaica Motor City, BeGood Tanyas, Dreadzone, Chris & Thomas, Stringybark McDowell, Danny George Wilson, Stacy Earle and Mark Stuart, Ukelele Band of Great Britain and Bellowhead. To keep abreast of bookings see www.larmertreefestival.co.uk

TROWBRIDGE VILLAGE PUMP FESTIVAL - JULY 20 - 23
Here are the performers that have been confirmed so far. Watch this space for constant updates:
THE WATERBOYS - SUZANNE VEGA - ALTAN - WATERSON CARTHY - ELIZA CARTHY & THE RATCATCHERS - OSIBISA - GRETCHEN PETERS - THE KARINE POLWART BAND - SHOW OF HANDS - HANK WANGFORD & REG MEUROSS - DOGHOUSE SKIFFLE GROUP - JOHNNY & THE POORBOYS - MR. LOVE & JUSTICE - LAST NIGHT'S FUN - RACHEL UNTHANK AND THE WINTERSET - COSTO RICO - MERV GRIST PLAYERS - ZIG A ZAG CAJUN BAND - LOS DE ABAJO - WAILIN JENNYS - NINE BELOW ZERO – DANA GILLESPIE & HER LONDON BLUES BAND - MARY FLOWER - ALLAN YN Y FAN - ZYDECOMOTION - KEITH DONNELLY - JOHN ALDERSLADE - KEITH CHRISTMAS – THE BUFFALO GALS
Also on Stage 3, the rock 'n' roll stage!! There will be a full programme of slightly more funky acts all weekend, reflecting the rockier edge of roots music. Artists include:
Mystery Juice * Praying for the Rain * Pronghorn * Vince Lee & the Big Combo * Swamp Donkey * Pura Vida * The John E Vistic Experience * The Harrisons * The Huckleberries * Elephant Talk 2 * James Warren * RSVP *
Gringo Ska * Skiffle Haze

EASTLEIGH SUMMER FESTIVAL - AUGUST 3 – 6 – SEE UNDER WICKHAM FESTIVAL!

SIDMOUTH FOLK WEEK, DEVON - AUGUST 4 - 11
Amongst the artists appearing this year are: Concerts
Blue Murder
John Spiers & Jon Boden
Waterson:Carthy
Warsaw Village Band
Martin Simpson & Martin Taylor
Seth Lakeman
Chumbawamba
Coope Boyes & Simpson
Flook
Mrs Ackroyd Band
Chris Wood
John Kirkpatrick
The Poozies
Boka Halat
Rachel Unthank & The Winterset
Van Eyken
Lulo Reinhardt
Duncan McFarlane Band
Craig Morgan Robson
Grace Notes
Julie Fowlis
Jon Swayne & Becky Price
Crucible
Dulaman
John Dipper Band
Faustus
Mary Humphreys & Anahata
Witches of Elswick
The Cole Porters
George Papavgeris
Sandra Kerr
Kandela
The Devil&rsquos Interval
Richard Durrant
Rocas
All Jigged Out
Blackthorn
ThingumaJig
Lee Westwood
Tickled Pink
Peeping Tom
Florida
Hekety
Jabadaw
Mr Gubbins&rsquo Bicycle
The Woodpecker Band
Dartmoor Pixie Band
Grand Union
Steamchicken
Spinach for Norman
For ticket details see www.sidmouthfolkweek.co.uk

CROPREDY CONVENTION, OXFORDSHIRE - AUGUST 10 - 12
Acts booked so far include acoustic duo Chris Newman and Máire Ní Chathasaigh (the renowned Celtic harpist), Feast of Fiddles and legendary folkrock five-piece Steeleye Span. See www.fairportconvention.com for full details.

WHITE HORSE FOLK FESTIVAL, WANTAGE, OXFORDSHIRE - AUGUST 18 - 20
Watch this space for artists as they are confimed

BEAUTIFUL DAYS - ESCOT PARK, DEVON - AUGUST 18 - 20
Tickets are now on sale via www.levellers.co.uk , www.seetickets.com and from Solo Records in Exeter, Tel: 01392 425309. The full lineup for the festival will be announced soon.

SHREWSBURY FOLK FESTIVAL – AUGUST 25 – 28
Amongs the artists appearing are:
LOUDON WAINWRIGHT III, ELIZA CARTHY & THE RAT CATCHERS OYSTERBAND, SHOOGLENIFTY, VIN GARBUTT, NEW ROPE STRING BAND THE DOONAN FAMILY BAND, JAIPUR KAWA BAND, THE WOODPECKER BAND, JOHN WRIGHT BAND, MRS ACKROYD BAND, GRAND UNION, KEITH DONNELLY, CHRIS WHILE & JULIE MATTHEWS and The SETH LAKEMAN BAND. See www. For full lineup and booking details.

BURNHAM-ON-SEA FOLK FEST - SEPTEMBER 2 - 3
Saturday: free gigs, jams and open mike sessions in various pubs throughout the town, plus dance and music workshops, arts and crafts, farmers' market, kids' ceilidh, family entertainment and adult ceilidh (ticket only).
Sunday: Mini-festival in Manor Gardens. For full details visit: www.folkfest.co.uk

Looking for a different Festival Focus? Click here for our archive

Featured artists:
see POL Articles

The Men They Couldn't Hang - The Railway Inn, Winchester - Tuesday March 28
Mark Gardener / Paul Simmonds
The Railway Inn, Winchester
Tuesday March 28

Michael Jerome Brown - Havant Arts Centre, Havant - Friday March 10
Michael Jerome Brown
Havant Arts Centre, Havant
Friday March 10

Alice Russell - The Brook, Southampton - Friday March 17
Alice Russell
The Brook, Southampton
Friday March 17

The Bushburys - Ashcroft Arts Centre, Fareham - Thursday March 9
The Bushburys Ashcroft Arts Centre, Fareham Thursday March 9

The Blue Aeroplanes - Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth Sunday March 26
The Blue Aeroplanes Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth
Sunday March 26

Cosmic Rough Riders - The Joiners, Southampton - Thursday March 23
Cosmic Rough Riders The Joiners, Southampton Thursday March 23

Southampton's No 1 recording studio

All content is provided on a "as is" basis & no responsibility is taken for any inaccuracies.
If you wish to copy any images or reproduce any articles or other POL content, please click here
© Peter Ashton 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006. All rights reserved.
Site Designed & Mastered by AMB @ A-M-B.co.uk © 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006.