2024 Line-up

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All events are free to attend, apart from those marked T.

Programme subject to change.


Paul Mahon - Guitar
Simon Greening - Saxophone
Glyn Owen - Percussion
Avellana Jazz

Sonorous jazz for saxophone and guitar from Simon Greening and Paul Mahon with percussionist Glyn Owen.
Expect sensitive pieces on the borders of contemporary classical and jazz

Music has the power to transport us to another time and place.

Guitarist Paul Mahon loves to harness that power with a broad audience of music lovers. Ever since a young age, Paul has found great joy and satisfaction in making music and sharing it with people all over the world. Paul is well known for his guitar session work and performing in Europe whilst based in Dublin. He has credits on Irish radio and RTE. Although a competent performer in many musical styles, he has always had a passion for Jazz that flourished through performing with the Berkshire Youth Jazz Orchestra from 16 years of age through to his late twenties. He has played with the best UK jazz musicians such as Tina May, Peter King, John Parricelli and Jamie Cullum. Now based in Bristol, Paul is always searching for new and creative ways to share his passion for all things musical.

Saxophonist Simon Greening is a familiar figure in the Bristol jazz scene, playing in several bands - including founding jazz quartets Green in Blue and Avellana - arranging workshops and running the East Bristol Jazz Club jam. Passionate about music in all forms and with no formal training Simon took up the saxophone as an adult and never stopped playing. Simon likes to collaborate with some of the many talented musicians in the Bristol area who share his musical passions.

Glyn Owen studied orchestral percussion in Secondary School and was a Member of Avon Schools Symphonic Wind band.  He has spent many years perfecting the art of listening to help perform with others and , as a newcomer to Jazz, brings a sense of innocence and excitement to the trio.

Sat, 3pm, Church, FREE


The Big However

Bristol based art folk garage indie collective on the Breaking Down Record label. Melodic, intelligent yet unintelligent popular music. “Poignant”. Featuring discarded musicians sourced locally – cello, trumpet, guitars, mandolin, bass and drums.

Sun, 2pm, Chill Stage, FREE

      


Branflakes
The Branflakes

The Branflakes have headlined festivals and played all over Europe. Their performances are now rare despite being much in demand.  BUT the allure of the Priston festival has brought  them back together. The seven piece band, with their lively blend of Dixieland & stomping jazz, play with an infectious sense of joy that will never fail to make you smile. They bring their unique Dixie style to some of your favourite tunes & they’ll be sure to make you tap your feet & get up & dance.

Sat, 7.40pm, Village Green stage, FREE
Buffalo Gals
Buffalo Gals
The Buffalo Gals are at the forefront of the emerging American roots music scene in the UK and Europe, and represent a revival of the string band tradition in its most vibrant form. Their intoxicating style, incorporating Appalachian, Blues, Gospel, early Bluegrass, and novelties from the heyday of early country music, is punctuated with the stunning and thrillingly syncopated step-dance that has become one of their trademarks.

Sun, 5pm, Village Green stage, FREE

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Djammy Dodgers
DjammyDodgers

Joyful Django-inspired gypsy jazz with a flutey twist. 

  • James Tomlinson on guitar
  • Jenny Sansom on flute
  • Tom Daly on guitar.

Sun, 3.30pm, Church, FREE

The Greatness of the Magnificence Fantasy Orchestra The Fantasy Orchestra

The Fantasy Orchestra is a community project led by Jesse D Vernon, based in Paris and also in Bristol. The Orchestra (motto: ‘World Peace One Note At A Time’) brings together 50+ musicians, professional and amateur, to create a kaleidoscopic symphonic brigade.

Their eclectic repertoire covers film soundtracks (Morricone, Barry, RD Burman), rock and pop favourites (Hendrix, Beatles, Bowie, Radiohead), and some more obscure treasures. Think psychedelic loveliness, rousing choral noise, and some choice costumes.

"World peace, one note at a time"
- Motto

Sat, 6.30pm, Village Green stage, FREE

 
Few
Few

Based in Bristol and Amsterdam, Few write their own songs in a 1960's folk(ish) pop style.

Few are Fenna (Vocals), Frank (Lead Guitar), Eerik (Vocals & Guitar) and Wouter (Double Bass).  At the Priston Festival 2024, we are joined by Bristol-based Pmmy Harma: Vocals & Guitar/.

Sun, 2.30pm, Church, FREE
Fi Barrow & Emma Holbrook

Foreign Affairs
Foreign Affairs

Foreign Affairs is the musical collaboration of brothers Adam and Lawrence Purnell.

In December of 2018 the band released their first EP The Old Fire Staon. The EP received widespread critical acclaim and was followed by a 22-date European tour with Grammy-nominated artist Larkin Poe.

The duo signed their first publishing deal to peermusic in October 2019 and have released a host of new music which has garnered support and national radio play from BBC Radio 2 (Dermot O’Leary and Bob Harris) as well as several Spotify editorial playlists.

Their prodigious live show has toured extensively throughout the U.K. and Europe, with several appearances at the prestigious Glastonbury Festival, a run of U.K. sold out headlines as well as festival appearances in France, Holland and Denmark.

“Dynamic roots songwriting, their subtle Americana has won fans across the land, with their simple but strikingly melodic songwriting.” – CLASH

Sat, 3.45pm, Village Green stage, FREE

Frome St Bandits
Frome Street Bandits

The Frome Street Bandits is a semi-autonomous anarchic syndicalist community of musicians honking their instruments from Frome.

When we hit the streets, we bring abundant joy, laughter, fun, and dancing. Our music is a vibrant mix of brass, reeds, and percussion instruments, encompassing various genres ranging from Reggae to Balkan and a sprinkle of vintage pop. Quirky and outrageous, we play an eclectic repertoire that never fails to captivate and engage audiences.

Throughout the Southwest, we perform gigs at festivals, community events, private parties, parades, and virtually any occasion that involves enjoyment and fun. We have had the privilege of supporting larger bands by doing a set in between band changes to keep the energy up. We dress up to stand out, and link that with what the event is about -  we are impossible to miss!

We have a magical effect wherever we go, drawing in crowds and fostering connections among people who come together to dance and share smiles.

We are all volunteers and give our time freely to the Frome Street Bandits and strive to amaze and dazzle audiences with our distinct sound, playfulness and sense of musical fun.

Sat, 5.45pm, Village Green stage, FREE

Hangover_Club
The Hangover Club

The Hangover Club is a modern, energetic Folk Americana band based in Bristol, UK. Made up of PM LeGrand, Geoffrey Kokel, Helen Payne, and Josh Munday, they tell sordid cowboy tales with the help of crunchy cigar box riffs, warm acoustic guitar tones, and three-part harmonies.

The Hangover Club grew up on a diet of classic country music, including Jeff Bridges, Johnny Cash, Colter Wall, and the Dead South, before honing their craft in a more experimental and tribal universe taking from Orville Peck, Hollowbelly, and Fever Ray.

The group released their debut single, Ride, in February 2020, which was mixed by Massive Attack's Stew Jackson. But even as the onset of the pandemic threw everyone's best laid plans into disarray, it provided time to rethink, reorganise, and gain new inspirations from different avenues and genres.

The Club naturally fell into a trio in April 2021 and a four-piece in August 2023. They've been busking their way around Bristol gaining hoards of fans on the street since 2018. The Hangover Club has played in iconic venues in the city, including the Bristol Fringe and Mr Wolf's, as well as a handful of festival slots in the UK and France (Wychwood Festival, Maverick Festival, PAKA Festival).

The group spent 2022 writing and recording lots of new material, and 2023 sees no signs of slowing down.The Hangover Club's latest release was Hide in February 2024.

Sat, 4.45pm, Village Green stage, FREE

Hello Hopeville Hello Hopeville

Hello Hopeville is a band based in and around Frome, Somerset. It consists of five individuals with a passion for a melodic and mesmerizing sound, with handpicked songs that lend themselves to harmony and instrumentals. Unable to sit within one genre of music as covers range from Fleetwood Mac to Michelle shocked, Alison Krauss and Neil Young. We write and arrange our own material, all delivered with a sprinkle of magic, which is what gives Hello Hopeville its very unique sound.

Sat, 6.20pm, Chill Stage, FREE


Joff Lowson trio
Joff Lowson Trio

Joff Lowson has played banjo live on BBC Radio 1 and on Glastonbury main stage with Reading Rock festival headliners the Blue Aeroplanes, as well as performing with legends of the Bluegrass genre like Peter Rowan, Hayseed Dixie, and The Kaye Brothers Flying Circus.

With brilliant musicians Dave Brown (vocals, acoustic guitar) and Mike Pryor (vocals, double bass) this new Trio is exploring the most unusual possibilities of this combination of instruments, as well as playing classics by Hank Williams, Johnny Cash and Woody Guthrie.

They have an album coming out with some fantastic new songs too, this show will be a lyrical, vocal and instrumental treat.

Sat, 1.45pm, Village Green stage, FREE

    
Johnny Francis & Cathy Judge
Johnny Francis & Cathy Judge

Johnny Francis is a Priston regular, having run the Festival Chill Stage for numerous years.

Cathy is a sculptor from Somerset whose other passion in life is her music.She be performing a mix of her own cleverly crafted songs and favourite covers. Cathy has a rich velvety voice and not only sings sensitive ballads with an emotion seldom experienced but can bellow out the blues with equal expertise.

Sat, 2pm, Chill Stage, FREE

Jo Sercombe Jo Sercombe

Jo Sercombe runs The Big Sing workshop which is open to all, regardless of age, skill or experience.  Jo brings an informal, passionate style to her teaching.  Reaching out to participants, she not only gets them to connect with her, but also with each other in a quite unique way.  Have no doubt that you will feel genuinely inspired, uplifted and buzzing after the session with Jo!

Sun, 2-3pm, Village Hall, FREE



Lloyd, Lauren & Art
Lloyd, Lauren & Art and the Bath Song Writing Circle

Lloyd. Lauren, and Art lead the Royal Oak's Bath Song Writing Circle.

Lloyd:

"Described as ‘Dylan meets Van Morrison’, Lloyd is an acoustic singer – songwriter originally from Swansea, and has made his home in Bath after completing a Masters of Music Songwriting back in 2012.  Lloyd seamlessly blends smooth guitar flourishes with bold, honest lyrics, delivered in clear, audience-silencing tones." - The Grapes, Bath



Laura:

"Gently folky singer/songwriter hails from San Francisco whose clear voice and
crisply picked acoustic guitar unfold her own poetic songs with soulful honesty and urgency, whether stirring anthems or thoughtful ballads." - John Blakely, The Canteen/No. 1 Harbourside



Art:

A multi-instrumentalist composer and performer specializing on the double bass and electric bass. Born in Mauritius, Art has made Bath his base. His work aims to create musical experiences to connect with others on a unique and personal level.



Sat, 5pm, Chill Stage, FREE
Mark Abis

Mark Abis is a hugely talented English singer songwriter whose songs range in style from folk to blues, incorporating elements from American country and world rhythms.  Perhaps best known for writing the song 'Summerbreeze' that appeared in the TV shows 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer', 'Brothers & Sisters' and 'Secret Diary of a Call Girl'.

Sun, 5pm, Chill Stage, FREE

Matt Owens
Matt Owens & The Delusional Vanity Project

Hot off the back of releasing their critically-acclaimed 4th album this year, Way Out West, (hailed as a “Masterpiece” by Uncut & a “Career Zenith” by Classic Rock Mag,) Bath’s favourite sons Matt Owens and The Delusional Vanity Project have long been establishing a reputation as one of the fiercest live acts in the country.

After a decade of global-touring, selling over a million albums hard copy in the UK alone, the ex-Noah and the Whale founder is back out with a new album and revelling in his new chapter of rock'n'roll song-noir.

Sat, 9.30pm, Pub, FREE
Morris Dancers

Sides to be confirmed.

Sun, 1030am-12.30pm, Village Green

Reg Meuross
Reg Meuross

We look forward to welcoming Reg, our Patron Artist  back to the Festival this year.

Somerset-based singer/songwriter, Reg is an exceptional teller of tales set to great melodies and delivered with a spell-binding voice.  His songs include "And Jesus Wept" - the story of Private Harry Farr, a WW1 shell-shock victim shot for cowardice.  Other songs interweave historical characters with eternal themes.  His recent albums England Green & England Grey and December have both been greeted with critical acclaim.

Sun, 3pm, Village Green stage, FREE


Rhiannon Paige & Wild Rose

Rhiannon Paige is a British Country Pop/Rock/Singer/Songwriter from Bristol

She engages her audience with her catchy songwriting; exploring love, heartbreak and the challenges she has overcome in life. Her soul radiates through her music creating songs that are relatable and witty in style for her listeners to enjoy.

Sun, 2pm, Village Green stage, FREE

Rivers of England
Rivers of England

Rivers Of England return with a new EP that originally started out as frontman Rob's solo project but evolved back into a Rivers Of England badged release that a stripped down lineup are promoting with a tour of Germany in October.   The title of the EP 'Marston Doles' refers to a quiet rural location on the canals in the heart of England, hinting at the reflective and pastoral but richly layered 6 music friendly melodic production.

Sat, Village Green stage, 12.45pm

 
Rolling Harmony
Rolling Harmony

“An exquisite blend of voices and rich harmonies.”

Gorgeous vocal harmonies, soaring melodies, interweaving vocal lines, captivating rhythms, and brilliant a cappella arrangements of classic songs... something for everyone. Rolling Harmony is a vibrant vocal group of choir leaders and singers from the South West, delighted to be back at Priston Festival.

Sat, 1pm, Church, FREE


   
Shambletones
The Shambletones & guests

The Shambletones are Don Alexander and Stuart Shaw, long time players in the Bath music scene, mostly with covers bands. It’s quite easy to tell them apart.

As we all emerged from the recent lockdowns and restrictions, Don and Stuart took every opportunity to play together in their houses and work-spaces and to be a little more creative. Finger picking guitar and bass. Stealing happily from jazz, folk, rock and pop; mixing covers with new songs born from the sheer joy of playing music with other people again. Expect guest appearances from other local musicians during their set at Priston.

Saturday, 4pm, Chill Stage, FREE
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Sister Bohdi

Sister Bodhi, is a collaboration of two songwriters, Jodie Marie & Bella Collins. Performing blues infused original songs, laced with Everly-esque harmonies.  They last performed in a House Concert in Priston in July 2023.

Fri, 8pm (doors open 7.30pm), Village Hall, £12T
Sat, Village Green, FREE
Skylarks
Skylarks

(Mostly) female acapella choir.

Skylarks are uplifted by bringing you folk and world harmonies, with hearts connected in joy and song.

Sat, 1pm, Chill Stage, FREE


Old Somerset Russet Band Somerset Russets

Concert:
For the last twelve years, the Somerset Russets have been spreading the word about village bands. Their imaginative arrangements for winds, bowed strings and squeezeboxes celebrate British music while also exploring traditions from further afield.  Bring an instrument to their workshop after the concert and have a go at some of the tunes you’ve heard.

Workshop:
Living musical traditions don't stand still.  They are regularly refreshed by the appearance of new compositions.  Join the Somerset Russets to play some band arrangements of tunes by modern composers. We'll be playing music from England, Ireland and Québec.  The ability to sight-read is an advantage. (Bring a music stand if you have one but it's not essential.) Ear players are welcome to pick up the tunes “on the fly”.

Concert: Sun, 1.20pm, Church, FREE
Workshop: Sun, 3.30-4.30pm, Village Hall, FREE


Starlings

Bristol-based quartet playing jazz, funk and Latin music - both covers and their own material.

Sun, 4pm, Village Green stage, FREE

  
Stomp Clap
Stomp Clap

Jazz band featuring Pristonian Henry Sampson.

Sun, 4pm, Chill Stage, FREE
Swithin
Swithin

Swithin is a fabulous, fulsome mix of acoustic fun, five-part harmonies, guitar, fiddle and double bass... fresh takes on old favourites, known and unknown

Sat, 4pm, Church, FREE

 
Ukelele Workshop
Ukelele Workshop

The workshop will be run by Roger Southard (Frome Ukelele Group).

All welcome - please bring your own uke if you have one. There will be a few ukes to share around and try, kindly loaned by GuitarBitz of Bath. The songs to be practised will be announced in advance.

Sat, 5.30pm, Village Hall, FREE