Al O'Kane
Winner of the 2019 Shrewsbury Folk Festival Open Mic
competition, Al O'Kane is a West Country troubadour who
folds Jimi Hendrix into the sound of Celtic resistance rock n'
roll. Part Waterboys, part Velvet Underground, Al's music is a
cry for action - nestled into a fiery acoustic blend.
"West Country gumbo".
 
Sat. 12.45pm, Main Stage, FREE
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Avellana
A Jazz duo from Bristol featuring Simon Greening and John
Lambert.
Simon is a familiar figure in the Bristol jazz scene, playing
inseveral bands - including founding jazz quartets Green in
Blue and Avellana - arranging workshops and running the East
Bristol Jazz Clubjam. John has a foot in both classical
and jazz camps and is a member of several local bands
including Mood Indigo, Avellana andthe Staubin Quartet.
Sat, 1pm, Church, FREE |
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Barry
Lane & The Fridge Mechanics
Barry Lane and The Fridge Mechanics showcase Barry's
lyrical folk rock songs. Barry has been writing songs since he
was 14.
The band live in and perform in Bristol and the South
West, most recently supporting the late Ian McClaghan from the
Small Faces at the Thunderbolt in Bristol. They
have been part of the Party in the City for the Bristol
International Music Festival for three years running and have
also appeared at the Victoria Park Community Festival and the
Bedminster Art on the Hill festival of music in the park for
two years.
Appearing with Barry will be electric guitarist Mick Owen,
from the Vibrators and the Rolling Clones, and the
amazing punk-folk energy of James Anderson on acoustic bass.
Sun. 2.30pm, Chill Stage, FREE
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The Bayou
Tapestry
The Bayou Tapestry are arguably the finest Cajun band in the
whole of Bishopston (a small neighbourhood in north Bristol).
Playing local street parties, a couple of Cajun festivals,
touring South Wales (well, Newport), we’ve somehow built up a
loyal-ish fanbase, largely through bringing the Cajun gospel
to the uninitiated (who don’t know any better). The nearest
we’ve been to Louisiana, however, is Pembrokeshire.
We’re a 6/7 piece that’ve been playing together for a couple
of years. You may find this hard to believe when you hear us.
Having seen other people play Cajun , we thought “how hard can
it be?” We’re still formulating an answer to that
question.
We’re not polished, not normal and not that bothered
‘cause what we play seems to go down well with our audiences
(some of whom are not even related to us).
It’s possible to sit and listen to us – but it’s much more fun
if you grab hold of someone and dance.
Sat, 6.30pm, Village Hall, Tickets |
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Carrivick
Sisters
One thing that is always evident at a Carrivick Sisters
performance is their joy in playing together, in singing in
close harmony and in delighting an audience.
Twin sisters Charlotte and Laura Carrivick have grown up
playing music together, and at a live show the stage becomes
an extension of their kitchen; welcoming you into a warm,
musical embrace while cooking up delicious melodies and tasty
instrumentals. The sisters draw inspiration from their passion
for traditional American old time and bluegrass music, English
folklore and the wide variety of instruments they play:
guitars, mandolin, fiddle, banjo and dobro.
One of the British folk scene's best loved duos with a passion
for old stories, American folk music and a good cup of tea.
Fri 7.30 for 8pm, Village Hall, Ticketed (£12.50) |
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Cathy Judge
& Johnny Francis
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. She will be accompanied by long time musical
partner Johnny Francis on second guitar.
Sat. 5pm, Chill Stage, FREE
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Doreen
Doreen
Formed in '82 when Duran Duran hit the scene, Doreen
Doreen are everything Duran are not.
Danceaway with some of the best (and funniest) cover versions
you will hear including Abba, Queen, Ian Dury, Britney Spears
and Tom Jones.
Deservedly voted the third best band in Bristol (by the
people) afterMassive Attack and Portishead.
Doreen Doreen previously visited Priston Festival in 2016 and
2019.
"The Wall of Sound has been repointed"
–Venue Magazine
"Seeing is believing!"
Sat. 7.45pm, Main Stage, FREE
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Ellie Gowers
Ellie Gowers has been making an impression wherever
she lands. Her music embeds a fierce energy that echoes the
60’s folk revival scene and she is known to hold pride of
place on stage with her strong and lucent vocals. Her songs
are built from a childhood love of literature and traditional
folk song, but also discuss the more modern narratives of the
present day. These influences fuse together to create a sound
that has been deemed unique and incomparable.
Sun. 2.00pm, Main Stage, Free
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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. 5.00pm, Main Stage, FREE
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Hélélé
We welcome back Alphonse and his friends, who last
played Priston way back in 2010!
Inspired by the rhythms of the Bantu Forest of West Africa,
Alphonse Daudet Touna from Cameroon formed the band to ‘enrich
and share his music with the world.’ The haunting
vocals, sung in his own tribal language ‘Bassa’, send messages
of peace and hope. Alphonse plays the Balafon (African
Marimba) he made himself – adding an exotic and original sound
to the music. The band – composed of some of Bristol’s
finest session musicians – has headlined at festivals and
major venues across the UK and supported well known artists
such as Eliades Ochoa of the Buena Vista Social Club.
Infectious West African dance music.
Sat. 3.45pm, Main Stage, FREE |
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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 have also
started writing and arranging our own material, all delivered
with a sprinkle of magic, which is what gives Hello Hopeville
its very unique sound.
Hello Hopeville last played Priston Music Festival in 2019.
American with a twist!
Sat. 3pm, Church, FREE |
Hotwell
Howlers
The Hotwell Howlers will be performing a programme on the
Hammond Brothers of Priston in Priston Church on Sunday
evening.
Sun, 5.00pm, Church, FREE |
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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. 1.45pm, Village Hall, FREE
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The
Magnificent AKs
We are the singing blokes of Ashton Keynes who perform at
concerts, clubs, pubs and festivals. Inspired by Georgian
harmonies and attracted to the musically irreverent and
absurd, we offer serious singing combined with profound
insights into modern male angst. Paying audiences have
acclaimed us as hilarious entertainment suitable for the whole
family. We're also able to sing whilst wearing a variety of
hats and accessories.
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The
Original Barn Finds
Hailing from the heart of Rural Somerset, the Original Barn
Finds wereconceived in 2017 when cousins Chris and Rich Brown
finally joined musical forces after years of procrastination,
alongside life-longfriends Trev Fox and Nick Pratt.
After a few open mic performances another old friend, Troy
“the bassplayer” Wells, joined to complete the lineup that has
become much beloved by discerning punters at small local
festivals and vintage carshows in the Somerset area.
Our mission is to bring joy to the masses through the medium
of classiccovers in a Folk/Americana/Bluegrass style, plus the
occasional smattering of interpretive dance from Nick if he’s
had enough to drink.
“Banjo, fiddle, mandolin, guitar and bass combine with
powerhousevocals to produce a sound that can only be
described as enthusiastic noise”.
Sun. 5.15pm, Main Stage, FREE |
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Reg Meuross
We look forward to welcoming Reg, our PatronArtist
back to the Festival thisyear.
Somerset-based singer/songwriter, Reg is anexceptional teller
of tales set to great melodies and delivered with a
spell-binding voice. His songs include "And Jesus Wept"
- thestory of Private Harry Farr, a WW1 shell-shock victim
shot for cowardice. Other songs interweave historical
characters witheternal themes. His recent albums England
Green& England Gray and December have both
been greeted with critical acclaim.
Sun. 3.15pm, Main Stage, FREE |
Richard
Hughes
This accordionist from Somerset has played accordion for many
years, enjoying a wide range of music that he can tailor for
your special event. He has a wealth of beautiful melodies
including waltzes, tangos, klezmer, music from France, Eastern
Europe, traditional tunes as well as much-loved pieces like
Under Paris Skies and the theme from Amelie.
Sat. 3pm, Chill Stage, FREE |
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Rivers
of
England
Rivers of England are a Bath-based alt folk-rock band
fronted by Rob Spalding. They previously played Priston
in 2017 and 2018.
"This masterpiece 'Time Rolls On'is one of the best songs
we've ever heard. The atmosphere is unique and the
production is creative, smart and brought this track to a
whole new level. The singing voice is a piece of art
and the melodies are incredibly catchy. This band is
professional and there is an amazing level of songwriting
that shines up through their music."
- Cheers to the Vikings
"Wholesome and finely crafted loveliness"
- BBC Introducing
Sat. 1.45pm, Main Stage, FREE |
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Road Not
Taken
Road Not Taken are a five-piece folk band made up of Anita
Dobson (lead vocals, kalimba, bohdran), Ant Miles (guitar,
backing vocals,harmonium, ukulele, mountain dulcimer, piano),
Joe Brydon (slide guitar, bouzouki, harmonica), Joe Hamlen
(bass, harmonium, mountain dulcimer) and Claire Hamlen
(fiddle, backing vocals, harmonium, piano).
Road Not Taken play a mixture of traditional and contemporary
songs, in their unique, melancholic style.
Sun. 4.15pm, Main Stage, FREE |
Rumbl'os
The new sounds of Severn Delta Surf!
"Taking their cues from Tarantino’s surf
selections, Joe Meek’s New World, Budd and Bizet, The
Rumble-O’s project their intergalactic instro’s into the
heart of ‘62 and return aboard Dick Dale’s reverb tank. A
blend high energy, authentic sixties sounds with a
contemporary edge."
- Green Man Festival
Sat. 6.30pm, Main Stage, FREE
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Senna
Weeks
Trio
Senna is a guitarist & singer from Weston-Super-Mare.
He enjoys playing both with his band Better Than
Expected & as a solo artist. He plays mainly Blues,
Rock & Pop.
He is a Bare Knuckle Pickups Artist, endorsed by Blackstar
Amplification amps, currently an Artist 15 & Artist 30,
Fender, Gibson & Ernie Ball Guitars, Wampler effects &
D'Addario strings.
As some of you already know Senna is a Type 1 Diabetic who
runs on Insulin!, his motto has always been "don't let type 1
stop you"
Back for a second time, with a two year gap, brilliant
bluesy poppy guitar.
Sat. 9.30pm, Pub, FREE
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Skylarks
(Mostly) female acapella choir.
Skylarks are uplifted by bringing you folk and world
harmonies, with hearts connected in joy and song.
Sun 12.30 & 3.30pm, Chill Stage, FREE
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Solana
Solana are a five-piece band performing original
compositions encompassing folk idioms, modal jazz and
experimental grooves. Their rich and inventive sonic tapestry
is anchored by a deep respect for traditions rooted in all
corners of Europe and beyond.
"multi-textured cornucopia of sound . . . an intoxicating
cocktail of rythmn, an infusion of dance and melody that is
impossible to resist"
- Outline Magazine
Sat. 2.45pm, Main Stage, FREE |
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Somerset
Russets
String, woodwind and squeezebox players from
Somerset and beyond, the band aims to recreate the sound of
the eighteenth and nineteenth century village bands who
provided music at events as diverse as village dances, parades
and church services.
Bring your instrument and play some of the music your
ancestors danced to, arranged in parts. Music provided, but
bring a music stand if you have one. All welcome, but some
experience of sight reading will definitely increase your
enjoyment. Guitar chords included. If you want to
show off what you’ve learned, there’ll be a short showcase
event after the workshop.
Workshop: Sun. 3.15pm, Village Hall, FREE
Showcase: Sun. 4.10pm, Village Hall, FREE
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The
Summerhouse Band
Helen James of Keynsham and Paul Barclay from Priston have
expanded their established duo to form The Summerhouse Band.
Joined by Alice Barclay on violin, Priston’s cellist, Camilla
Litchfield and Bristol-based classical pianist, Ken Dale, the
group made their debut performance at Priston Festival in
2016.
Rooted in folk music their repertoire explores the potential
of rich arrangements; beautiful vocal and instrumental
harmonies with songs ranging from relaxing and gentle through
to lively and full of fun.
Sun. 3pm, Church (outside), FREE |
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. 2pm, Church FREE
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