| The
Andy Burden Band Rip-roaring, uplifting catchy tunes Sat, 4.15pm, Village Green Stage, FREE |
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Avellana Sonorous jazz for saxophone, guitar, bass, vibes and percussion from Avellana. "Expect sensitive pieces on the borders of contemporary classical and jazz"
Sat, 4pm, Church, FREE  |
| Azhaar
& Global Wave Singer/violinist/composer Azhaar Saffar made her reputation with internationally acclaimed Brazilian jazz group, SIRIUS B. When the group parted ways after 10 amazing years , Azhaar disapeared into the wilds of Costa Rica. She finally resurfaced to form her new ‘world -jazz’ group, Global Wave. Sun, 4.40pm, Village Green Stage, FREE |
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| 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, 3.10pm, Chill Stage, FREE
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| Bill
Smarme Trio Bill Smarme leads his band the Bill Smarme Rock'n'Roll Trio through some old school, goodtime R'n'R. Sat, 1.15pm, Village Green Stage, FREE |
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| Cuckoo
Drift We are a 3 piece folk group from Clutton: Emily Mullins - Celtic harp Rob Creber - Accordion / whistle Miriam Woolnough - Flute We play a mixture of Irish and French tunes. We have performed at the Clutton Flower Show and local village days. Sun, 1pm, Chill Stage, FREE |
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Djammy
Dodgers Joyful Django-inspired gypsy jazz with a flutey twist.
Sun, 1.45pm, Village Green Stage, FREE |
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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. Main Stage Performance: Sat, 6.15pm, Village Green Stage, FREE Recorder Ensemble: Sat, 1pm, Church, FREE The Peskies: Sat, 1.40pm, Church, FREE Mound:featuring Taz Mains and Sally Stevens from the Fantasy Orchestra. Sat: 2.20pm, Church, Free "World peace, one note at a time" - Motto |
| Frukes The Frome Ukelele Club play classic tunes in their own inimitable way! Sat, 2pm, Chill Stage, FREE |
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George
Evans Singer Songwriter & acoustic covers artist based in Somerset. Songwriting inspiration often comes from being in nature and observation of life. George's style is drawn from many genres, Country Folk Pop and more. Accompanied by his acoustic guitar, sometimes harmonica, George's good ranging singing voice is mellow and relaxed, upbeat and cheery whilst resonating with the words and meaning within the lyrics. Loves to play classic covers from across the decades. Sat, 3pm, Chill Stage, FREE |
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Harmony
Singing Workshop, led by Jenny Sansom Join us for an hour of blissful harmony singing, with simple, easy to learn songs that will sound beautiful quickly. Learn short songs inspired by folk traditions, nature, playfulness and spirituality. All taught by ear, and all abilities welcome! Sun, 2pm, Church, FREE |
| Henry
Sampson Join us for an afternoon of toe-tapping, head-bopping swing! Sun, 5pm, Chill Stage, FREE |
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Hill Farm
Five Rooted in folk music, these local performers familiar to Pristonians explore 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, 4pm, Church, FREE |
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Invincible
Pigs Invincible Pigs are a lively acoustic band with a DIY ethic and a punk attitude. Blending powerful vocals, strong rhythms and catchy melodies, Invincible Pigs create an exciting and memorable sound whether playing in a rainy pub garden or a sunny festival stage. Taking influence from bands such as the Pogues, Mischief Brew and Gogol Bordello, Invincible Pigs mix original songs with traditional tunes, and covers of contemporary songs with a folksy twist. Originally found playing in the pub gardens of Bristol, a band formed (and was eventually allowed in out of the rain) in mid-2015 and Invincible Pigs have been playing regularly at gigs and festivals across the South of England ever since. Sat, 6pm, Chill Stage, FREE |
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irene.smallfry Irene first gained attention singing with her former band Smallfry (her nickname). Nowadays, as a solo artist, irene.smallfry delivers a rich sound, occasionally using foot pedals to add live layers of percussion and harmony to her performances. While many know Irene for her unforgettable voice and re-imaginings of pop classics'.. Irene's set now includes her own original songs, which will take centre stage at this year's festival, paired with her lovely guitar playing. Over the years, irene.smallfry has lent her incredible voice to various acts at Priston Festival, including The Moonlit Poachers, The Fantasy Orchestra and The Shambletones. So if she gets too lonely on stage, she can always phone a friend! Sat, 4pm, Chill Stage, FREE |
| Isobel
Holly Hailing from Bath, Isobel Holly is influenced by artists such as Fleetwood Mac and Carole King. These inspirations are reflected in her powerful vocals and heartfelt lyricism. Having been compared to the likes of Carrie Underwood and Tori Amos, her music has had plentiful airplay on BBC Introducing in the West, and she was recently featured as the House Band of the Week for BBC Upload. Sun, 4pm, Chill Stage, FREE |
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| Jody
Prewett As the former lead singer and guitarist of the critically acclaimed band Trophy Wife, Jody has a varied and rich musical background. He has been regularly impressing audiences with his inventive guitar playing, soulful vocals and striking lyrical imagery. Sat, 4.40pm, Village Hall, FREE |
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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, 2.15pm, Village Green stage, FREE |
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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, 1pm, Chill Stage, FREE |
| Key
Voices Key Voices Community Choir is a mixed choir with members from around Keynsham who meet on Monday evenings to have fun singing. The choir includes a number of members from Priston and is led by Maria Johnson. Maria will also be leading a Community Sing Workshop in the Village Hall on Sun, 2.15pm, followed by a performance given by workshop attendees at 3.30pm on Village Green. Sat, 2.30pm, Village Hall, FREE |
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| Maria
Johnson - Community Sing Workshop Maria Johnson, a well known music teacher from Bristol and wonderful Musical Director of Key Voices, is running a singing workshop on Sunday in the village hall. The workshop will include learning a song arranged in parts and performing in front of the Village Green stage. All are welcome, beginners and experts alike. Maria will have you singing together with smiles on your faces! Sun, 2.30pm, Village Hall, FREE followed by performance at 3.40pm on Village Green |
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Mishra Mishra are a global folk duo from the UK gathering international recognition, who draw together roots in UK traditional music with continent-spanning musical textures into a multi-limbed virtuoso performance. Performing finely crafted songs with stunning vocals and exhilarating instrumentals, Mishra span eclectic moods; from meditative rag inspired improvisations to high-energy celtic dance tunes underpinned by unstoppable percussive grooves, they create an unaccountably big sound for just two people. Since acclaimed musicians Kate Griffin (described as ‘one of the top banjo players in the country’ by virtuoso Dan Walsh) and Ford Collier (Young Folk Award Nominee with The Drystones) met in Sheffield over a shared passion for finding inspiration in Indian classical music, their genre defying approach to composition has taken them to festivals around the UK including Celtic Connections and Cambridge Folk Festival, international touring in New Zealand, and cross-cultural collaboration in Mozambique. 2023 saw them win a prestigious Danny Kyle award from Celtic Connections and tour the UK in collaboration with Indian classical/sufi singer Deepa Shakthi with support from Arts Council England. Sun, 5.40pm, Village Green Stage, Free |
| Morris
Gathering On Sunday morning there will be a Morris Gathering where 5 sides come to dance between 10.30 am and 12.30 pm. Sides tbc. Sun, 10.30am, Village Green, FREE |
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| Neirin Neirin is a group of solid friends, and musical companions performing classic blues, contemporary & modern soul, alongside well established original works. There is a true connection between these individuals, that’s very rarely seen in a band, and their performance is absolutely not to be missed. Drew on lead vocals & guitar, with all band members providing backing vocals and beautifully melodic harmonies. Earl St. John on the keys, with influences of Jazz & House music. Marie-Louise providing catchy, funky & percussive bass lines, and masterful percussionist, Tom Turner. Sat, 3.15pm, Village Green Stage, FREE |
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| The
Night Jars The Nightjars are duo Katie and Michael, both based in Bristol but playing and performing in a wide local area. We've played over many years together, sometimes with others, sometimes alone. Katie can mostly be found cycling around Bristol with her flute, fiddle, and clogs. She likes all types of music, but particularly enjoys playing by ear, and plays for ceilidhs, for Morris dancing, and at folk festivals. She leads the Bristol Grammar School Reel Folk Group. Michael used to play a respectable instrument, but he then discovered a furtive pleasure in borrowing other people's accordions. Nowadays he is often found calling and playing for ceilidhs, usually while drinking tea. His favourite scale is the suspended pentatonic. |
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| The
Peskies The Peskies are: Pommy: Vocals, Clarinet, Guitar Erik : Vocals, Guitar, Harmonica Sarah : Violin Kathy : Vocals, Recorder Simon : Soprano Saxophone, Guitar, vocals The Peskies play folksy tunes from a diverse musical heritage as well as some of their own. They are bound to delight you with their close harmony singing and instrumental prowess. Sat, 1.40pm, Church, FREE |
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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, 12.45pm, Village Green Stage, FREE Workshop: Sun, 3pm, Church, FREE |
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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. Sun, 1pm, Church, FREE |
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The
Shambletones 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. Sat, 5pm, Chill Stage, FREE |
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Sing-a-ling Founded in 2012 by early years specialist and musician, Willow Harwood, Sing-a-ling brings young children together to make music in an inspiring and encouraging environment. Sing-a-ling sessions are fun, educational and interactive music workshops for all young children in schools, nurseries, festivals and events. The emphasis is firmly placed on having fun! Sing-a-ling will be part of the kid's programme on Sunday afternoon - an hour workshop. Sun, 2.30pm, Storyworld, FREE |
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Skiffle
Workshop, led by Steve Arnold The Bath skiffle sessions are a wonderful mix of jam, singalong, choir and band with all instruments and abilities welcome. The sessions are run so that anyone who loves this sort of music can join in, play and sing with others, and share the joy. The workshops are usually held at the Grapes pub in Bath (2nd Wednesday of each month). Steve leads most of the songs on guitar or banjo, and there is a set of songbooks (online) so everyone can join in with the chords and the words. The repertoire is based on the old American folk songs that formed the basis of Lonnie Donnegan and the British skiffle scene and also includes anything that has a nice catchy rhythm, a good tune and simple chords. All are welcome, bring instruments of your choice! The session has a website where the songbooks and other info can be found. Sun, 12.45pm, Village Hall, FREE Performance with Nicky: Sun, 1.50pm, Village Hall |
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Somerset
Russets Festival regulars The Somerset Russets Village Band invite you to share the joy of playing dance music in glorious harmony. Expect arrangements of traditional tunes and new ones from the British Isles and further afield. The ability to sight-read is an advantage but ear players are welcome to pick up the tunes 'on the fly'. Bring a music stand if you have one but it's not essential. Sun, 3.30pm, Village Hall, FREE |
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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, 5pm, Church, FREE |
| Tyrani Tryani Collective are a Bristol-based ensemble performing original compositions that interweave multi-part vocal arrangements with explosive percussion, synthesisers and drums. It's a powerhouse of exceptional musicianship. Starring Harriet Riley (Spindle Ensemble, Zoobers, Tezeta), Stevie Toddler (Stevie Toddler, Nuala Honan) Roland Harrad (Bristol Improv Theatre) Heather Johnson. (Safrela, Afon Sistema), Rowan Elliott (Solana, Tamsin Elliott Trio) Beth Roberts (Hands of the Heron, House of Figs, Hedera), Jon Clark (Boci, Salsa Orchestra) and Danny Tryani (Stevie Toddler, Soma Soma) "Emotionally Powerful" - Jazzwise Magazine "Precision tightness with danceable grooves while always being very much its own thing" - Tony Benjamin, Bristol 24/7 Sun, 3.50, Village Green Stage, FREE |
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Ukulele
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. But all will be easy 3 chord songs (as many are!) Sat, 5.30pm, Village Hall, FREE |
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World
Government They're back! A great band to dance to,The World Government is a fresh take on what music is and how a band should operate. Nothing is pre-conceived, written in advance, even verbally discussed or ever rehearsed. The idea is to get a group of exciting players together, add an audience and see what happens. This is free expression, not contrived or formulated. However the aim is not merely to jam but to 'spontaneouly write music together' and thus create musical journeys which usually develop and evolve. No two gigs are ever the same but there will usually be flavours of funk, jazz and music of the world. Sat, 7.30pm, Village Green, FREE |
