Doug (voice, melodeon) and Sarah (voice, fiddle, viola) use their natural, expressive musicality to craft their arrangements with style and intuitive elegance. As well as drawing on some of the finest English folk song repertoire to sing in breathtaking harmony, they play English and European dance music in outstanding instrumentals and beautifully flowing tune sets.

Tickets may be paid for online at https://buytickets.at/elyfolkclub/811342 or reserved in advance by telephoning 01353 740999 or 01353 664706.

For over 30 years Boo Hewerdine has been considered one of the UK's finest singer-songwriters. As lead singer of seminal band The Bible through to his subsequent solo work and long-time collaboration with the incredible Eddi Reader he has become something of a national treasure. He is in demand as a writer, producer and performer. Over a hundred of his songs have been covered by the likes of KD Lang, Kris Drever, Chris Difford, Heidi Talbot and Hannah Rarity. His last album ‘Before’ was recorded with supreme Danish multi- instrumentalist Gustaf Ljunggren. It garnered multiple five-star reviews. Since then he has released a lockdown EP, Singularities and a new album on Reveal Records. On this tour he will be singing songs from his new album and his extraordinary back catalogue. A naturally gifted raconteur his gigs are always a total joy.

Tickets may be paid for online at https://buytickets.at/elyfolkclub/1014508 or reserved in advance by telephoning 01353 740999 or 01353 664706.

In the spring of 2024, music enthusiasts and folk fans across the nation are in for a treat as Steve Knightley and Phil Beer prepare to embark on a journey back to where it all began. With a rich history spanning three decades the duo are renowned for their unique ‘hands-on' cottage industry approach to touring, and this upcoming tour promises to be a celebration of their enduring legacy. Village halls, folk clubs, small arts centres, and community venues are the very places where they honed their craft, building their following from the grassroots up. This will be an opportunity to reconnect with their loyal supporters, and a chance to inspire a new generation of folk musicians. One of the defining aspects of Show of Hands' career has been their unwavering commitment to supporting grassroots promoters. This ethos has not only enriched the folk music scene but also strengthened the bonds between artists and their audiences. Following this tour, Steve and Phil will be taking a well-deserved break from the limelight. They plan to pursue solo projects, explore new creative horizons, and recharge their artistic batteries. This indefinite hiatus marks the end of an era, but it also heralds exciting new beginnings for two of the folk world’s best loved musicians. Show of Hands' dedication to their roots, their music, and the communities that have supported them is a testament to their enduring legacy. The spring of 2024 promises to be a time of reflection and celebration as we bid farewell to an era while eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the incredible journey of Steve Knightley and Phil Beer.

Tickets may be paid for online at https://buytickets.at/elyfolkclub/1014518

Ninebarrow are a multi-award-winning folk duo, who are impressing audiences across the country with their innovative and captivating take on the folk tradition. Described by Mark Radcliffe as sounding like ‘two halves of one voice’, by Seth Lakeman as ‘a fantastic duo’ and by Kate Rusby as ‘absolutely amazing’, Jon Whitley and Jay LaBouchardiere combine breath taking vocal harmonies and melodies, delivering songs that are inspired and rooted in the landscape and history of the British Isles. Nominated in the 2017 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards for Best Emerging Artist and most recently picking up Best Duo in the Folking.com awards 2019, their latest album, ‘A Pocket Full of Acorns’ (released in March 2021) was released to wide-spread critical acclaim including coverage on BBC1’s Countryfile and BBC Radio 4’s ‘Front Row’. Photo credit: Greg Funnell

Tickets may be paid for online at https://www.ninebarrow.co.uk/ely

The Boxwood Chessmen are a semi-acoustic, four-piece band from East Anglia and Middlesex, raiding a fabulous musical pantry stocked with the finest roots ingredients - Folk, Americana, Angliana, hokum, a light dusting of swing all delivered with panache and fun … Pretty much anything goes into the pot. The Boxwood Chessmen are: Penni McLaren Walker, Hector Ringtone AKA Steve Collins, John Campbell Armer and Bryan Causton.

Tickets may be paid for online at https://buytickets.at/elyfolkclub/1014524 or reserved in advance by telephoning 01353 740999 or 01353 664706.

Folk-pop legend Gerry Colvin must be one of the most endearing and energetic musicians on the planet, just as much at home playing small clubs as he is supporting Status Quo on their Aquostic Live Tour. This multi-talented singer-songwriter performs all his own material, combining catchy melodies with thoughtful lyrics on love, society, angst and Johnny Cash! His be-suited on stage performance combines Frank Sinatra, Lee Evans, and the aforementioned Man in Black. Genius? Madcap? Maverick? Yes, all of these things … and a lot, lot more. A stellar musical CV includes co-writing with Alison Moyet, being a John Peel favourite with his 80s band Terry and Gerry (recently reformed), winning best band (with his band ColvinQuarmby) at Fairport's Cropredy Festival as well as the Hancock Award for best live folk act. A Glastonbury stalwart, he has played several times and also acted as compere on more than one occasion. Gerry will be playing songs from his ninth album 'Back and Forth' as well as favourites from his extensive back catalogue – just expect a great night's entertainment from this extraordinary performer.

Tickets may be paid for online at https://buytickets.at/elyfolkclub/1014764 or reserved in advance by telephoning 01353 740999 or 01353 664706.

Nancy Kerr and James Fagan are one of the best-known and most experienced folk duos on the British circuit today. Outstanding musicianship, a lifelong grounding in traditional singing and instrumental playing, acclaimed original compositions but most noticeably a visceral chemistry between these two make Kerr and Fagan a perennial favourite at festivals, venues and clubs across the country. They met in December 1995, and formed the duo and life partnership that has become the backbone of their professional career in music ever since. They won the inaugural Horizon Award at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards in 2000, and were also the first ever recipients of the 'Best Duo' Award, which they won in 2003, and again in 2011. As a duo, Nancy and James have toured internationally, most notably in the British Isles, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Japan. They have thousands of fans and despite now having two children, they continue to work and tour constantly from their home base in Sheffield. Their duo shows are now special and sought-after events. Photograph by Elly Lucas.

Tickets may be paid for online at https://buytickets.at/elyfolkclub/1014768 or reserved in advance by telephoning 01353 740999 or 01353 664706.

Camus is a traditional folk band based in Cambridge, UK. They have played around East Anglia for many years, at clubs, festivals, ceilidhs and concerts. Recently re-formed as a four-piece, they have national championships in Northumbrian piping (solo and duet) and tune composition among their recent successes. Camus play an exciting mix of traditions, with influences from Northumbria, Ireland and Shetland, a dash of bluegrass, Galician and Irish, and their own tunes and songs.

Tickets may be paid for online at https://buytickets.at/elyfolkclub/1014773 or reserved in advance by telephoning 01353 740999 or 01353 664706.

London-based Fran McGillivray and Mike Burke are an exciting and compelling duo with a strong following on the acoustic roots music scene who have spent many years writing songs, touring and recording together. They have developed an amazing empathy on stage and have performed at major festivals in Europe and the UK. They are regulars on the club and concert circuit, and on BBC and local music radio. Fran and Mike’s own compositions are complemented by soulful, dynamic and powerful interpretations of songs from a broad range of genres from American Folk through to Country, Blues and Jazz. They have recorded five albums, and the latest, “Rain” was released in February 2022 and was named in the top ten Blues Americana albums of the year.

Tickets may be paid for online at https://buytickets.at/elyfolkclub/1063521 or reserved in advance by telephoning 01353 740999 or 01353 664706.

Christina Alden & Alex Patterson are multi-instrumentalists and songwriters from Norwich. Their music is rich with intertwining harmony, sensitive accomplished musicianship and a creative song-writing style that is both delicate and moving. Deeply inspired by the world around them, they have a keen environmental eye to craft stories with the natural world at its heart, reflecting on the relationship between humans and the wild. They have enjoyed touring extensively in the UK and Europe; including a twentythree-date concert hall tour with Show of Hands (including Union Chapel and St David’s Hall Cardiff), a show at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall for Celtic Connections, headline and main stage performances at some of the UK’s most prestigious folk festivals and performances in Norway, Belgium, France and Ireland. They have written and self-released four albums, composed music for a BBC Radio 4 documentary series and have had over a million streams on Spotify.

Tickets may be paid for online at https://buytickets.at/elyfolkclub/1063522 or reserved in advance by telephoning 01353 740999 or 01353 664706.

For almost 50 years Bob Fox has been regarded as one of “the iconic voices” of British folk song. Deeply influenced by the working class culture and industrial history of his native County Durham he has become a first rate exponent of storytelling through song. BOB has long been a favourite on the live circuit both as a solo artist and in his many highly successful collaborations which include a duo with Billy Mitchell (Lindisfarne), The Pitmen Poets (with Jez Lowe, Billy Mitchell and Benny Graham) and the BBC New Radio Ballads series. Bob was invited by John Tams to play the role of the folksinger/storyteller Songman in The English National Theatre’s multi-award winning production of Warhorse in London’s West End 2011-2013, and subsequently in the highly acclaimed and record breaking UK, Ireland and South Africa touring version 2013-2015 and the 10th Anniversary UK tour 2017-2019. In 2023 Bob teamed up with Jez Lowe and Julie Matthews to present a live concert of New Radio Ballads songs and stories and most recently has joined Home Service as lead singer.

Tickets may be paid for online at https://buytickets.at/elyfolkclub/1063523 or reserved in advance by telephoning 01353 740999 or 01353 664706.

Great music and laughter, with the LPSO. Foot-tapping high energy acoustic music, comic songs, silly costumes and ridiculous props – they play over 15 instruments, from the more conventional to the outright bizarre. They have performed in Denmark, Finland, Germany, Norway and Belgium, as well as throughout Britain, from Jersey to the Isle of Man. With vast experience individually, including Barnum’s Circus (USA), and TV appearances on The Benny Hill Show, Alas Smith & Jones and the Little & Large Show - the emphasis is definitely on FUN!

Tickets may be paid for online at https://buytickets.at/elyfolkclub/1063524 or reserved in advance by telephoning 01353 740999 or 01353 664706.