Born on Tyneside, Tom was brought up in The Globe pub just off the famous Scotswood Road (You can’t get more Geordie than that!) With clientele drawn from the Irish and Scottish communities, it was here he first experienced traditional singing and fiddle music. Tom’s musical journey started in Tyneside folk clubs in the late 60s and early 70s. Newcastle’s thriving Irish scene provided the opportunity to support Sean McGuire, John Doonan, The Fureys, Boys of the Lough and even a lock-in with The Dubliners. Tom has never forgotten his roots and is as happy in the intimate atmosphere of a small folk club as he is at the largest festivals. David is a guitarist, songwriter, and singer currently performing with Tom, Christi Andropolis, and with the group Rubus. In the past few years he has also played with folk five piece Nandobinyan and roots rock band Arlen; with vocalist Lucy Rutherford he was a finalist in the Young Traditional Musician of the Year contest 2003.

At the age of twenty-one, singer-songwriter Jenna already has a wealth of recording and touring experience behind her. Seven years ago she co-wrote the haunting 'Seven Days' - one of the highlights of 'Show of Hands' 'Country Life' CD. Then with Steve Knightley and Mercury prize nominee, Seth Lakeman, she recorded 'Western Approaches'. This led to a successful nation wide tour in 2004. In 2007 she appeared at The Royal Albert Hall as a special guest for a sell-out Show of Hands concert. In the same year, Jenna recorded her debut solo album 'Barefoot and Eager'. A 10 track album produced by Steve Knightley and recorded by Phil Beer. It was listed in the top ten acoustic albums of 2007 in the Financial Times. She has toured this album on three nation-wide tours supporting Steve Knightley and has another one coming up in 2010. On this tour she will be showcasing her new material that is currently being recorded onto a new album which is being produced by Steve Knightley and Mark Tucker. Jenna's new album will be out in Autumn 2009. Jenna has supported a number of well-known musicians including Martyn Joseph, Seth Lakeman, Phil Beer, Martin Simpson and Boo Hewerdine etc. Jenna's original songs are very much inspired by the sea, surf and landscape of her native North Devon and accompanying herself on piano and guitar, she possesses an astonishingly mature voice and stage presence. We are delighted to welcome Jenna back to Ely.

In 1995 Paul Hutchinson (accordion) and Paul Sartin (oboe, violin and vocals) shared a musical passion borne out of the desire to earn sufficient money to support their extravagent lifestyles. Their amazing musicianship coupled with wry humour stunned audiences around Europe and the States. If you like Mozart, Beethoven, Elvis Presley and The Spinners avoid them - you have been warned! Belshazzar’s Feast start with traditional folk music, add a touch of classical and jazz, throw in a bit of pop and music hall, and top it off wry humour for a completely unique live experience. In November 2009 the released ‘Frost Bites’, the follow up to their successful album ‘Food Of Love’. The new album is a collection of winter and Christmas material and its release was followed by a national tour. They recently received a coveted nomination for the Best Duo Award at the 2010 BBC Folk Awards.

For more than 40 years Martin Carthy has been one of folk music's greatest innovators, one of its best loved, most enthusiastic and, at times, most quietly controversial of figures. His skill, stage presence and natural charm have won him many admirers, not only from within the folk scene, but also far beyond it. Trailblazing musical partnerships with, amongst others, Steeleye Span, Dave Swarbrick and his award-winning wife (Norma Waterson) and daughter Eliza Carthy have resulted in more than 40 albums, but Martin has only recorded 10 solo albums. Whether in the folk clubs (which he continues to champion), on the concert stage or making TV appearances (he was the subject of the acclaimed `Originals' music documentary strand on BBC 2) - there are few roles that Martin Carthy hasn't played. He's a ballad singer, a ground-breaking acoustic and electric guitarist and an authoritative interpreter of newly composed material. He always prefers to follow an insatiable musical curiosity rather than cash in on his unrivalled position. Perhaps, most significant of all, are his settings of traditional songs with guitar, which have influenced a generation of artists, including Bob Dylan and Paul Simon, on both sides of the Atlantic. We are delighted to welcome Martin back to Ely. This concert is likely to sell out so we suggest that you book your tickets early to avoid disappointment.

In 1975, after spending 5 years as a floor singer around the many folk clubs in the North East of England as well as being a resident singer at the famous Davylamp Folk Club in Washington, Bob Fox met fellow North Easterner Tom McConville and his career as a professional folk singer/musician began. In the year 2000 Bob celebrated 25 years of singing folk songs professionally with a number of tours both in the UK and abroad, starting with an appearance as 'special guest' on the Fairport Convention tour and continuing with folk club tours in Britain, Holland and Canada.