Sheelanagig & Filkin’s Ensemble

Sheelanagig

For over a decade, Sheelanagig have brought their array of foot-stomping folk tunes to audiences across the globe. This quintet have a well-stocked armoury of strings (guitar, fiddle, double bass), the rhythmic energy of flute and drums and a bagful of joint-jumping tunes.

Hailing from the South-West and featuring Aaron Catlow (Hawes & Catlow) and Alex Garden (The Drystones), these boys create a real dynamic, evident in both their furious dance medleys and their interestingly arranged original pieces.

Putting the groove into a selection of traditional and original European Folk music dating from the medieval times to present day, it’s difficult – nay, impossible – for your limbs to remain stationary when you’re within earshot of them in full flight. The fact that they often play with a knowing wink shouldn’t obscure their impeccable technique, and outstanding musicianship that raises the roof in every place they play.

In recent history Sheelanagig have toured France, Switzerland and Australia as well as remaining a firm fixture on the UK festival season, they recently featured a full live session on Mark Radcliffe’s BBC Radio 2 Folk Show.

‘What a joy…a good night out guaranteed’ Mark Radcliffe, BBC Radio 2

‘The musicianship is tight and intense’ Songlines

Filkin’s Ensemble

There is folk, and then there is super-folk.

The sheer joy, energy and sophisticated musicianship radiating from the stage mark Filkin’s Ensemble out as a new folk tour-de-force.  A 14-piece supergoup, formed by members of Filkin’s Drift, The Destroyers, and the Bonfire Radicals, Filkin’s Ensemble have created a stunningly beautiful and distinctive new sound. For those unfamiliar with their work, think Penguin Café Orchestra, meets Bellowhead.

Fronted by Ellie Gowers, the ensemble’s gorgeous contemporary arrangements of traditional songs stop you dead in your tracks. A string quartet, clarinet, bass clarinet, saxophone, guitars, and orchestral percussion, wrap playfully around Gowers’ soaring vocals.

Drawing inspiration from classical and jazz, Filkin’s Ensemble is the bold vision of Seth Bye and Chris Roberts who have recently earned widespread acclaim for an 870 mile foot-powered-tour, with national airtime on BBC Radio 2, 3, 4, 6 Music, and BBC World Service.

‘full of delicacy, precision and gentle delight’ The Guardian on Ellie Gowers

‘They create a sound that is truly joyful’ TradFolk

‘a powerful display of incredible compositional skills and harmonic design’ Bright Young Folk

Important Ticketing Information

Book a Sunday Night ticket for the closing concert of Bristol Folk Festival featuring Sheelanagig and Filkin’s Ensemble. Or join St George’s for a whole day of folk with a Sunday Day + Night Ticket which also gives you access to the Sunday Day concert featuring Lady Nade, Heather Ferrier Trio and Chris Fox, plus sessions, workshops and folk festivities.

For a weekend festival pass and more information about the festival see www.bristolfolkfestival.org

Sunday Night: £25

Sunday Day + Night: £35