Bristol Folk Festival returns between Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th May 2014 at their new homes of St. George’s Bristol and The Folk House. Placed almost next door to each other, they are two of the city’s most respected live music venues. 

To celebrate the festival’s emphatic return, they have announced an extra special line-up, amongst the artists already confirmed are... 

Fairport Convention- Widely regarded as the most important group in the folk rock movement, Fairport Convention’s personnel are some of the most heralded and influential musicians of their era. Unmissable. 

Spiers and Boden - Founders of folk juggernaut Bellowhead, this multi BBC Radio 2 Folk Award-winning duo have received more acclaim in a few short years than most artists can even dream of. With a sound that is rich, inventive, passionate and technically outstanding, these two continue to hold fast as true folk music pioneers. BFF will be part of the last tour they will do for a long time! 

The Lucy Ward Band - A veritable folk supergroup, this rarely formed contingent not only features the mesmerising Horizon Award winner Lucy Ward, but 2013’s BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards Best Duo winners O’Hooley and Tidow, and Steve Maclachan from The Willows. Also joining them are the brilliant Joy Gravestock (orchestral fiddler) and Sam Pegg (bassist). 

Peter Knight’s Gigspanner- Led by Peter Knight (originally of Steeleye Span) this trio are intriguing, indefinable, and undeniably influential. Crafting hugely intelligent and beautiful music that is built on a bedrock of traditional British music, they flirt audaciously with aspects of Eastern European, French, Cajun, African and Aboriginal sounds. 

Jim Moray- Winner of Best Traditional Track at BBC Radio 2’s Folk Awards as well as a MOJO Album of the Year Award, Bristolian Jim offers a diversely inspired blend of folk, one which is indicative of his desire to affirm the relevance of the genre in the modern world. 

Martha Tilston- Daughter of the legendary Steve Tilston and an esteemed darling of folk, this enchantress is often seen on stage beside her brilliant band The Scientists delivering some of the most captivating performances. 

Sam Sweeney & Hannah James - Famed for roles in Bellowhead and BBC Folk Award nominees Lady Maisery respectively, they are one of the most prominent and respected duos around. 

Phillip Henry & Hannah Martin - Nominated for Best Duo at the 2014 BBC Folk Awards, these Devonians are two of the most exciting and innovative performers to appear on the scene in years. 

Josienne Clark & Ben Walker - Winners of 2012’s Isambard Folk Award and nominees for numerous BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, they are yet another astonishing duo we are proud to welcome back to BFF 2014. 

Also announced...Paper Aeroplanes, FolkLaw, Matthew & Me, The Black Feathers, The Cadbury Sisters, The Willows, Baxter Rhodes, The Hut People,Fabian Holland, Bad Cardigan, Ninebarrow, Cole Stacey & Joseph O’Keefe (India Electric Co.), Gaz Brookfield, Longest Johns, Lonely Tourist, plus many more. 

Also new for this year The Kidnap Stage this year. A brand new innovation, it will give un-signed and emerging artists the chance to ‘kidnap’ some time from us to reveal their talents to the unsuspecting public, giving you the chance to catch some exceptional fledgling musicians. 

True to form, the festival will of course also feature ceilidhs, morris dancing, workshops, stalls, talks, food, drink and much more. Ticket links here