Spooky Men’s Chorale are to host the first ever Spookyfest in the UK this summer. The 11-hour action-packed family festival will take place on the penultimate day of their sixth biennial tour of these shores, on Saturday, Sept 5 at The Fold, New House Farm in Bransford, Worcestershire - an eco-friendly complex offering a café and natural therapy centre midway between Malvern and Worcester.
Says Kiwi Spookmeister Stephen Taberner: “We are cheersmackingly, noseglowingly proud to announce the inaugural Spookyfest - a one day celebration of spookiness with some of our favourite musicians as guests.”
As well as a full gig by The Spooky Men, there will be a kids show, a “How To Be Spooky” workshop and amusements such as tugs of war and “Pin the beard on the Spooky”!
The black-clad, behatted Spooks, known for their fine singing and deadpan humour, will also present special guest artists - dance band Dele Sosimi Afrobeat Orchestra, folk icon Roy Bailey, the unstoppable hoofers Folk Dance Remixed and acclaimed Bristol-based quartet Spiro.
Described as “a living colossus of Afrobeat” Sosimi (right) was part of the famed Fela Kuti band in Nigeria in the 1980s and has since gone on to steer many of his own dynamic projects.
“The greatest socialist folk singer of his generation” was how the late Tony Benn described Roy Bailey - one of the leading lights of the UK folk and acoustic scene for over 50 years. Taberner says of him: “He’s the man who got us to the UK in the first place – if you’ve heard a man who gets more quickly to the heart of a song, and the song in your own heart, then tell us.
Founded by Kerry Fletcher and Natasha Khamjani, Folk Dance Remixed, are described as “a kind of cool urban morris team” who bring funk and hip hop to the mix in a unique, energised show stopping display.
Enigmatic Bristol-based Spiro are described as “subtle but exhilarating” by The Guardian. Playing violin, mandolin, accordion, piano, guitar and cello they skilfully craft elegant, hypnotic, folk influenced instrumentals.
Also appearing will be The Rough Island Band featuring Spooky man James Sills and the three support acts appearing with the Spooks on this UK tour - Wiltshire-based singer songwriter Jess Vincent, Sheffield singer Kirsty Bromley and from the Australian world music scene, Jenny M Thomas.
Running from midday to 11pm the music will be complemented by locally sourced seasonal, organic food and drink.
Says Taberner: “This is the very first Spookyfest anywhere. It should be a glorious cornucopia of low frequency madness, awesome music and general conviviality.”
Advance tickets are £37 for adults and £45 on the gate. Children’s tickets are £15 for 12 to 18 year olds and £10 for 5-11 year olds while those aged 0-4 go free. Camping is also available on the Saturday night at £6 per person. Tickets can be bought online at www.thefold.org.uk/events-and-festivals/spookyfest, by calling 01886 833633 / 01886 833112 or in person at The Fold, Bransford, Worcester, WR6 5JB.
