Towersey’s 50th festival line-up

THE Towersey Festival, which this year is celebrating is 50th anniversary in August, has released details of  the line-up, which includes some of the most famous names in folk music.

Image of Towersey Festival 2013 – courtesy of Phil Sofer

Among those taking part in the festival’s half-century birthday celebrations are folk legends Richard Thompson, Seth Lakeman, and Lau, as well  as Norma Waterson, Eliza Carthy and Martin Carthy.  Michael McGoldrick, John McCusker, Georgia Ruth, Dick Gaughan, John Smith, Nancy Kerr and James Fagan, The Urban Folk Quartet, and many more, including The Bootleg Beatles, who’ll be headlining the opening night spectacular, are also on this most glittering  of  bills for 2014.

It was way back in 1965 that the people of Towersey, looking for ways to fund urgent renovations to the village hall, decided to launch a festival. From a one-day event, it was soon expanded to three days and a major, arts festival was born.

Music has always been at the heart of the festivities, but the modern day Towersey Festival also embraces poetry, comedy, theatre, circus performers, visual arts, films, workshops, dances, storytelling and great food.

Towersey’s Children’s Festival is a major attraction, featuring everything from drop-in craft activities to baby reflexology, while other highlights include Shooting Roots, a programme of activities dedicated to, and run by, young people, and a Real Ale and Cider Festival, featuring a range of artisan beers and ciders, many from the surrounding area.

“We’re very proud indeed to be celebrating Towersey Festival’s Golden Jubilee,” said Festival Director Joe Heap, whose grandfather was one of the festival founders. “The annual event has grown considerably since those early days, but it remains one of the most welcoming and friendly festivals in the UK.

“We’re looking forward to marking 50 years with some very special guests and announcements, and also welcoming friends both old and new,” he added.

A cornerstone of British music since the 1960s, guitarist and songwriter Richard Thompson found fame as co-founder of Fairport Convention. His songs have been recorded by such acts as The Corrs, REM and Elvis Costello, with The LA Times describing him as “the finest rock songwriter after [Bob] Dylan and the best electric guitarist since Hendrix.” He was made an OBE in 2011.

Over the last decade, Seth Lakeman has released a string of critically acclaimed albums, including the Mercury Prize nominated Kitty Jay. 2014 sees the violinist and multi-instrumentalist release his sixth studio album, Word Of Mouth (out Feb 3).

A stunning live act, three-piece, Lau, have won the Best Band title at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards four times (2008, 2009, 2010, 2013), their subtle blend of traditional instruments with loops and effects pushing the folk genre into new exciting directions.

Tickets for the full festival start from £55-£120, with under 5s free. Camping available. Day tickets (Fri-Mon) £10-£40.

For further information and to book tickets, call 023 8071 1818 or see: www.towerseyfestival.com