Anyone who thinks folk can’t rock has obviously never attended a Bellowhead concert.
Although deeply steeped in the age-old history of the genre, what sets this unique group apart is the range of other influences the 11-piece big band weave into their sound.
Jazz, funk, English music hall and New Orleans marching bands are all present in this riotous yet hugely entertaining performance.
From the rampaging vocals of Jon Boden to Gideon Juckes’ growling, slightly scary sousaphone, Bellowhead will sweep you through a heady mix of great tunes, innovative arrangements, rampant imagination and brazen front.
Life for the members of the band has been hectic - to say the least. “They're a constant rumbling juggernaut of activity,” says their PR person.
Their ever-increasing fan base is set to swell as they've played practically every festival in the country this summer, from Glastonbury, Latitude to V Festival, including an appearance at WOMAD in Charlton Park.
With their delirious joie de vivre and compelling ability to radically reinterpret the tales of our past still very much intact, there’s little sign of the Bellowhead juggernaut running out of steam just yet.
Bellowhead are five times winners of ‘Best Live Act’ at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.
This performance also features the premiere of 'VICI', which is inspired by Wiltshire folk hero Alfred Williams. Commissioned by Super Strings and composed by Bellowhead’s Pete Flood, it will feature 120 young string players from Wiltshire playing alongside some of Britain’s top folk musicians, including Methera violinist Miranda Rutter, concertina virtuoso Robert Harbron, harpist Steph West and Bellowhead’s Ed Neuhauser.
Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult.