More artists announced for English Folk Expo / Manchester Folk Festival 2025
Today, we are delighted to reveal the second wave of artists set to play at English Folk Expo / Manchester Folk Festival 2025 which takes place 20th - 22nd March in Manchester’s Northern Quarter and Ancoats.
Artists announced today are: Bernard Butler, Stornoway, Cara Dillon, Lisa Knapp & Gerry Diver, Ferocious Dog, The Magpies, Josienne Clarke, Memorial, Miranda Sykes & Jim Causley, Nick Cope, Honey & The Bear, Jaywalkers, Captain of the Lost Waves, Oli Matthews Band, John Kelly and Hector Gannet.
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
The second wave of unmissable and eclectic artists announced features exciting emerging talent, renowned icons and returning favourites:
Since stepping away from the limelight in 2015 after a glorious decade of much loved releases, Oxford’s Stornoway have finally reunited. The nature-inspired band will headline New Century Hall performing choice cuts from 2023’s ‘Dig The Mountain’ alongside breathtaking fan favourites.
Bernard Butler is hailed as one of Britain's most influential musicians. Since Butler’s era-defining work with Suede, the multi-award-winning artist, producer and songwriter has collaborated with legends such as Bert Jansch, Robert Plant, Pet Shop Boys, Bryan Ferry, Duffy and The Libertines. Recently, he has released two critically acclaimed albums with Sam Lee and unveiled 'Good Grief,' his first solo record in 25 years.
Cara Dillon will be bringing her celebrated ‘Coming Home’ show to life with an extraordinary band led by Sam Lakeman. Born from a collection of personal poems and the remarkable album and book that followed, Cara will skilfully interweave this emotive new material with much treasured classics.
Josienne Clarke presents ‘Across The Evening Sky: Josienne Clarke Sings The Songs of Sandy Denny’ following her highly praised new album, ‘Parenthesis, I’. She describes Denny’s songs as her north star, stating “each one has gold in it.” If any contemporary performer is set to extract that gold and fashion it anew, it’s Josienne Clarke.
Ferocious Dog will deliver their riotous signature blend of folk punk, rock, reggae, and Celtic influences. Meanwhile, transatlantic folk trio The Magpies will showcase their luminous songs of sisterhood and solidarity, blending first-class musicianship with sublime harmonies.
Miranda Sykes & Jim Causley join us in support of their upcoming album of traditional, self-penned and contemporary songs ‘The Last Of The Singers’, which brings two of the UK’s most iconic voices together. Another dynamic duo, Lisa Knapp & Gerry Diver will present an innovative new project that fuses their deep love for English and Irish folk traditions.
Nick Cope, described by The Guardian as “the Poptimistic Pied Piper of discerningly musical toddlers,” has been igniting children’s imaginations with his totally unique, educational and fun songs for over 10 years.
You can also enjoy high-energy sets from folk-funk outfit Oli Matthews Band, roots multi-instrumentalists Honey & The Bear and virtuosic Americana trio Jaywalkers. Life-affirming singalongs won’t be in short supply either, with idiosyncratic troubadour Captain of the Lost Waves, tender alt-folk duo Memorial and politically charged songwriters Hector Gannet and John Kelly all appearing.
These artists join the previously announced lineup: The Longest Johns, Katherine Priddy, Jon Boden & The Remnant Kings, Nick Hart and Tom Moore, The Deep Blue, Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne and Holly Clarke.
If you would like to attend Manchester Folk Festival the current lowest price festival wristbands are available until midnight on Friday 20th September. The wristband allows access to all Manchester Folk Festival gigs happening between Thursday 20th - Saturday 22nd March 2025 (T&Cs apply). Get your wristband and more info HERE.
If you would be interested in attending as an industry delegate find our more HERE.
