Holly Clark & George Sansome

Holly Clarke, a singer who draws from the old ballads and stories, conjures a performance that immediately captivates any listener. As a performer, Holly transports the listener into the heart of ballads, immersing them in the narratives that have shaped humanities experience through time. From songs of the supernatural and folklore, to the tales of love and loss, Holly Clarke sings with an infectious energy and passion for traditional song.

With a passion for storytelling and a gift for tapping into the human experience, George Sansome is a singer who gets right to the roots of what traditional music is all about. Refreshingly open, expressive and engaging, his performances place a spotlight on human stories, with masterful guitar arrangements that showcase impressive skills whilst giving the songs themselves the space to shine. Taking inspiration from the likes of Nic Jones and Martin Carthy, he delivers a sound that appears stripped back and effortless, yet is brimming with hidden complexities.

Mike Willoughby & Rick Middleton

Mike and Rick have played together for 25 years in Cumbrian ceilidh-roots band Striding Edge, and for fifteen years in roots-rock band Raving Rock. In their duo show, Mike Willoughby sings and plays melodeon, harmonica, guitar and bouzouki. Rick Middleton sings harmony vocals and plays double bass, guitar, mandolin and banjo ukulele. The duo show features stirring songs that are firmly rooted in Cumbrian cultural history. There are catchy choruses so you may be tempted to sing along! In contrast with songs are lively dance tunes gleaned from the Cumbrian archives.