KNUTSFORD Music Festival will take off this year with a feast of folk, drumming workshops, and live gigs.
The three-day festival runs from Friday, June 10, to Sunday, June 12, and features a variety of events.
Everyone can enjoy outdoor fun on Saturday, June 11, as Music on the Moor returns.
This free event, which runs from 12noon until 4pm, features live acoustic music from various local performers.
African drumming for all ages and a children's music themed craft workshop are among the special activities.
Refreshments will be provided by local food and drink vendors.
Fringe events will be held in bars, pubs, cafes and restaurants across town throughout the weekend.
Broadcaster Mark Radcliffe has once again has teamed up with Knutsford Town Council to celebrate a weekend of spectacular folk music.
The DJ, who lives in Knutsford, and presents shows on Radio 2 and 6, has brought critically acclaimed performers to town.
Gigs on Friday, June 10, and Sunday, June 12 will be held in the Little Theatre and Saturday’s show takes place in St John’s Church, where there is more space.
Headliners range from Welsh duo Zervas & Pepper to the sensational Kate Rusby.
Zervas & Pepper launch the festival on Friday, June 10, in the Little Theatre.
Cardiff-based singer songwriters Paul Zervas and Kathryn Pepper have performed across the UK and Europe.
The pair have appeared as guests on BBC 6 Music’s Lauren Laverne, Radcliffe and Maconie and Tom Robinson.
The duo will be supported by special guests Fine Lines.
This seven-piece Knutsford-based Americana band has been hailed by Absolute Radio Country as ‘a brilliant mix of amazing, rootsy, Americana, country goodness’.
Yorkshire-born folk sensation Kate Rusby headlines Saturday’s gig at St John’s Church.
Since the 90s, Kate has continued to sell out festivals and venues across the country.
Folk Radio as described her as ‘one of the finest interpreters of traditional music we have’ and The Apex hailed her the ‘first lady of folk’.
Kate celebrates 30 years of her music career with the release of her new album ‘30: Many Happy Returns’ described as ‘etherea’ and ‘folk brilliance’ by Liverpool Sound and Vision.
Special guests Catherine and Ciara, known as the McGoldrick sisters, with origins in County Galway, are the support act.
The siblings have appeared at various festivals around the UK, such as Celtic Connections and Cambridge Folk Festival, playing alongside the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland big band, Declan O’Rourke, and Michael McGoldrick.
In 2017, the duo was awarded the Youth Folk award at the Allen Valleys Folk Festival.
Chris Green and Sophie Matthews capture 600 years of musical history in 90 minutes.
The fun and fast-moving show is at Brook Street Chapel Hall on Sunday, June 12.
Gary Stewart’s Graceland, a seven-piece band, distinct for their unique harmonies, infectious smiles, and layers of African rhythms will be on stage at the Little Theatre.
They have performed at Shrewsbury Folk Festival, Wickham Festival and Costa Del Folk Ibiza.
Critics describe them as witty, fun, and extremely entertaining.
Cheshire favourite and deft lyricist Chris Tavener will be support.
Presented by Mark Radcliffe, the Little Theatre performances all start at 7.30pm.
To book visit knutsfordmusicfestival.com or the council offices.
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