Cream of folk world head to Shrewsbury

Several of the leading artists in the folk world will be heading to Shropshire next year as part of the regular series of concerts organised by Shrewsbury Folk Festival.

The current holders of the BBC Folk Award Best Duo Nancy Kerr and James Fagan and previous BBC Folk Award winner Jim Moray are just two of the acts that will perform at The Hive in Belmont, Shrewsbury, in the latest dates unveiled by festival organisers.

Also in the line up are Fay Hield, guitarist Chris Newman and Irish singer songwriter Kieran Goss.

The events offer a unique opportunity to experience renowned folk artists in an intimate environment with the small venue seating around 100 people.

Tickets, priced at £12, are available for the concerts through The Hive Box Office on 01743 234970 or in person. All concerts start at 7:45pm.

Folk Festival Director Neil Pearson said: ‘These latest bookings are a welcome addition to an already busy line up for 2012 that includes such folk luminaries as Martin Simpson, Andy Cutting and Ruth Moody from the acclaimed Canadian trio The Wailin’ Jennys.

‘We pride ourselves on creating an eclectic programme that caters for everyone in the folk world and beyond. Being able to host such renowned artists at such an intimate venue offers a great experience for concertgoers.’

The current line up features Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman on November 18, a sold out gig by Belshazzars Feast on December 18, Ruth Moody on January 15, Martin Simpson on February 19 and 2011 BBC Folk Musician of the Year Andy Cutting on March 18.

The new dates are Jim Moray on March 31, Chris Newman on April 15, Kieran Goss on May 20, Fay Hield on June 2 and Nancy Kerr and James Fagan on June 17.

Folk at The Hive will then take a break over the festival period until September 2012.

For more information visit www.shrewsburyfolkevents.co.uk & www.shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk