Judges for this year’s Ely Folk Festival band competition were so impressed with the standard of entries that they decided to select not one, but two winners.
The competition is supported by the Ely Standard and gives emerging artists the chance to open the festival, which takes place in Ely, in July.
Fionnuala Lennon, publicity officer for the festival, said “The standard of entries this year was fantastically high. The competition has gone from strength to strength in recent years and it’s a mark of its standing that we received entries from all over the UK from all sorts of great folk and roots musicians.
“It was a difficult job to select a winner and we decided that two of the entries were truly outstanding, and both deserved to be showcased at the festival in July.”
One of the winners is Glasgow-based young band Barluath, who embrace both the traditional and contemporary music of Scotland, Ireland and America.
The band’s blend of Scots and Gaelic song with great musicianship on a variety of instruments wowed the judges who included internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter Boo Hewerdine.
The other winner is the Sam Kelly Trio who hail from Norfolk. This young trio mixes Sam’s heartfelt and haunting vocals with wonderful accompaniment from Jamie and Evan. The captivating sound and clarity of voice impressed the festival judges.
Judge for yourself and check out both winners on their websites: www.barluath.com and www.samkelly.org. Barluath will open Ely Folk Festival playing on Friday, July 11. The Sam Kelly Trio will perform at the festival on Sunday, July 13. These young musicians are representative of the quality of great folk and roots music that will be presented at the 2014 festival.
With more than 30 folk and roots acts performing over the weekend, numerous workshops and ceilidhs, kids entertainment, music sessions, a real ale bar, craft and food stalls and lots of morris dancing, the festival offers something for everyone to enjoy as well as great value for money.
Festival tickets are selling fast and early bird weekend tickets start at £64. Tickets are available for the weekend or individual days. Reduced price tickets for concessions and young people are available. Kids under 10 get free entry. Details about ticket prices and how to book tickets are available at www.elyfolkfestival.co.uk
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