KIMPTON FOLK FESTIVAL!

Since Nancy Kerr and James Fagan met in Whitby 20 years ago, their partnership has produced some wonderful traditional and original music, several highly respected recordings and two 'Best Duo' awards from the BBC. In 2015, Nancy was crowned BBC Folk Singer of the Year 2015 and this dazzling musical duo is now regarded as one of the finest folk acts currently performing. ``The sheer abundance of distilled poetry on display is inspiring... it will remain in the audience's minds for a long time.” Spiralearth

From a cafe in Paris, to a night out in New Orleans with rip-roaring fiddle and banjo – this trio will have your toes tapping! At the heart of the ensemble are the talents of multi-instrumentalist Wild Willy Barrett, cellist Mary Holland and charismatic French singer Aurora Colson. The group’s innovative arrangements are all overlaid with a large dose of wry Barrett humour.

John Dipper is a widely respected performer who has recorded on several film soundtracks including The Hobbit. He is a founder member of the English Acoustic Collective with Chris Wood and Robert Harbron. Dave Malkin, guitarist and composer, studied classical guitar at Trinity Laban, was a founder member of the trio Tandem and worked with The Joe Townsend Quartet. ``Their playing is both moving and thrilling.`` Verity Sharp - Late Junction, BBC Radio 3

Flautist and composer Jacquelyn Hynes has supported such leading Irish musicians as Martin Hayes, Michael McGoldrick and Lunasa, and she performed with Donal Lunny. She was awarded the Katherine McGillivray 'Get A Life Fund' for musicians, facilitating an MA in performance at The Irish World Academy in 2010. Her trio is formed with the harpist Steph West and Sarah McLelland. “..clearly steeped in tradition but manages to bring Hynes’ innate sense for innovation to the table at the same time...” - Irish World

Worry Dolls’ sublime harmonies, varied instruments and stirring songs have won them a very strong following and seen them performing at Glastonbury, supporting Joan Armatrading on tour. Their music has been played on Radio 2 and BBC 6 Music and tracks from their debut EP have clocked up over 100,000 views on YouTube and over 80,000 spins on SoundCloud. “Worry Dolls combine a great sensibility of American country music with their own English folk influences to create a warm and infectious sound.” – Bob Harris, BBC Radio 2

Kelly Oliver is a singer/songwriter with a rapidly growing reputation. She has performed at venues and festivals across the UK, including Cambridge Folk Festival and Larmer Tree Festival. Her debut album 'This Land' gained a 4* review from The Telegraph. As well as supporting artists like Cara Dillon, Phil Beer and Thea Gilmore, Kelly regularly plays her own headline shows and is spending 2016 promoting her 2nd album 'Bedlam' - one of Folk Radio UK's Featured Albums of the Month. “An emerging voice in British folk' - Bob Harris.”

A Fellow of Trinity College London, Will was Acoustic Guitarist of the Year (2011) In 2014 Acoustic Guitar Magazine included him in their list of 30 Great Guitarists under 30 from around the world. He has released three albums of original material. Luke has studied with some of the most highly regarded drummers in the country including Steve White, Paul Brodie and Craig Blundell and in October 2013 was featured as DRUM! Magazine’s Cyber Artist Spotlight.

Born in Salonika, Greece, George is a prolific singer-songwriter, performing his witty and uplifting songs with a lilting accent and deceptively simply guitar style. Widely admired throughout the folk world, his songs have been covered by such artists Roy Bailey, Andy Irvine and Vin Garbutt. George says: “I am driven by love of people with their imperfections and love to watch and support them as they struggle through daily life.” “George is something special…” - Martin Carthy MBE

Since reaching the finals of the BBC Young Folk Awards in 2008 and after 2 full UK tours, including the Cambridge Folk Festival and Sidmouth Folk Week – and the release of their highly acclaimed third album – Jaywalkers have cemented their place as one of the most virtuosic and entertaining young bands on the British Folk scene. “Jaywalkers effortlessly blend British and American folk traditions to create something arguably greater than either of these genres.“ - Acoustic Magazine

The Foxglove Trio are multi-instrumentalists who perform mostly traditional songs from around the British Isles in English and Welsh. Gathering material from sessions, published song collections and contemporary artists, these talented musicians are known for their beautiful harmonies, creative new arrangements and engaging live performances. ``This talented trio deliver a delightful variety of music and song. This Foxglove deserves to flower on both sides of the border.`` Frank Hennessy, BBC Radio Wales

This duo's musical style is influenced by the greats of blues, funk, folk and beyond. They have supported such artists as Joan Armatrading, Robert Cray, Jon Gomm, Matt Schofield, Wilko Johnson, Royal Southern Brotherhood, Stefan Grossman and Ian McCullogh. They have also shared the bill with Gordon Giltrap, John Etheridge and 'Tubular Bells' producer Tom Newman. A live solo album and new full band studio album are scheduled for release later in 2015.

Singer/songwriter Emily is a truly enchanting performer. Her songs, fresh and original in style, range from traditional and contemporary folk music to self-penned songs and popular contemporary music. Her debut album ‘Shire Boy’ marked her out as an important new voice on the folk scene. A nomination for the BBC Radio 2 Horizon Award soon followed, along with her first tour in the USA. Her second CD, ‘Fretless’, met with general critical acclaim.

Batkin.Hill is a new duo in which Clive Batkin (known locally and more widely for his guitar playing), has teamed up with fellow guitarist, Dorset-based Richard Hill (a highly regarded classical player, solo performer and band leader of Richard Hill & The Hills). They write and play a series of sensitive and evocative instrumental pieces, designed to interest and delight both guitar fans and non-musicians alike.

Malcolm is currently one of the organisers of The Redbourn Folk Club. As a student he ran the Reading University Folk Club alongside Hilary James, with whom he sang for a couple of years and later became involved in the Stevenage Club in the late 70s/early 80s. He sings a mixture of traditional and contemporary songs from both sides of the Atlantic (and occasionally further afield), accompanying himself on the bouzouki and mandola, with the odd foray on to guitar and Appalachian dulcimer.