Sam Kelly has gained a reputation as one of the finest singers to come out of the UK folk scene in recent years - being described by legendary broadcaster Mike Harding as 'one of my favourite singers ever'. He has pulled together some of the most innovative musicians the UK has to offer to form a genre-defying line-up that seamlessly pulls together traditional folk ballads and tunes, heavy rock-tinged Americana and blues, beautiful original music, plus the occasional surprise cover.

Known for their brilliant combination of traditional & non-traditional, Pentangle forged a whole new era in folk. Founder member,Jacqui McShee & the band continue to do so, and over the decades have further refined their music & performance. Rooted in the ethos of the original band, Jacqui McShee’s Pentangle remains the definitive modern folk band, featuring outstanding musicians performing both the original songs & new material. 2027 marks the bands 60th Anniversary!

XODUS are the UK’s most dynamic & authentic-sounding tribute to Bob Marley & The Wailers. This high-energy 7-piece band features some of the most talented & experienced musicians in the region. Their members have previously worked with acclaimed artists such as Steel Pulse, Barry Biggs, UB40, The Selecter, The Specials, & Ken Boothe. They continue to share Bob Marley’s timeless music at festivals across the UK.

The Deep Blue seamlessly blend rebellious lyricism with hypnotic harmonies, captivating audiences since their breakthrough in 2021. With three sparkling UK tours under their belt, selling out 9 headline shows and receiving some meaty airtime on BBC Radio, The Deep Blue looked right at home on the Glastonbury Avalon stage in 2024. Fresh off a UK, Ireland, and Europe support tour with The Waterboys, this band is on a journey that knows no bounds!

Jacqui will be sharing stories from her incredible music career. Boasting an unmistakable voice, she has spent the last 60 years blending traditional British folk with jazz, blues and progressive rock. Jacqui McShee's Pentangle will also be playing our Main Stage later on Sunday.

Jess Silk is a guitarist, singer and songwriter from the Black Country. Armed only with an increasingly sticker-covered acoustic guitar, lyrics right from the heart and a distinctive, powerful voice that many don't expect, Jess's passionate and melodic brand of folk/punk music gets people sitting up and listening.

Detta Kenzie is a contemporary folk artist creating original songs rooted in English & Celtic traditional music while embracing a thoroughly modern musical language. Blending soulful vocals with contemporary pop songwriting, rock & cinematic minimalism, her work sits comfortably between tradition & innovation. Detta will be joined by Sam Kelly as a duo on the Acoustic Stage, before his headline set with the Lost Boys on the Main Stage.

This is music that doesn’t stand on ceremony. It's hardcore tradition for modern audiences, with both original and traditional folk songs about love, war, murder and betrayal. The soldier who rebels against an invasion and the sailor cheated when he comes on shore. Driving dance tunes, beautiful ballads and full-on musical madness that’ll get you dancing and stomping away!

3 x CMAA ‘Golden Guitar’, 2 x Australian Folk Music and Music Victoria Award winners, The Weeping Willows (Laura Coates and Andrew Wrigglesworth) are a couple of old souls, steeped in Bluegrass tradition and draped in Gothic Americana imagery. They regale their audiences with stories of sunshine and romance, God and The Devil, murder and decay. Real music.

Playing together for over 10 years and no strangers to Beardy Folk Festival, 'The Frailing' are Steve Lacey on guitar/vocals and Madeline Andrew on clawhammer banjo/vocals, both bringing thought provoking songs and melodies to the party. A twist of old time Americana blended with traditional English and Irish roots, there'll be both misery and story in equal measure, in true folk style.