Over the last few years Joe Broughton's Conservatoire Folk Ensemble has played major shows everywhere from The Royal Albert Hall to Fairport’s Cropredy Convention as well as Towersey and Shambala festivals. Joe set up this incredible band 26 years ago. Long before the current trend of big folk band line-ups and crazy folk fusions, this band were drawing on influences of folk, funk, classical, ska, reggae, jazz, hip-hop and everything in between. Not only are live performances of this 50 piece band (or funky orchestra should we say?!) second to none, you will most likely see the stars of tomorrow; many leading artists on the current folk scene have been students of Joe's.
 
The Conservatoire Folk Ensemble is forever changing, always unique and has an energy & power that is unrivalled; it needs to be seen to be believed. Using players from the prestigious Birmingham Conservatoire ensures that the standard of musicianship is top drawer and, being led by folk fiddler Joe Boughton (Urban Folk Quartet, Albion Band, Joss Stone), means the music has the feel of a spontaneous folk orchestra and a show that doesn’t take itself too seriously.