ATLANTIC ROOTS CROSS THE POND FOR GTSF

Gate To Southwell Festival has always attracted top quality artists from around the World, but this summer’s event will be extra special. In addition to homegrown headliners such as The Proclaimers and the legendary Richard Thompson OBE, GTSF has been working with the East Coast Music Association of Canada (ECMA) on a ground-breaking initiative.

As a result, some of the best East Coast Canadian roots and acoustic artists will be appearing at the festival in ECMA showcase performances on Saturday July 4th and Sunday July 5th.

ECMA Executive Director Bob Hallett says “We know we have incredible artists here on Canada’s East Coast, where folk and traditional music thrive among people that never forget who they were and where they came from. We’re delighted to support our musicians and help bring them to Gate to Southwell Festival this summer.”

Among the 6 acts confirmed so far, there’ll be acclaimed Nova Scotian blues duo Campbell & Johnston and multiple award-winning banjo/guitar star Old Man Luedecke , plus masterful folk performers Matthew Byrne & Sherman Downey from Newfoundland and Labrador, and Cape Breton double-act Rachel Davis & Darren McMullen, both members of the Celtic group Coig.

GTSF audiences have enjoyed fine East Coast Canadian performers in the past such as Gordie MacKeeman & His Rhythm Boys, The East Pointers, Matt Andersen and, more recently, Catherine MacLellan and Tara MacLean. This summer’s Canuck stars will also include two exciting groups – Aboiteau from New Brunswick and Rum Ragged, also from Newfoundland and Labrador. Over for their first UK visit, Aboiteau sing in French and present an exhilarating blend of Celtic folk and rock. Meanwhile Rum Ragged are rising stars of Canadian music combining bouzouki, fiddle, bodhran, banjo, guitar and button-accordion with great harmonies and captivating storytelling.

“We’re delighted to be working with the ECMA to bring such high-quality artists to Gate To Southwell,” says GTSF director Mike Kirrage, who was invited to the ECMA Awards in 2025, “We’ve long championed Canadian performers and this partnership allows us to present these artists to our audiences while also helping them connect with the wider UK music community.”

More acts to be added soon...

See you in July!

The GTSF Team