FIRST ACTS ANNOUNCED!
When we first opened the gates in 2007 we wanted to put together a festival with great music at its heart – and that very first line-up set the bar remarkably high, with Kathryn Tickell, Norma Waterson, Martin & Eliza Carthy, Vin Garbutt and John Kirkpatrick among the artists joining us. A year later Bellowhead, Cara Dillon, Solas and Rachel Unthank & the Winterset were on the bill. There was some extraordinary music at GTSF right from the beginning.
There have been some memorable milestones like Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra in 2012, Clannad and Billy Bragg in 2015, Jon Boden and Kate Rusby in 2017, Gretchen Peters and Lindisfarne in 2018, and, in more recent years, artists including Rhiannon Giddens, Richard Thompson, Alabama 3, The Proclaimers, and a host of overseas acts, with a European special in 2019 and Canada special in 2026. Our first announcement this year is another fine Canadian group.
As we get ready to celebrate our 20th festival, you’ll see a great line-up unfolding, starting with three fine acts announced today. Watch this space for more.
Maggie's Wake
“The quality of the musicianship within this ensemble cannot be overstated!”...and "some of the finest singing Canada has ever produced" The Beat Magazine.
Maggie's Wake are an award-winning Canadian contemporary folk group: classic country, the spirit of Celtic reels and jigs, the heat of Cajun twin fiddles, and the groove of world rhythms. After our Canada special last year it's great to be able to welcome another fantastic act to GTSF 2027.
Man The Lifeboats
If you missed Man The Lifeboats in 2026 (Sunday night on The Frontier) you may have heard how they went down a storm. Fear not, they return to play two sets on Saturday in 2027.
"Raucous, upbeat folk music, for those who like a drink with their tunes, straight-up lyrics, pounding bass-lines, lilting mandolin, fiddle melodies and stomping beats" The Folk Show.
Jim Crawford
Returning after getting a standing-ovation for his Folk Stage performance in 2026, originally from Bury, Lancashire, Jim now resides in Appledore, North Devon, where he has gained something of a cult status and from whence he rarely ventures too far these days. This is another golden opportunity to see and hear him live, outside of his adopted home.
He's been a stalwart of the British blues & roots scene for the past 35 years, playing extensively in arts centres, theatres & clubs throughout the UK & the republic of Ireland. His ballad 'When the Rains Came' was recorded by Beth Rowley on her hit album 'Little Dreamer'. He's recorded three albums, 'Blues Boy', 'When the Rains Came' and 'Roots & Originals'.
Many more to come - expect 70+ acts in 2027.
The GTSF Team
