“Wildly thrilling” The Guardian, “unexpectedly cosmic” MOJO. Winner of every award going, Kathryn Tickell leads her celebrated new group creating a unique and striking soundscape. They will be headlining the Lake Stage on Thursday night.
Great news and a happy new year to everyone!
Named after the old Northumbrian word for twilight, ‘The Darkening’ is made up of four North-East England-based members: Kathryn Tickell (Northumbrian smallpipes, fiddle, vocals), Amy Thatcher (accordion, synth, clogs, vocals), Kieran Szifris (octave mandolin), Joe Truswell (drums, percussion); with Josie Duncan from the Isle of Lewis (vocals, clarsach). Together these dazzling musicians create musical magic; dynamic and unique “Ancient Northumbrian Futurism”.
“vital and assured, folk stomp”
Americana-UK
“this is a blinder! …just fantastic”
Mark Radcliffe, BBC Radio 6 Music
Kathryn has been awarded the OBE, and also the Queen’s Medal for Music for her outstanding contribution to British music; the first non-classical recipient of this award. She has twice won the BBC Radio 2 Folk Award for Musician of the Year. She is also a regular presenter for BBC Radio 3’s ‘Music Planet’.
We've also announced a few other names recently.
Firstly Campbell/Jensen:
Americans Ashley Campbell (daughter of Glen Campbell) and Thor Jensen are strong instrumentalists and with the combination of Thor's deep baritone and Ashley's clear as a bell vocals, together they make a one-of-a-kind blend.
Also, The Jolly Grogsters:
Oxford's answer to all things shanty/folk with a twist of alluring pirate. According to the band, the Jolly Grogsters are proof that jerk-bags make the best sea shanty bands!
And making a return to GTSF, this time as a trio, Banjo Jen
Sheffield-based artist Banjo Jen is difficult to categorise but easy to fall for. Her unique brand of folky Americana, with insightful observations and an eclectic original repertoire, has seen her gain a growing reputation.
And in other news, a cover for the Lake Stage Audience:
Although the feedback after the last few festivals has been in favour of keeping the Lake Stage open, a few minutes of rain on Sunday this year has caused a bit of a rethink and we're happy to say that the Lake Stage audience can stay dry in 2024! We'll leave the walls open though. So we can spill outside and catch some rays from the inevitable July sunshine (!) and not miss a minute of the action on stage and it'll still be "bring your own" chairs/rugs etc.
The best of both worlds we hope you'll agree.
The picture (credit to David Bradley) is to give you a general idea. It won't be a big top like we had of old, as we want to keep things as open and free-flowing as possible. Hope you like!!
That's all for now, although we should also say that Tier 1 tickets are now running low, so act fast to get the best prices.
More news soon,
The GTSF Team