Costa Winter Festival 2025 Booklet

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Welcome

Andy Fairweather Low & the Low Riders

Andy Fairweather Low & the Low Riders

Andy Fairweather Low rose to fame as lead singer of Amen Corner, with 60s hits like ‘Bend Me, Shape Me’ and ‘(If Paradise Is) Half As Nice’. He’s since worked with legends including Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Bob Dylan, and Elton John. Now leading his acclaimed band The Low Riders: Ian Jennings, Paul Beavis, Nick Pentelow, Richard Milner and Pete Cook. Andy continues to tour following the success of his chart-topping 2025 album, ‘The Invisible Bluesman’.

St Agnes Fountain St Agnes Fountain

Formed in 2001 as a quartet, Chris While, Julie Matthews, Fairport Convention’s Chris Leslie and the late David Hughes, St Agnes Fountain have long been the unofficial heralds of Christmas. Their unique blend of festive favourites, sparkling musicianship and good humour has made them a seasonal staple for over two decades. Following David’s passing in 2023, the trio continue to keep his spirit and the “Aggie” magic alive, with a new live album celebrating their enduring musical friendship.

A Winter Union A Winter Union

Bringing together five leading lights of the British folk and roots scene, A Winter Union deliver a festive celebration like no other. Formed in 2015 for a one-off Christmas concert, the band, featuring members of The Willows, Gilmore & Roberts, and Hannah Sanders & Ben Savage, have since become a beloved seasonal fixture. With dazzling harmonies, original songs and inspired takes on classic carols, their joyous performances have made them a true highlight of the festive calendar.

The Demon Barbers The Demon Barbers

Celebrating 25 years of genre-defying performances, The Demon Barbers bring their electrifying fusion of traditional folk and contemporary dance to the stage once again. Fronted by Damien Barber, the award-winning band features Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne, Hugh Vincent, Alix Shepherd, and the return of drummer Ben Griffith. Winners of the BBC Radio 2 Folk Award for Best Live Act, they’re joined by dazzling clog and hip hop dancers from Breaking Tradition for a spectacular anniversary tour that’s part concert, part celebration, and 100% unmissable.

Ainsley Hamill Ainsley Hamill

Mix Heather Small and Julie Fowlis and you get Ainsley Hamill, one of the UK’s most distinctive and versatile voices. Hailing from the West Coast of Scotland, Ainsley’s music blends Gaelic, Scots and original songs with a contemporary edge. Following the release of her acclaimed new album ‘Fable’, she’s joined by BBC Folk Award-winner Sam Kelly and multi-instrumentalist Toby Shaer.

Joe

Joe

Broughton's

Broughton's Conservatoire Folk

Together, the trio bring soaring vocals, rich harmonies and spellbinding musicianship to the Costa Winter Festival stage.

Ensemble

Conservatoire Folk Ensemble

The UK’s biggest folk band, Joe Broughton’s Conservatoire Folk Ensemble are a 50piece powerhouse blending tradition with unstoppable energy. Formed in 1997 at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire by fiddle player and arranger Joe Broughton (The Urban Folk Quartet, The Albion Band), their electrifying shows mix English and Celtic roots with rock, funk, jazz, hip-hop and global influences. Featuring horns, strings, percussion, guitars and soaring vocals, they deliver an explosive sound that redefines contemporary folk.

Jim Causley and Miranda Sykes Jim Causley and Miranda Sykes

Join Jim Causley and Miranda Sykes as they celebrate the festive season with a heart-warming mix of West Country carols, medieval melodies, and seasonal songs from across the British Isles. Featuring beautiful settings of poems by Charles Causley alongside contemporary folk favourites, the duo’s rich harmonies and instrumental flair bring a touch of magic to Christmas. With two of Britain’s most cherished voices and a generous helping of festive cheer, this is a performance sure to rekindle your seasonal spirit.

Pete Morton Pete Morton

Often described as an old-time troubadour, Pete Morton delivers a unique blend of storytelling, humour and song rooted in the folk tradition. His acclaimed show ‘The Ghost of a Sailor’s Talking Blues’ is a joyful, time-twisting journey full of wit, warmth and irresistible singalong moments. Best known for his much-loved song ‘Another Train’, Pete’s powerful voice and engaging stage presence have captivated audiences worldwide, earning him a reputation as one of the folk scene ’ s most charismatic and heartfelt performers.

Winter Wilson Winter Wilson

When Mike Harding called Winter Wilson “ one of the hardest working duos on the circuit,” he wasn’t wrong. UK-based Kip Winter and Dave Wilson have toured across Europe, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, earning acclaim for their harmonies, songwriting and warm, witty performances Their live album ‘Live & Unconventional’, recorded with Fairport Convention at Cropredy Festival, was praised as “brilliant” and “top of their game. ” Blending powerful songs with humour and heart, Winter Wilson promise a show to remember.

Restless Oceans Restless Oceans

Blending Americana, folk, indie, rock and pop, Restless Oceans create a warm, uplifting sound that’s uniquely their own. Fronted by Dave Wood and Wendy Grace, whose distinctive vocals and soaring violin define their style, they’re joined by Oskar Wallen (guitar), Josh Clark (bass) and Ben Middleton (percussion). Together they deliver heartfelt lyrics, enchanting musicianship and melodies that get audiences singing along. From Oxfordshire, Restless Oceans bring colour, energy and emotion to every performance

Stout Boots Stout Boots

Born like many great ideas, in a pub, Stout Boots began as a group of Yorkshire musician friends wanting to play, laugh and share songs together, and it soon got out of hand! More than a decade on, they’ve been packing venues across the North with their infectious energy, humour and musicianship. Mixing Celtic pub songs with reels, jigs, bluegrass, country, rock and pop, Stout Boots promise a foot-stomping, singalong show that’s pure feel-good fun.

Detta Kenzie Detta Kenzie

Detta Kenzie is an English folk singer and songwriter weaving original compositions with reimagined traditional music. With Irish and Scottish roots, she is passionate about collecting and reviving songs from the oral tradition. Her work draws deeply on the natural world, with lyrics inspired by place, history and human experience. Exploring themes of womanhood, grief and rebellion, Detta’s storytelling reflects her background as an English teacher, rich in language, emotion and a powerful sense of landscape.

Elizabeth Davidson-Blythe & Daniel Quayle

Elizabeth Davidson-Blythe & Daniel Quayle

Blending the rich traditions of the Isle of Man with the contemporary sounds of synth pop and Eurofolk, Elizabeth Davidson-Blythe & Daniel Quayle have created a sound both dramatic and compelling. Since their acclaimed debut

Seb Stone Seb Stone

‘The Coast Road’, the duo have captivated audiences worldwide with their fresh, modern take on Manx music. Combining innovation with tradition, Elizabeth and Daniel continue to share the spirit and stories of the Isle of Man through their distinctive and entrancing performances.

S b Stone is a traditional singer, whistle player and uilleann piper from the Pe ct. Performing a mix of English and Irish repertoire, he intersperses son ively tunes on whistle and pipes. Winner of the 2022 Future of Folk Awar has played major festivals and shared the stage with artists including Mart hy and the Wilson Family. Active in the Sheffield folk scene, he also lea ns and contributes to Christmas carol traditions. Seb’s debut album ‘Youn n ’ s Away’ showcases his distinctive voice and deep connection to folk music

Susy Wall Susy Wall

Susy Wall is a Welsh singer-songwriter based in the Black Country, creating melodic, voice-led songs accompanied by guitar or piano Her debut album ‘The Spaces In Between’ received national radio play and featured contributions from acclaimed folk artists. Her second album ‘Black Lights’ celebrates the creativity, landscape and people of the Black Country, drawing inspiration from local poets and photographers. With evocative songwriting and collaborations, Susy brings a distinctive voice and vivid storytelling to every performance.

12 Christmas Elves 12 Christmas Elves

If you are lucky enough to find an Elf, take good care of it and bring it with you to the Christmas party night on Thursday, along with the sealed envelope that your Elf is looking after. Your envelope MUST REMAIN SEALED, or it will be disqualified from the prize pot.

Each day the noticeboard will be updated with the number of Elves that are still to be found so that you are not looking for an Elf that doesn’t need finding On Thursday evening, anyone in possession of an Elf and a sealed envelope will win a prize

You must exchange your Elf and sealed envelope for your prize - no Elf and envelope, no prize!

The Elves are back!! Hidden around the resort are 12 Christmas Elves

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