Hertfordshire Music Festival Folk by the Oak are renowned for bringing together a ‘line-up of headliners and they began their 2023 line-up announcements in storming style, with legendary band The Waterboys announced to perform for the first time, plus a welcome return for the innovative indie- folk act This is the Kit . Now the Main Stage line-up is completed by the addition of Mercury Prize nominee and remarkable singer-songwriter Nick Mulvey.
Led by the dynamic and brilliant Scottish guitarist/vocalist Mike Scott,The Waterboys have been a source of musical joy to a legion of die-hard fans since the release of their self-titled album in 1983. On announcing this iconic band Festival Director Adam Slough said: “We always strive to bring an incredible live performance to close our Main Stage, and few bands have as great a live reputation as The Waterboys, so we’re thrilled that they are headlining Folk by the Oak 2023″
Also making their first appearance at the one day festival is Mercury Prize nominee Nick Mulvey. With an abundance of genres at his fingertips, Mulvey has created a sound that is both striking and unique, intertwining influences of great musicians such as Nick Drake, Joni Mitchell and Tom Waits with a variety of African and Afro-Hispanic styles. “We are really excited to be completing our Main Stage line-up by announcing Nick Mulvey and are expecting a blissful and beguiling performance in our beautiful tree-lined arena!” says Adam.
Another beguiling act on the festival’s Main Stage is the remarkable This is the Kit. The Ivor Novello nominated musical project of the hugely gifted Kate Stables has a reputation for live performances as enthralling as their innovative song writing, as anyone who saw them perform at Folk by the Oak 2017 will no doubt agree.
Next to be added to the Hertfordshire music festival’s bill was Sona Jobarteh , Africa’s first female griot kora virtuoso and an exceptional composer whose ability to sell out venues worldwide speak to her capacity to captivate audiences internationally while singing in her native languages and blending the traditional with the contemporary. Unusually for a kora player, Sona is backed by a full band of electric guitar, bass and two percussionists, and she herself plays percussion, bass, guitar, and cello as well as kora,so this promises to be a standout afternoon set at Folk by the Oak.
Also making their first appearance at the festival is The Longest Johns. Exuberant live shows layered with riveting story-telling and captivating harmonies have quickly made The Longest Johns a ‘must-see’ act on the UK festival circuit, their repertoire encompassing both the legendary folk songs that fuel the band’s passion for the genre, alongside thrilling original offerings, all paying homage to protest singers and folk luminaries through the years.
Returning to open the festival’s main stage are three hugely talented British folk musicians in the guise of Lady Maisery. “Since they last joined us in 2015 we have closely followed the artistic endeavours of this exceptional trio” says Adam, “and having recently enjoyed a live performance, featuring material from their new album Tender, we were in no doubt that it was time to invite this hugely talented band back to our festival. A simply beautiful way to open our Main Stage!”
Already announced to headline the festival’s Acorn Stage are Cut Capers, a band known for their energetic live performances and infectious sound that has won them a cult following on the British festival scene and make them a perfect fit for closing Folk by the Oak’s second stage. Also announced for the Acorn Stage are the captivating and velvet-voiced Kim Carnie, award-winning singer and multi-instrumentalist Nick Hart and The Wilderness Yet , a new trio combines the acclaimed talents of folksinger Rosie Hodgson, traditional fiddler Rowan Piggott, and guitarist-flautist Philippe Barnes. More Acorn Stage announcements are expected imminently.
Folk by the Oak 2023 Line-up
Main Stage:
The Waterboys | Nick Mulvey | This is the Kit | Sona Jobarteh | The Longest Johns | Lady Maisery
Acorn Stage:
Cut Capers | Kim Carnie | Nick Hart | The Wilderness Yet | Plus More Artists!
This uplifting summer festival of the finest folk, roots and acoustic music takes part in the beautiful leafy parkland of Hatfield House, Hertfordshire, Sunday 16 July 2023. Doors open 12.00 noon, finishes approx 10.30pm.
TICKETS: From £42.50 . Children £21 (ages 4 and under are free). , Family and group offers are available, 50p from every ticket sold is donated to their charity partner Willow
For further information please visit: http://www.folkbytheoak.com
TICKETS: From £42.50 . Children £21 (ages 4 and under are free). , Family and group offers are available, 50p from every ticket sold is donated to their charity partner Willow
