Inspired by the Sex Pistols, the band themselves were an important influence on both the Manchester music scene and the independent label movement.

Many of Buzzcocks' singles have had a pop-punk sound, which later influenced later bands such as Green Day. Other songs have had a harder edge, and served as a basis for such bands as Crucifucks. "Ever Fallen in Love?", one of Buzzcocks best-known songs, has been covered by many other artists, most famously by Fine Young Cannibals.

The name Buzzcocks comes from local quaint slang (used mostly by the elderly) meaning "youngster". The group's adoption of the name was influenced by its use in the 1970s ITV television drama serial Rock Follies.during the late 1970s.

Whippersnapper was formed in 1983 by Dave Swarbrick. Together with Martin Jenkins, Chris Leslie. Looking and Kevin Dempsey, the band comprised of four of the most repected acoustic string players in the country.

Our first ever festival guests - The Watersons with daughter Eliza (then a mere baby) are back to celebrate our Silver Anniversary.

For more than 30 years Norma Waterson and Martin Carthy have been at the forefront of the English folk scene. Joined by their daughter, singer and fiddle player, Eliza Carthy as well as returning original member melodeon player Saul Rose – together they form one of Britain’s most successful and influential folk bands – Waterson:Carthy. Joined by Mike Waterson for this special event.

A pure treat.

 

The Ukulele Orchestra is a group of all-singing, all-strumming Ukulele players, who use instruments bought with loose change, and who believe that all genres of music are available for reinterpretation, as long as they are played on the Ukulele. A concert by the Ukulele Orchestra is a funny, virtuosic, twanging, singing, awesome, foot-stomping obituary of rock-n-roll and melodious light entertainment featuring only the "bonsai guitar" and a menagerie of voices; no drums, no pianos, no backing tracks, and no banjos.

Beverley and East Riding Folk Festival has added a famous string to its bow for its 25th anniversary. Acclaimed violinist Tasmin Little has agreed to take part in this year's festival.

Miss Little, who is campaigning to bring classical music to the masses, will perform in Beverley on Saturday, June 21 at St. Mary's Church,.

She will also run workshops and perform with children over the weekend.

Miss Little attracted national media attention this week after offering tracks from her latest album as free downloads from her website. More than 100,000 people have already downloaded the three free tracks from her album The Naked Violin.

The Chumbas are back - firm festival favourites who last headlined in 2006.

Anyone who knew Chumba before that "I get knocked down" song took over the world will be only too aware of the band's folk heart, and these days they are wearing that heart on their sleeves. Anarchists, entertainers, antiwar crusaders and cherished punk activists, this is a fantastic opportunity to catch Chumbawamba acoustic. A mix of traditional English folk, a-capella song, twisted pop and the stripped down beauty of pure vocal harmonies and acoustic instruments.

New album - ‘The Boy Bands Have Won' released Spring 2008

 

 

 

The well-loved collaboration of two like minds

Roy Bailey and Tony Benn's acclaimed production of 'The Writing on the Wall' is a presentation of an alternative view of how we got where we are today and where we could be going next.

"The essential connection between Mississippi-style sklide guitar and the English ballad" and winner of BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards 'Musician of the Year' 2008, the legendary Martin Simpson is joined by the outstanding melodeon player, Andy Cutting to bring to you a night of sheer musical genius and mastery

Nominated for four awards at the upcoming 2008 BBC Folk Awards

Rachel Unthank voice, cello & feet, Becky Unthank voice and feet, Belinda O’Hooley piano and voice, Niopha Keegan fiddle and voice.

 

Legendary Irish musician and winner of the 2006 BBC 2 Radio Folk Awards 'Musician of the Year', Mike Mcgoldrick with his first-rate band visits the festival for the first time with his stunning live performance.

By fusing traditional music with trance or jazz, Mike is already regarded as one of the greatest flute players of all time. Check him out and you too will become hooked to the crossover of traditional Irish music to modern day sound.