The Young ’uns have proved themselves a unique proposition – writing and performing a cappella or subtly accompanied songs that tell it how it is, alongside traditional songs from their native North-East and further afield – songs of conscience, songs of warmth and wit, songs to provoke, songs to inspire.
Renowned for their pitch perfect harmonies and rapid fire humour, their live show undeniably has the human touch. Seamlessly switching from beautiful ballads to sparkling banter, from poignant songs to infectiously irreverent humour, they have built an enviable audience rapport.
The Young ’uns picked up the BBC Radio 2 Folk Award for Best Group in both 2015 and 2016.
Support From:
The East Pointers
Each member of The East Pointers – banjoist/vocalist/step-dancer Koady Chaisson, fiddle player/vocalist Tim Chaisson, and guitarist/vocalist Jake Charron – is an accomplished musician in his own right, and their union produces a blend of Celtic tunes, songs and step-dances molded into something uniquely Canadian through a history which goes back generations. Growing up as members of Prince Edward Island’s reigning musical dynasty, the Chaissons were raised to preserve and uphold traditional Canadian East Coast music. The East Pointers’ musical style dates back centuries yet, filled with this youthful energy and celebration, it is absolutely current and relevant across communities and continents.
The East Pointers join us at Manchester Folk Festival as one of three special guest artists from Prince Edward Island, Canada. Every year, one country or region is offered an exclusive international partnership with English Folk Expo. So in this festival of English music, you’ll still be able to make some international discoveries. The Eastern maritime provinces of Canada have rich folk inheritance from their Celtic, French and native Mi’kmaq roots, and we’re delighted to welcome this exchange of traditions and stories. We think you’ll love it too.
Jackie Oates and Mike Cosgrave
Jackie Oates is a singer and fiddle player with a pure, haunting style. Her mellifluous voice, plaintive fiddle and tantalizing approach to traditional songs have justly gained her a reputation as ‘a celebrity in the new folk scene’ (The Guardian) and several BBC Folk Awards during a remarkable career. An inventive and enthralling artist whose influence has spread far beyond folk music, she will be joined at Manchester Folk Festival by long-term collaborator and multi-instrumentalist Mike Cosgrave.
“Over the course of her solo albums and side projects Jackie Oates has been in possession of one of the most gorgeous and lyrical singing voices. There is a faraway quality to it, as well as a melancholy and a note of surrender in the sweetness and warmth.” Songlines
This event is part of Manchester Folk Festival – a celebration of English folk in all its forms, from indie to traditional, familiar names alongside exciting new voices. From 19-22 October in and around HOME, the whole festival takes place in one area of Manchester over one weekend. The Festival presents an incredible music line-up, as well as craft workshops, film, a proper pub singaround, artists in conversation and a relaxed Festival Hub where you can watch the world go by. Friendly, inclusive and full of opportunities for discovery, it will have the spirit of a festival in a field, in the heart of the city.
