Past Performers
Here we have listed some of the recent performers that we have promoted at North Shropshire Folk which demonstrates that we have many of the best musicians in the folk world at our gigs
April 2026 Granny’s Attic
With exceptional musicianship and boundless energy, Granny’s Attic are going from strength to strength. Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne (melodeon, anglo concertina, vocals), George Sansome (guitar, vocals) and Lewis Wood (violin, vocals) have honed their skills touring the UK and Europe since 2009. They are much loved by audiences up and down the country, with bookings everywhere from Cambridge Folk Festival to Cecil Sharp House. The trio have been heralded for their lively performances and skilled delivery of traditional material, playing with verve, energy and their own inimitable style. Though grounded in tradition, they are keen to push new boundaries by exploring fresh approaches and writing their own compositions.
March 2026 Rachel McShane and the Cartographers
Rachael McShane is a renowned folk singer, cellist, fiddle and viola player from the North East of England. She gained fame as an original member of the award-winning folk big band Bellowhead, touring with them extensively and making a number of television appearances. The band recorded five studio albums and, together, they won a staggering total of 8 BBC Folk Awards. Away from her Bellowhead fame, Rachael is a much sought-after performer and recording artist. She is leader of The Cartographers, a band that features the exceptional talents of guitarist Ian Stephenson (Kan, Baltic Crossing), and melodeon player Julian Sutton (Kathryn Tickell, Sting). Their music is a powerful blend of traditional folk and contemporary sounds, with Rachael’s stunning voice and instrumental skills leading the line. The Cartographers have garnered a loyal following thanks to their impressive live performances and critically acclaimed debut album, “When All Is Still” (2018).
November 2025 Ranagri
Ranagri have recorded five studio albums to date, with their latest release, Tradition II receiving critical acclaim upon its release in July 2022. Folk Radio UK placed the album in their top 10 albums of 2022, cementing the band’s status as one of the most exciting and innovative folk bands in the UK today.
Ranagri has established themselves as a standout act, drawing in crowds from around the world with their captivating live performances and exceptional musicianship. They have performed at some of the most prestigious venues & festivals across the UK and Europe, including Cambridge Folk Festival, Bloom festival (Dublin), Montelago festival (Italy),Towersey Festival, a headline slot at Costa Festival Ibiza 2023, Birmingham Symphony Hall, The Union Chapel, SHREWSBURY folk festival in 2024, Kings Place London along with regular tours of Scotland and Europe.
October 2025 The Harr
The Haar introduces the formidable singing talent of All-Ireland Scór na nÓg winner Molly Donnery combined with three of the most exciting instrumentalists on the folk and traditional music circuit: Cormac Byrne (BBC Folk Award/Show of Hands/Seth Lakeman), Adam Summerhayes, and Murray Grainger (both of the FATEA award-winning Ciderhouse Rebellion).
This is music that is not afraid to transcend borders, whilst recognisably born of the traditional music that all members have grown up with. The Haar pushes the boundaries to create a unique and compelling sound.
September 2025 Ainsley Hamill with Sam Kelly & Toby Shaer
May 2025 Gnoss
March 2025 John Kirkpatrick: The Victorian Farmers Year
February 2025 Sherburn Bartley Sanders
December 2023 and 2024 Awinter Union
November 2024 The Hunch
September 2024 and Devember 2017 The Melrose Quartet
May 2024, November2017, April 2009, October 2005, 2003 and 2002
April 2024 Tarren
March 2024 and February 2022 Jeremiahs
March 2024 and February 2019 Megson
November 2023 The Wilderness Yet
October 2023 Hannah Sanders and Ben Savage
September 2023 The Paul McEnna Band
2023, 2019 and 2016 Daoiri Farrell
February 2023 Atlas Bridge
December 2022 Awake Arise
November 2022 Calan
October 2022 Jimmy Aldridge and Sid Goldsmith
May 2022, April 2018 The Outside Track
April 2022 Dan Walsh
October 2021 Jack Rutter