By nature, Duke Special is a curious person. He is curious about theatre, books, music, poetry, art, love, life, redemption, death, 78RPM records and most recently, gardening! Evidenced by the variety of musical adventures throughout his career. His creative talents have seen him involved in projects as diverse as writing the theme tune for the Irish Sesame Street to writing the music for and appearing in Deborah Warner’s critically acclaimed 2009 production of Bertolt Brecht’s ‘Mother Courage and Her Children’ at London’s National Theatre.
Gecko is a North London based artist, his playful lyrics cover the big things in life; think iPhones, Libraries & Guanabana fruit juice to name but a few.Gecko has previously appeared at Glastonbury, Bestival, BBC Radio 1, 6 Music, BBC Scotland, BBC London and the Edinburgh Fringe.
Formed in late 1983 by singer, drummer, songwriter Joseph Porter. Blyth Powerhave spent the intervening decades changing sound, form and line up in a constant search for the perfect formula. Now, with a settled line up that is threatening to stick fast. The band recognise a new phase that, in the words of Churchill, their founder characterises as neither the end, nor the beginning of the end, but ‘the end of the beginning…’
If a measure of a band’s success is its ability to involve, to improve, and ultimately to keep moving forward, then Blyth Power must be the best in the business.
Folk rock at its very best. The Jon Strong Band make their way through angst and anger from the eighties and early nineties. Driven by subjects as diverse as UK politics, recession in the North of England, the dangers of promiscuity and the traditional songwriter’s pain of love lost.
Superb semi-acoustic guitar playing brings drive, subtlety, rhythm, nuance and power in equal measures. Delivering the mood and feelings of the songwriter. Jon is supported very ably by the drummer and bassist. You can hear that the band believe in their songs and work instinctively together to produce top quality results.
Jack Daniels the hugely entertaining compere!
Highly sought after by Festival and Event organisers. He is not only a superb musician but a pure all round entertainer and showman.
He has taken his brand of music and humour to such places as Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, America and New Zealand. Developing a unique rapport with their audiences.
“A time of absolute Mayhem” sums up what you will get with this guy.
Si Barron has been singing and playing English Traditional Songs nationally for 15 years. First with the duo Barron Brady and now as a solo performer. As a self-taught guitarist, he tries to keep the accompaniment out of the way of the words and melody. It’s the songs that matter. A self-confessed folk fanatic - this is exciting, moving and relevant music, hallowed by time- the only kind of music that never gets old. A celebration of hope and a demonstration of his love for this powerful music every time he sings.
One half of the Cleverly Brothers comedy duo and band. Merv Grist is an award winning festival regular. Appearing at folk clubs, parties and Sidmouth, Chippenham, Priddy, Somerton and many other festivals.
Normally presenting crazy comedy songs and links that will have you in stitches! Merv is taking a different approach and will be bringing some of his much revered poetry to the festival, a clever combination of comedy embedded in historical fact.
Local musician, and Trowbridge Village Pump Festival volunteer and performer for nearly 20 years; Andrew’s love for The Blues goes way back to the early sixties, and he’s been listening to it, playing it, talking and formally lecturing about it ever since.
But don’t be surprised if he slips in old favourites from the likes of Marvin Gaye and Aretha Franklin; even The Who and The Beatles have been heard.
It’s heating up to be a sizzling festival. So if you’ve been enjoying this early summer and it’s got you in that festival mood. Grab your tickets today (if you haven’t done so yet) and come and join the fun at Stowford Manor Farm.
