Another trip out. This time it was to Basildon Park (yes, the writing paper was named after it). Built in the 1700s with newly acquired wealth, Basildon Park has weathered many storms. By World War II, it had fallen into disrepair. The grounds became a prison camp, and sadly, American soldiers damaged parts of the house. Fires, water damage, and neglect took their toll. Yet, the house persevered. In 1952, when a woman with a keen eye saw its potential and embarked on a revival mission, eventually gifting it to the National Trust in 1978.
We joined a short, guided tour of the house which was the only way to view inside. Perhaps this is in the winter only.
After the tour, we enjoyed a light lunch. The winter menu offered a few hot options, perfect for a chilly day. Next, we explored the gardens and woods, marvelling at a magnificent Holm Oak tree. Dog owners will be thrilled with the 400 acres of space to roam, and there’s even a designated dog-friendly area in the house restaurant for those who really must bring their furry friend along.
The park boasts two restaurants: one by the house and another near the entrance, where you’ll also find the National Trust shop. Interestingly, Basildon Park is one of the few National Trust sites where you don’t have to exit through the shop (bonus points!). While the second restaurant was closed for the winter, the one by the house was open and ready to serve hungry visitors.
Our scheduled Tuesday excursion was postponed to Wednesday due to inclement weather, characterized by persistent drizzle. Fortunately, Wednesday brought overcast skies but remained dry, prompting our visit to Hanbury Hall, a National Trust property located near Droitwich. Prior to this visit, we had not explored this estate. Google Maps directed us via by motorways before navigating single-track roads leading to the estate. This last part was scary, necessitating one reversal for an oncoming truck. Luckily, the sparse traffic alleviated any significant inconvenience. It is worth noting that alternative routes, such as a cross-country path from Stratford-Upon-Avon, offer a better approach. This is the way we left Hanbury Hall.
Hanbury Hall, constructed of brick, presents an impressive facade while exhibiting a disordered aspect from its rear vantage point. Within the estate grounds, two adjacent cafes cater for visitors. Additionally, during the summer months, it looked as though a mobile trailer would offer refreshments such as ice cream and coffee.
Originally there were formal gardens, but these were later transformed into Capability Brown style parklands. Now, those original formal gardens have been faithfully recreated by the NT and complement the relaxed later gardens, with orangery, orchards, and walled garden. The estate also still encompasses expansive parkland, offering many walks. The reconstruction of the original gardens was helped by a painting commissioned by the original owner, Thomas Vernon. The painting prominently features Vernon himself overlooking the estate from a high point. It could be thought of as an “18th-century photoshop” creation, because there is no miniature hill overlooking the estate
Within the main hall, a striking staircase adorned with wall murals by the English painter Sir James Thornhill commands attention. Paintings in other rooms, have concealed symbolism; for instance, a portrait featuring a greyhound flanked by two young brothers carries historical significance. The two boys are dressed as girls, but cannon balls and a military hat hint at their masculinity. Painting the two boys as girls, could also perhaps help thwart kidnap attempts. A greyhound denotes that the heir to the estate is present in the painting. Notably, in the case of Hanbury Hall, this symbolism proved prescient – both brothers ultimately assumed ownership of the estate, following the premature demise of the elder sibling without heirs.
Exploring the outdoor environs, we walked around the formal gardens before venturing into the expansive parkland. While we arrived slightly ahead of the full bloom of snowdrops, their imminent shoots promised a picturesque sight upon subsequent visits. The estate’s diligent gardeners were observed preparing the grounds for the forthcoming spring season. A magnificent orchard looked as though it will be a mass of bloom in spring. Among the architectural features, the 18th-century Orangery stands out, housing lemon and orange trees, with many likely to be relocated outdoors during the warmer months.
The primary cafe had a somewhat limited menu comprising sandwiches, jacket potatoes plus a few vegetarian options, with my personal selection being red dal.
Anticipating a broader array of offerings on the menus, a return visit is certainly warranted also to more fully appreciate the splendour of Hanbury Hall, particularly amidst the lush backdrop of trees, formal gardens, and orchards.
Our regular Tuesday adventures resumed after a short break, and what a crisp, sunny, yet undeniably cold, day it was! The journey up the M40 was smooth, leading us to a pleasantly bustling car park at Baddesley Clinton, an imposing moated manor nestled in the Warwickshire countryside.
Stepping through the grand entrance, we were immediately drawn to the house itself, a captivating blend of Tudor and Elizabethan architecture with a rich history. Despite the valiant efforts of the National Trust volunteers, who were adorned in layers to combat the barely double-digit room temperatures, the house retained a distinct chill, a poignant reminder of its turbulent past. One volunteer said one of their number was wearing a heated gilet. Sensible type, we thought.
The knowledgeable room guides, ever eager to share their insights, expertly navigated us through the maze of chambers and corridors. Among the treasures, the priest hole captivated our imagination. Hidden behind a bookshelf, its intricate construction, crafted by one Nicholas Owen, spoke volumes of the Catholic refuge Baddesley Clinton offered during a period of religious persecution. Owen was described on an information board as “the renowned” builder & designer of priest holes. Presumably, that was a posthumous accolade?! He was canonised in 1970. One of the priests, Father John Gerard, who sheltered there, led a highly adventurous life. He was one of few people who escaped from the Tower of London and later wrote “The Autobiography of a Hunted Priest”. But was he sheltered at Baddesley? R needs to read the autobiography.
After venturing through the historical tapestry of the house, we craved warmth and sustenance! Two steaming vegetable and bean chillies later, we felt suitably fortified for further exploration. The bookshop beckoned, and while R searched, I found a science fiction section, adding to my enormous collection of To Be Read books.
Finally, before bidding farewell to Baddesley Clinton, I couldn’t resist capturing the house’s reflection in the moat. The stark contrast between the frozen waters on the north side and the ice-free surface on the south was a curious reflection of the house itself – a microcosm of history’s uneven flow, where secrets lie hidden beneath a seemingly placid surface?
Baddesley Clinton offered more than just a pleasant excursion; it was a journey through time, a glimpse into the resilience of faith and the ingenuity of those who sought solace in its walls.
On a damp, dark, cloudy day we visited Chedworth Roman Villa. This villa has been partially excavated, with protective shelters built over the top of some of the remains. Viewing of the floors and hypocausts are from walkways above. There’s a smallmuseum of finds.
We arrived along some narrow roads and parked beside the road some 200 meters from the site. The main parking was full, and there was a coach party of schoolchildren. Guided tours were available, but Rosemary and I, seeking a self-paced exploration, opted for the audio guide. It offered various options, from factual narrations about the villa’s history to playful dramatizations of life during Roman times. We decided to stick to the plain facts, eager to unravel the secrets embedded in the ancient stones.
Before delving into the ruins, we refuelled in the cozy cafe, relishing a warming coffee. After the tour we ate a light lunch there amidst the clean and cheerful ambiance. I imagine on a sun-drenched summer day, the surrounding areas would transform into a delightful picnic haven, the open air adding to the charm of the place. Somehow R managed to find their small secondhand book shop.
Our exploration along the raised walkways, overlooking fascinating remains showed us:
o – Roman Mosaics: Exquisite floors crafted from tiny coloured stones
o – Hypocausts: These ingenious underfloor heating systems, utilizing hot air channels, warmed the Roman floors and baths, offering a glimpse into their sophisticated approach to comfort.
o – Toilets: These were explained in all their glory details to the listening school kids.
Our online research unveiled a curious detail – Chedworth Roman Villa is apparently home to a thriving population of Roman Snails! These intriguing creatures, protected by their unique status, add a touch of biodiversity to the historical site.
After a delightful dose of classic cars at the British Car Museum, we car enthusiasts (well, maybe a little obsessed!) couldn’t resist a visit to Polestar’s offices in Bicester Heritage. It wasn’t just for holiday cheer though, we were treated to a sneak peek at their mind-blowing concept car. They took the best parts of the top three design submissions and magically merged them into one incredible machine. It was a real feast for the eyes, even if its super-low front spoiler wouldn’t exactly handle Buckinghamshire’s roads with grace.
Speaking of real-world options, they also had their sporty Polestar 2 BST on display, plus a left-hand drive version of the brand new Polestar 3 SUV. I took a peek inside the 3 and let me tell you, it’s a beast. Spacious, luxurious, and unfortunately, a bit beyond my budget for now.
But the best part wasn’t the cars (although they were amazing), it was connecting with fellow car lovers from the ‘Polestar Drivers Club UK‘ Facebook Group. I even spotted Rik, the group’s resident pun king, spreading festive cheer with his hilarious wordplay. All in all, it was a fun way to celebrate ta few spare hours with fellow petrolheads (or should that be “electroheads”?).
For those who don’t know Polestar, Polestar is a Swedish electric performance car brand, known for their sleek and sustainable vehicles. Their Bicester Heritage location is a multi-purpose hub, housing their UK commercial headquarters and a “Polestar Space” showroom. A Polestar Space is where customers can experience the brand and its products firsthand, including test drives. You then configure , and order, your car on their website and it is delivered to your home.
We decided our Tuesday outing would take place on Monday, the weather being the deciding factor. It was time to see a National Trust house dressed for winter. As members we resent paying to see a dressed NT house, so that was Waddesdon off the list. In recent years we have visited most Christmas dressed NT houses in the area, so decided to go a little further afield. We chose Mottisfont Abbey, it also seemed the rest of the world had also chosen this bright sunny day to visit. The car park was almost full, there was a thirty minute wait to get into the house. In hindsight, we should have had an early lunch or elevenses, and then visited the house, the queue certainly dissipated nearer 2pm.
The house had been decorated for Christmas along the theme of letters to Father Christmas and a visit to the North Pole (including a train!) with masses of trees and letters. Santas little helpers were busy organizing the presents to be delivered, along with lists of which children had been naughty or nice. Seems Stephen had been naughty. I loved the boys room, with a wigwam tent in the middle of the floor silhouetting the boys as they plotted to wait up and see Father C, and an electric model train (R thought “0” guage? LGB?) circling the room.
The winter garden was worth a visit. The walk along the river was alas closed. The ground was a little soggy underfoot, in fact we saw many flooded fields en route and masses of Old Man’s Beard in the hedges.
For years, the signs for the British Motor Museum in Gaydon on the M40 have teased us. We’d always meant to stop, but never found the time. Finally, the day arrived, and we embarked on our automotive adventure.
The museum isn’t just one building, but two. On our visit, there was also a conference happening, adding a buzz of excitement to the atmosphere. We even arrived in our Swedish designed, Chinese Built electric car, feeling a bit unpatriotic amongst the classic British exhibits.
Stepping inside, we were greeted by a timeline of British car history, with models from the late 1800s all the way up to modern marvels. It was fascinating to see how designs evolved, from early, clunky beginnings to sleek, aerodynamic beauties. The increase in the size of cars was startling.
Another area showcased futuristic concept cars, hinting at what our roads might hold in the future. Meanwhile, a film buffs’ dream awaited: British cars used in movies, including James Bond’s trusty Land Rover from Skyfall.
Leaving the first building, we crossed over to the second, home to a dazzling array of Jaguars and Land Rovers, alongside classic cars from other British marques. Each one whispered stories of engineering prowess and design audacity.
Overall, our visit to the British Motor Museum was a real treat. We were thoroughly impressed by the collection’s breadth and fascinating stories. The best part? Our tickets are valid for a year, so we can delve deeper into the world of British motoring on another day.
So, if you’re ever near Gaydon and have a passion for cars, the British Motor Museum is definitely worth a stop. You might just be surprised by the rich history and captivating tales found within its walls.
Rosemary and I attended the Gonville and Caius Commemoration of Benefactors Chapel Service and Dinner. The event is held annually to commemorate the benefactors of the college, naming the major benefactors since the foundation of the college on the 28th January 1384 by Edmund Gonville. (John Caius, the third founder, appeared in 1557.) The Commemoration of Benefactors service took place in the college chapel at 6.00pm. The service was followed by a feast in the hall, which was arranged in accordance with the memorandum of the second founder, William Bateman, dated 6 November 1352.
The celebrations began with tea in the Fellows Combination Room, where we met up with friends Richard & Andrea.
We then heard a lecture by Ms Merryn Somerset Webb, a Bloomberg Columnist. Apparently, she is an award-winning commentator on economics, financial markets, and personal finance, as well as a popular speaker and broadcaster. Her new book, Share Power, looks at how ordinary people can use the power they already have to make capitalism work for everyone. Ms Somerset Webb studied Economics at Caius in 1989, but later changed her degree course to History, as she wanted a first-class honours degree and was not going to achieve that in Economics (her thoughts not mine). Her lecture was very contentious, and in some cases, especially about renewable electricity, extremely contentious and to my mind plain wrong. She was baiting the audience and expected some comment on her renewable stance. She then launched into monetary policy, declining birthrates, immigration, and ownership of business. Some of this I did agree with, though her contentious thoughts on renewable energy will only have us fry.
After the lecture, we attended the Chapel Service. After the service, we made our way to the Senior Combination Room for drinks, and then to the hall for supper. The feast is a several-course meal with grace, matching wines and an address from the Master. Towards the end, the Caius Choir entertained us with various songs including ‘Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da’.
Following the meal, we retired to the Fellows Combination Room where we drank AnCnoc, a highland malt, cognac, and mingled with other guests, fellows, and choir members. It was interesting talking to the choir members, undergraduates, who seemed so earnest in their studies, a far cry from my days.
Well after midnight, we enjoyed a stroll across Jesus Green, disturbing a fox who was scavenging for food. He darted away in front of us and through a fence into a garden. We made it back to the hotel after 1.00am.
The Gallery
The Choir
The Menu
Ferat Prestige
Port poached chicory & goats cheese mousse: Quince purée, Romano pepper, avocado & lime emulsion.
Bodegas Rafael Palacios ‘As Sortes Val do Bibei’ Godello, 2016
Oi Va Voi, the London-based band that blends klezmer, dance, indie rock and alt-folk, delivered a stunning performance at the Cambridge Folk Festival 2023. The band, which has been active since 2000, showcased their musical versatility and wanderlust. The audience was captivated by the band’s energy and charisma, as well as the virtuosity of their musicians, especially violinist Anna Phoebe. The band received a standing ovation at the end of their set, and left the crowd wanting more. Oi Va Voi proved once again why they are one of the most innovative and exciting bands in the world music scene.
Jenny Colquitt is a rising star in the Americana scene, with a strong and expressive voice, impactful lyrics and winning melodies1. She was named as one of RnR Magazine’s ‘Ones to Watch’ in 2022 and won the FATEA ‘Female Artist of the Year’ award in 2021/20223. She performed on the Den stage at the Cambridge Folk Festival 2023, showcasing her talent and charm to a captivated audience.
One of the highlights of her set was the song Little Blue Boy, a lullaby-inspired tune that tells the story of a boy who falls asleep under a haystack while his animals wander off. The song has a gentle and soothing melody, with acoustic guitar and harmonica accompaniment. Colquitt’s vocals are sweet and tender, conveying the affection and concern for the sleeping boy. The song also has a touch of humour, as the animals try to wake him up but fail. The song is based on the traditional nursery rhyme Little Boy Blue, but Colquitt adds her own twist and flair to it.
Little Blue Boy is a song that showcases Colquitt’s ability to craft engaging and memorable songs, with a blend of folk, pop and Americana influences. It is a song that appeals to both children and adults, as it evokes nostalgia, innocence and warmth. Colquitt’s performance of Little Blue Boy on the Den stage was a delight to watch and listen to, and it left the audience wanting more.
f you are looking for a band that can make you dance, laugh and sing along, then you should not have missed The Chair at the Cambridge Folk Festival 2023. The Chair is an eight-piece band from Orkney that plays a fusion of folk, blues, rock, dub and klezmer music with a lot of energy and humour. They have been described as a “must-see festival band” and a “rampant ruckus of fiddles, banjos, accordions and drums”. Their latest album, Orkney Monster, is a tribute to the mythical beast that is said to lurk in the waters around their home island. The album features catchy tunes, witty lyrics. The Chair will played on stage 2 on Sunday at 4:30 pm. I did not regret seeing them, as The Chair delivered a show that left me breathless and exhilarated. The Chair is one of the highlights of the Cambridge Folk Festival 2023, and I am gladd I did not miss them!
I had the pleasure of attending the Cambridge Folk Festival on Sunday, July 30th, 2023, and one of the highlights of the day was the performance of Akram Abdulfattah, a young Palestinian-American violinist who mesmerized the audience with his unique and innovative music style. He played with his quartet “Awan”, which means “time” in Arabic, and they blended jazz with middle eastern and Indian influences, creating a rich and diverse musical experience. Akram Abdulfattah is a virtuoso on the violin, and he showcased his skills and versatility in every song. He also introduced each piece with a brief explanation of its origin and inspiration, giving us a glimpse into his culture and vision. He received national and international recognition for his talent and creativity, winning several prestigious awards. He also expressed his desire to use instrumental music as a tool to introduce the world to the Palestinian rich culture, legacy, and folklore. His performance was captivating, inspiring, and uplifting, and I highly recommend anyone who loves music to check him out. He is a rising star in the folk scene, and I look forward to hearing more from him in the future.
Hollie Cook is a singer and keyboardist who blends reggae, pop, and soul with a tropical flair. She has been making waves in the music scene since her debut album in 2011, and has collaborated with artists like Prince Fatty, Ian Brown, and Jamie T. She is also the daughter of Sex Pistols drummer Paul Cook, and the goddaughter of Boy George.
On Saturday, July 29, 2023, she graced the Stage 2 of the Cambridge Folk Festival, one of the longest running and most famous folk festivals in the world. The festival, which takes place in the grounds of Cherry Hinton Hall, offers a diverse and eclectic line-up of folk and roots music from across the globe.
Hollie Cook delivered a captivating performance that showcased her unique style and voice. She sang songs from her latest album, Happy Hour, which was released in 2022 and features a mix of upbeat and mellow tracks. She also performed some of her older hits, such as “Body Beat”, “That Very Night”, and “Tiger Balm”.
The audience was enchanted by her charisma and energy, and sang along to her catchy choruses. She interacted with the crowd, telling stories and jokes between songs. She also expressed her gratitude for being part of the festival, and praised the other artists who were playing on the same stage.
Hollie Cook proved that she is a versatile and talented artist who can blend different genres and influences into her own distinctive sound. She brought a tropical breeze to the Cambridge Folk Festival, and left the audience wanting more. She is definitely one to watch in the reggae scene, and beyond.
The Elephant Sessions are a Scottish indie-folk band that have won several awards for their energetic and innovative music. They blend traditional instruments like fiddle, mandolin and guitar with drums, bass and synths to create a sound that is both fresh and rooted in their heritage. They played on stage 1 of the Cambridge Folk Festival on Sunday, July 30, 2023, and delivered a stunning performance that had the crowd dancing and cheering. Their set included songs from their latest album, What Makes You, as well as some older favourites like Wet Field Day and Lament for Lost Dignity. They also surprised the audience with a cover of The Proclaimers’ I’m On My Way, which they dedicated to their fellow Scots who were headlining the festival. The Elephant Sessions proved that they are one of the most exciting and original bands on the folk scene today, and left the fans wanting more.
Angélique Kidjo is one of the greatest artists in international music today, a creative force with thirteen albums to her name. She performed at the Cambridge Folk Festival 2023 on Sunday, July 30, at the Cherry Hinton Hall2. Here is a short review of her show:
Angélique Kidjo dazzled the audience with her vibrant and eclectic mix of musical influences, from West African traditions to American R&B, funk and jazz. She sang in multiple languages, including her native Fon, Yoruba and French, as well as English and Spanish. She also paid tribute to some of her musical heroes, such as Miriam Makeba, Celia Cruz and Nina Simone. She invited the crowd to join her in singing and dancing, creating a joyful and energetic atmosphere. She also shared stories of her life and activism, expressing her passion for women’s rights, education and environmental issues. She ended her show with a stunning rendition of her hit song “Agolo”, which earned her a standing ovation from the festival-goers. Angélique Kidjo proved once again why she is called “Africa’s premier diva” by Time Magazine.
Today was another dry day for the folk festival. Sunday was definitley going to be a bit iffy. Andrea, Richard and SImon were coming to the festival. We met up and watched what we wanted to.
Angeline Morrison and The Sorrows Band delivered a stunning performance at the Cambridge Folk Festival 2023, showcasing their album The Sorrow Songs: Folk Songs of Black British Experience. The album, which was released in 2022 to widespread critical acclaim, is a work of re-storying, of lives and experiences, into songs in the folk style. It shines a long overdue spotlight on the historic Black experience in the UK folk tradition, which dates back to at least Roman times, yet is often hidden, forgotten or unacknowledged.
The band, composed of Angeline Morrison (vocals, autoharp), Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne (anglo concertina, vocals), Hamilton Gross (violin, vocals) and Clarke Camilleri (banjo, guitar, vocals), blended influences from the Caribbean and Orkneys, where they have roots, with elements of soul music, literature, 60s beat pop sounds, folklore, myth and the supernatural. Their songs explored themes such as slavery, racism, identity, love and loss, with a deep love, respect and curiosity for traditional song.
The highlight of their set was the haunting rendition of The Brown Girl and Other Folk Songs, a song cycle based on the ballad of The Brown Girl (Child 295), which tells the story of a Black woman who is rejected by her lover for a fair-skinned woman. Angeline Morrison’s voice was captivating and emotive, conveying the sorrow and resilience of the protagonist. The band’s harmonies and instrumentation were exquisite and atmospheric, creating a spellbinding effect on the audience.
Angeline Morrison and The Sorrows Band are a rare gem in the folk scene, offering a unique and powerful perspective on the history and culture of Black British people. Their performance at the Cambridge Folk Festival 2023 was a memorable and moving experience that will stay with me for a long time.
Le Vent Du Nord was one of the highlights of the 2023 Cambridge Folk Festival, bringing their infectious and energetic Québécois folk music to the main stage. The band, composed of five multi-instrumentalists and singers, delighted the audience with their mix of traditional tunes and original compositions, sung in French and English. Their repertoire ranged from lively reels and jigs to poignant ballads and songs of protest, reflecting their rich and diverse cultural heritage. They also demonstrated their impressive musical skills on instruments such as the hurdy-gurdy, the fiddle, the accordion, the guitar and the banjo. The band’s charisma and humour, as well as their interaction with the crowd, made their performance a joy to watch. Le Vent Du Nord received a standing ovation from the enthusiastic fans, who sang along, clapped and danced to their catchy melodies. Le Vent Du Nord proved once again why they are one of the leading forces in Québec’s progressive francophone folk movement.
Gangstagrass was one of the most surprising and exhilarating acts at the Cambridge Folk Festival 2023, bringing their unique blend of bluegrass and hip hop to the main stage on Saturday night. The band, led by Brooklyn producer Rench, combines authentic bluegrass instruments and vocals with rap lyrics and beats, creating a new genre that bridges the gap between urban and rural cultures. Gangstagrass is best known for their Emmy-nominated theme song for the FX television show Justified, “Long Hard Times to Come”, which they performed with gusto and swagger.
The band’s setlist featured songs from their latest album, No Time For Enemies, which debuted at #1 on the Billboard bluegrass chart in 20202. The album tackles themes such as racism, social justice, unity and hope, with a deep respect for the roots and traditions of both genres. Songs like “Freedom”, “Ride With You” and “Ain’t No Crime” showcased the band’s lyrical skills and musical versatility, as well as their ability to engage and inspire the audience. The band also played some of their older classics, such as “Bound to Ride”, “Barn Burning” and “I’m Gonna Put You Down”, which had the crowd clapping, stomping and singing along.
The band’s chemistry and charisma were evident throughout the show, as they interacted with each other and the crowd with humour and warmth. The band members are Rench (vocals/guitar/beats), Dan Whitener (banjo/vocals), Brian Farrow (fiddle/vocals), R-Son The Voice of Reason (vocals) and Dolio The Sleuth (vocals). They each displayed their impressive musical talents and personalities, creating a dynamic and diverse sound that appealed to both old and young fans of folk and hip hop.
Gangstagrass proved that they are more than just a novelty act, but a serious and innovative force in the music scene. They delivered a stunning performance that was one of the highlights of the Cambridge Folk Festival 2023, showing that rap and grass can indeed mix harmoniously.
Baskery are a trio of sisters from Stockholm who have been making waves in the folk and roots music scene with their unique blend of banjo, guitar, bass and harmonies. They call their style “banjopunk”, “fierce folk” or “nordicana”, and they are not afraid to mix the straightforwardness of punk with the subtlety of singer/songwriting. They have toured with Robbie Williams, Gary Clark Jr and Brandi Carlile, and have released four albums and two EPs.
I had the chance to see them live at the Cambridge Folk Festival, where they played on Stage 2 on Saturday, July 29th. They delivered a stunning performance that captivated the audience with their energy, charisma and talent. They played songs from their latest album, Coyote and Sirens, as well as some older favourites like “One Horse Down” and “Fall Among Thieves”. They also covered some classics by Led Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac and The Beatles, giving them their own twist.
The sisters have amazing chemistry on stage, and they interacted with the crowd with humour and warmth. They also showcased their impressive vocal skills, switching between lead and harmony parts effortlessly. Their instruments sounded great together, creating a rich and dynamic sound that filled the tent. They used a variety of effects and loops to add layers and textures to their songs, making them sound fresh and original.
Baskery are one of the most exciting bands I have ever seen live, and I would highly recommend them to anyone who loves folk, rock or anything in between. They are definitely preferable to Abba, in my opinion. They are a band that deserves more recognition and exposure, and I hope they will come back to Cambridge soon.
Niteworks, a band from the Isle of Skye, delivered a stunning performance at the Cambridge Folk Festival 2023. They closed the stage on Saturday night with a fusion of bagpipes, drums and keyboards that had the crowd dancing and cheering. Their music is a blend of traditional Gaelic songs and modern electronic beats, creating a unique and captivating sound. They were joined by the talented Beth Malcolm, who added her haunting vocals to one of their tracks. She sang in both English and Gaelic, showcasing her versatility and range. The highlight of the show was their rendition of “Air Fàir an Là”, a song that celebrates the beauty of Skye and its people. The band and Beth Malcolm received a standing ovation from the audience, who were clearly impressed by their talent and energy. Niteworks are a fabulous band that deserve more recognition and appreciation for their innovative and inspiring music. They are one of the best acts to come out of Scotland in recent years.