O’Hooley and Tidow, Home Service, Kitty Macfarlane will perform in live Derby Folk Festival

The festival will take place in the heart of the city centre from October 1 to 3.

Last year’s event was hosted ‘at home,’ as live concerts could not go ahead due to the pandemic. Instead, online performances especially recorded for the festival drew audiences from around the world, along with an extensive Festival Fringe on Facebook.

Now many of the artists who had planned to be in Derby last year are preparing to return in the autumn.

Highlights include:

O’Hooley & Tidow: Due to play last year, this duo have gained even more fans since their last visit to Derby due to their theme song to the BBC series, Gentleman Jack.

Ninebarrow: A wonderful duo from Dorset who have also played Derby before. Jon and Jay are exceptional musicians and singers who really know how to captivate an audience.

India Electric Co. blend traditional instruments, folk melodies and subtle electronic influences. Often seen on tour with Midge Ure, this will be their first appearance in the city.

Kitty Macfarlane gave a stunning solo performance in 2020’s online festival, so it will be exciting to see her back in Derby with a full band in October.

Home Service are an incredible act who have been enticed back this year, and their electric performance will also include festival patron John Tams, adding to a list of names that the festival is extremely proud and excited to bring to Derby.

In tribute to the festival’s co-director Mick Peat, who died last month, the event’s main stage in the marquee on Derby market place will now be known as The Mick Peat Stage.

Festival director Bob Rushton said: “As the festival returns to the city centre, it is an honour to put Mick Peat at the heart of it by renaming the main stage after him. His loss is felt by everyone who knew him, and our thoughts are with his family and many close friends.

“Derby Folk Festival is now in its 15th year and we’ve always kept going whatever challenges we’ve faced, whether that be the fire in the Assembly Rooms, the COVID pandemic, or the tentative return to live performance afterwards. Getting together again after the year we’ve all had is going to be extra special this time.”

Derby Cathedral will host concerts during Saturday, and The Old Bell Hotel will be a hub of activity with fringe events and more.

Weekend Tickets - giving access to all concerts on the Mick Peat stage from October 1 to October 3 and all shows in Derby Cathedral, cost £90 for an adult, £25 for a child (aged five to 16), £210 for a family ticket (two adults and two children). Under 5s go free.

Book your weekend tickets before June 30 to take advantage of the early bird offer of £85 for adults, and £200 for a family ticket (child tickets are the same price), plus entry into a prize draw with the chance to win a refund on your ticket plus a bundle of festival goodies!

Tickets are now on sale online at www.derbylive.co.uk or call 01332 255800.

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