PERFORMERS 2025
LENA JONSSON TRIO
Lena Jonsson’s ability to balance a deep knowledge of traditional Swedish folk music with innovative artistic sensibilities, sparkling joy of life and a charisma of a rock-star have made her one Scandinavia’s most visionary musicians. She has created a unique style inspired by traditional Swedish music as well as rock, pop and American old-time and bluegrass traditions. Together with guitarist Erik Ronström and bassist Krydda Sundström they create a virtuosic yet playful trio. In April 2023 the trio won Artist of the year at the Swedish Folk awards. Their album Stories from the Outside won both a Swedish Grammis and the Manifest prize in 2021 and Album of the year by LIRA Music Magazine and song of the year by Swedish radio. Lena Jonsson Trio released their third album Elements in June 2023.
BRIAN MCNEILL
Brian’s 50 year career has made him one of Scotland’s musical forces and many of his songs have entered the traditional music repertoire to become classics in their own right, including The Yew Tree, The Lads O’ The Fair, The Snows of France and Holland, Strong Women Rule Us All With Their Tears, Any Mick’ll Do and No Gods and Precious Few Heroes. Brian is a multi-instrumentalist – chiefly fiddle, bouzouki, mandocello, guitars and concertina – and whether he is performing a song or an instrumental piece, he pulls in his audience to make everyone feel involved and part of his gig.
RIVA DIVAS (SUNDAY ONLY)
The Reiver Divas are a new, kick-ass fiddle band comprising 15 women from the forefront of Northumbrian and Border folk music. Guitar, Piano and a feast of fiddles ensure you can expect groovy ancient and modern tunes, excerpts of local ditties, and arrangements at once beautiful and beastly, so prepare to stomp your feet, or dry your eyes: The Reiver Divas are coming…
BRYONY GRIFFITH & ALICE JONES
Hailing from the close knit communities of West Yorkshire, Bryony Griffith & Alice Jones are long-time purveyors of traditional English folk. United by a mutual fascination with song & tune collections from their native county.
“A sparkling tribute to Yorkshire’s folk heritage” – Songlines
Together they draw on a wealth of stories inspired by the landscape & language of their surroundings, not to mention the local characters they have both grown up with & still live amongst today.
Via villages, valleys & moorlands they channel their own brand. Combining their respect & understanding of traditional song, music & dance with their own contemporary style to present a unique repertoire of harmony, history & Northern banter.
Featuring Fiddle, Harmonium, Tenor Guitar, body percussion & intricate close harmony vocals in their distinctive regional accents; Bryony & Alice’s music celebrates a shared love for community heritage that resonates throughout Yorkshire & beyond.
“Honest, wholesome, and thoroughly enjoyable” – Mojo
HEDGEHOGS SKIN
Compelling Northumbrian folk music, lively dances and a vibrant atmosphere are the hallmarks of a barn dance led by The Hedgehog’s Skin, for over 30 years one of North East England’s most active and popular traditional bands. People love dancing to their music.
The band’s philosophy is simple: they only play great tunes and they only do great dances, carefully chosen to suit the particular occasion and audience.
ALEX BARRASS & JONATHAN PEARSON
Alex and Jonathan are no strangers to Rothbury Traditional Music Festival, having been attending and sweeping the board of Northumbrian Smallpipes competitions in recent years. Their intuitive grasp of traditional tunes and style, combined with their outstanding musicianship on Northumbrian Pipes, Bouzouki and Border Pipes, makes them a joy to listen to and we are delighted to have convinced them to combine forces for their first official performances as a duo.
GRAHAM PIRT
THE TRIBE
ALISTAIR ANDERSON
CELEBRATION OF JOE HUTTON
ROTHBURY HIGHLAND PIPE BAND
