After crossing paths in the northern city of Newcastle Upon Tyne, six young musicians immediately began to swap tunes, eventually forming the powerhouse of progressive instrumental folk that is Pons Aelius. Motivated by a collective enthusiasm and desire to share their distinctive style of music, the band have extensively toured the UK and Europe, bringing their much loved live energy to stages such as Celtic Connections, Towersey Festival and Priddy Folk Festival to name but a few. During this time, they have recorded an EP and a studio album- ‘Captain Glen’s Comfort,’ which was released to critical acclaim in 2017 and featured on radio shows around the world, including the BBC Radio 2 Folk show with Mark Radcliffe.

Driven by a dynamic frontline of bagpipes and whistles (Jordan Aikin), flute (Sam Partridge), tenor banjo and mandolin (Tom Kimber), the band are a melodic force to be reckoned with. In the stompbox and octave pedal era, Pons Aelius are proud to feature one of the scene's leading all-human rhythm sections, comprising Callum Younger (bodhrán kit innovator), Alasdair Paul (guitar/bouzouki) and Bevan Morris (double bass). With these powerful tools at their disposal, they are masters of both subtlety and intensity, exploring the capabilities of these acoustic instruments and producing a formidable sound.

Fire Under the Bridge, the band's second full length offering, represents a culmination of five years of road-earned experience. They have finally captured the essence of their live sound, and assembled a crack-team of production wizards to help them bottle it. At the helm was the inimitable Josh Clark (Flook, Kate Rusby), whose attention to detail and musical ear left no stone unturned. After a week of tracking at J&J Studios in Bristol, the recordings were mixed at Josh's home studio before being sent to Gran's House studio on the banks of the Clyde, where they were given their finishing touches by mastering engineer extraordinaire Chris Waite (masteredbychriswaite.com). Finally, the band commissioned local artist Dan Underwood to give the CD a fittingly dynamic sleeve. This cornucopia of bold arrangements and original tunes wouldn't have been possible without the support of the band's loyal fans, whom they'd like to thank for their generous crowdfunder contributions.

What can you expect from Fire Under the Bridge? There's only one way to know for sure. Get a copy, hit play, and take the first step down the road to enlightenment.

A new quartet based in Newcastle, The Lindie Quartet play folk tunes and songs with inventive arrangements, using both traditional material and many of their own compositions. Amy and Mercedes are recent music graduates from Newcastle University, Grace and Rosie are currently studying there too, and the band blends each of their own musical influences and styles together.

Email: thelindiequartet@gmail.com


Moxie are an Alt Folk band from the West of Ireland emerging from traditional Irish music roots. Together with their new lead singer from Tunisia, they have merged different influences from past and present generations to forge a unique sound. Their music is a colourful illustration of the multicultural and modern society we live in today. Moxie have been sharing their exuberant energy and passion for music on stage, inspiring audiences and musicians with their new palette of 21st century Irish music. After touring their debut album “Planted”, they have been delivering unprecedented shows around the globe in countries such as Vietnam, Australia, Canada, the US and countries across Europe. They are now ready to announce a new album! The record will be disclosing an original collection of songs and instrumental tracks which is to be released in autumn 2020. 

“Irresistible, revolutionary energy”  
 The Irish Times  ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Moxie is the music of a new era, where fluidity cross-pollination and innovation are the future and salvation of Irish music”
The Irish Examiner  ★ ★ ★ ★

Grace Smith is a fiddle player and clog dancer from Teesside. A graduate of the BMus Folk and Traditional Music degree at Newcastle University, Grace performs with Monster Ceilidh Band, in a duo with Sam Partridge, The Rachel Hamer Band, as well as solo.

Performer and researcher in Early Music | Director of The Gonzaga Band | Cornettist with His Majestys Sagbutts & Cornetts | Professor at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

"Alex Cumming (The Teacups) & Nicola Beazley (The Rosie Hood Band) are an exciting English Box & Fiddle duo performing both songs and tunes from around England, America and beyond. The duo saw the release of their much anticipated debut album in late 2016, which was very well received. It came hot on the heels of concerts and festival appearances in folk clubs in Bristol, Dorset and Sheffield, at the legendary Green note in London, appearances at the folk weeks in Sidmouth, Broadstairs, and Gate to Southwell. Sandwiched in between all of this was a short tour of Canada in July all building up to the release of their debut album.
 
A cheery, energetic and upbeat album, mixed in with tales of drama on the high seas, jealous lovers, and sheep shearing, long lost traditional English and American tunes, and a master-class in musicianship from 2 of folk’s bright new young stars evolving and progressing a tradition while at the same time staying true to its roots. This, matched with a lively, knowledgeable, yet entertaining live performances, the two are much sort after on the scene."

"No nonsense English folk music at its very, very best" - Downend Folk Club

"A fabulous duo! Great tunes, songs and banter. Highly recommended! " - Jon Boden (Bellowhead)

"a great synthesis of traditional material and modern inspiration" - Fatea Magazine

 "...their instrumental skills are wonderful" - Folk Radio UK

"Two musicians right at the very top of their game" - Downend Folk Club

Pons Aelius is following