STEVE KNIGHTLEY STEVE KNIGHTLEY

Steve Knightley is one of Britain’s, and the world’s, greatest songwriters in the folk tradition. His performances are the stuff of legend. Our regular festivalgoers will recall his towering set with Phil Beer (see below) as Show Of Hands in 2022. Now Steve returns for a solo set - a huge opportunity to see up close a man who can command audiences of thousands. We love the story, told on Steve’s website, when - aged 15 - attended a weekend creative writing course featuring an evening with the great poet Ted Hughes. The students read him their poems and Steve “strummed a few songs and read some stuff.” Hughes asked: “What’s your name, son?” “Steven Andrew Knightley.” “The Celts,” said Hughes, “would say if you gave a man your full name, he had your soul.” He stretched out his hand and closed it as if catching a fly. “Now I’ve got yours.” Be prepared to give up your heart and soul at a very special performance. Mae Steve Knightley yn un o gyfansoddwyr caneuon gorau Prydain, a’r byd, yn y traddodiad gwerin. Mae ei berfformiadau yn stwff o chwedl. Bydd ein mynychwyr rheolaidd yn cofio ei set aruthrol gyda Phil Beer (gweler isod) fel Show Of Hands yn 2022. Nawr mae Steve yn dychwelyd am set unigol - cyfle gwych i weld yn agos ddyn sy'n gallu denu cynulleidfaoedd o filoedd. Rydyn ni wrth ein bodd â’r stori, sy’n cael ei hadrodd ar wefan Steve, pan - yn 15 oed - fynychu cwrs ysgrifennu creadigol dros y penwythnos yn cynnwys noson gyda’r bardd gwych Ted Hughes. Darllenodd y myfyrwyr eu cerddi iddo ac fe wnaeth Steve “strumio ychydig o ganeuon a darllen rhai pethau.” Gofynnodd Hughes: “Beth yw dy enw, mab?” “Steven Andrew Knightley.” “Byddai’r Celtiaid,” meddai Hughes, “yn dweud petaech chi’n rhoi eich enw llawn i ddyn, fe gafodd eich enaid.” Estynnodd ei law a'i chau fel pe bai'n dal pry. “Nawr mae gen i'ch un chi.” Byddwch yn barod i roi'r gorau i'ch calon a'ch enaid mewn perfformiad arbennig iawn.

PHIL BEER PHIL BEER

Phil Beer has appeared at Tredegar House Folk Festival both as a solo artist and as part of Show Of Hands with Steve Knightley (see above). This year we’re delighted to feature these two giants on different nights so as many people as possible experience the magic. Phil’s sets feature glorious songs, stunning instrumentalism and spellbinding stories. To watch Phil is to watch a master in action - he’s been gigging for 45 years and has not long finished a 75-show run for the Show Of Hands farewell tour. “I’m amazed I’m still standing,” he says. “I’ve made hundreds of albums with bands/singers/ musicians and done gigs with them. Some are world famous, some you’ve never heard of. Whilst I ache in the places I used to play (L Cohen!), I’m still up for what is about to happen, not what has been and gone.” We confidently predict that what’s about to happen is going to be very special indeed. Mae Phil Beer wedi ymddangos yng Ngŵyl Werin Tŷ Tredegar fel artist unigol ac fel rhan o Show Of Hands gyda Steve Knightley (gweler uchod). Eleni rydyn ni’n falch iawn o gynnwys y ddau gawr yma ar nosweithiau gwahanol er mwyn i gynifer o bobl â phosib brofi’r hud. Mae setiau Phil yn cynnwys caneuon godidog, offeryniaeth syfrdanol a straeon swynol. I wylio Phil yw gwylio meistr ar waith - mae wedi bod yn gigio ers 45 mlynedd ac nid yw wedi gorffen rhediad 75 sioe ar gyfer taith ffarwel Show Of Hands ers tro. “Rwy’n rhyfeddu fy mod yn dal i sefyll,” meddai. “Dw i wedi gwneud cannoedd o albymau gyda bandiau/cantorion/cerddorion ac wedi gwneud gigs gyda nhw. Mae rhai yn fyd-enwog, rhai nad ydych erioed wedi clywed amdanynt. Tra fy mod i’n boenus yn y mannau roeddwn i’n arfer chwarae (L Cohen!), rydw i’n dal yn barod am yr hyn sydd ar fin digwydd, nid yr hyn sydd wedi bod ac sydd wedi mynd.” Rydyn ni'n rhagweld yn hyderus bod yr hyn sydd ar fin digwydd yn mynd i fod yn arbennig iawn.

THE HAAR THE HAAR

This should be an amazing performance! The Haar brings the fresh talent of traditional Irish singer Molly Donnery combined with three of the most exciting instrumentalists on the folk and traditional music circuit: Cormac Byrne (Instrumentalist of the Year 2019, FATEA Magazine Music Awards), Adam Summerhayes (‘a Paganini of the traditional violin’ fROOTS) and Murray Grainger (‘Gorgeous stuff’ BBC Radio 3). Together they have gained stellar reviews. Folk Radio UK says: “We need more music like this; spontaneous, alive and affecting, The Haar will take you on a journey and have you appreciating the purest of life’s pleasures. Wonderful stuff.” While our friends at Bristol 24/7 add: “This is not a dyed-green-Guinness-and-a-bit-o’-craic Ireland, this is the coast of Connemara Ireland, this is watching the fog roll in around The Skellig Islands Ireland… Devastatingly beautiful.” Dylai hwn fod yn berfformiad anhygoel! Mae The Haar yn dod â thalent ffres y gantores draddodiadol Wyddelig Molly Donnery ynghyd â thri o’r offerynwyr mwyaf cyffrous ar y gylchdaith gerddoriaeth werin a thraddodiadol: Cormac Byrne (Offerynnwr y Flwyddyn 2019, Gwobrau Cerddoriaeth Cylchgrawn FATEA), Adam Summerhayes (‘a Paganini of y ffidil traddodiadol FROOTS) a Murray Grainger ('Gorgeous stuff' BBC Radio 3). Gyda'i gilydd maent wedi ennill adolygiadau serol. Dywed Folk Radio UK: “Mae angen mwy o gerddoriaeth fel hyn; yn ddigymell, yn fyw ac yn effeithio, bydd yr Haar yn mynd â chi ar daith a byddwch yn gwerthfawrogi pleserau puraf bywyd. Stwff rhyfeddol.” Tra bod ein ffrindiau ym Mryste 24/7 yn ychwanegu: “Nid yw hon yn Iwerddon-Guinness-and-a-bit-o’-craic wedi’i lliwio’n wyrdd, dyma arfordir Connemara Iwerddon, mae hwn yn gwylio’r niwl yn rholio o amgylch The Ynysoedd Skellig Iwerddon… Yn ofnadwy o brydferth.”

KATHRYN ROBERTS AND SEAN LAKEMAN KATHRYN ROBERTS A SEAN LAKEMAN

Kathryn and Sean return to our festival stage after too long an absence. They are folk royalty, twice winners of the 'Best Duo' title at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, as well as ‘Best Duo’ at the Folking.com awards and Spiral Earth awards. In over two decades of performance they have made music with the likes of Seth Lakeman, Cara Dillon, The Levellers, Fotheringay, Kate Rusby and Show of Hands - and have never been trapped in a groove, meaning even their most steadfast fans always get something new. Kathryn and Sean mix innovative arrangements of traditional songs with their self-penned pieces of genius. As Fatea magazine says: “Kathryn and Sean sit at the high table of contemporary song-writing and musicianship.” Mae Kathryn a Sean yn dychwelyd i lwyfan ein gŵyl ar ôl absenoldeb rhy hir. Maen nhw’n aelodau o’r teulu brenhinol, wedi ennill teitl y ‘Deuawd Orau’ ddwywaith yng Ngwobrau Gwerin BBC Radio 2, yn ogystal â ‘Deuawd Gorau’ yng ngwobrau Folking.com a gwobrau Spiral Earth. Mewn dros ddau ddegawd o berfformio maent wedi creu cerddoriaeth gyda phobl fel Seth Lakeman, Cara Dillon, The Levellers, Fotheringay, Kate Rusby a Show of Hands - ac nid ydynt erioed wedi cael eu dal mewn rhigol, sy'n golygu bod hyd yn oed eu cefnogwyr mwyaf diysgog bob amser yn cael rhywbeth newydd. Mae Kathryn a Sean yn cymysgu trefniannau arloesol o ganeuon traddodiadol gyda’u darnau hunan-ysgrifennu o athrylith. Fel y dywed cylchgrawn Fatea: “Mae Kathryn a Sean yn eistedd wrth fwrdd uchel cyfansoddi caneuon cyfoes a cherddoriaeth.”

RANAGRI RANAGRI

Ranagri, in Irish, means Fort of the Hare and is the name of a small village in Ireland called Rathnagrew which is the anglicised spelling of.Ranagri. This stunning band is anything but small - they’ve grown to become one of the biggest draws in UK folk festivals with their unique blend of guitar, flutes, whistles, harp, piano, hammered dulcimer, bouzouki, bodhrán, orchestral percussion and voices. Ranagri are Dónal Rogers, a prolific songwriter and producer, renowned flautist Eliza Marshall, harpist Eleanor Dunsdon and percussionist Jordan Murray. Prepare to be moved to joy and tears at some glorious lyrics - and don’t forget your dancing shoes, Ranagri know how to party! Ystyr Ranagri, yn y Wyddeleg, yw Fort of the Hare ac mae'n enw ar bentref bychan yn Iwerddon o'r enw Rathnagrew sef y sillafiad Seisnigedig of.Ranagri. Mae’r band syfrdanol hwn yn unrhyw beth ond bach - maen nhw wedi tyfu i fod yn un o’r rafflau mwyaf yng ngwyliau gwerin y DU gyda’u cyfuniad unigryw o gitâr, ffliwt, chwibanau, telyn, piano, dulcimer morthwyl, bouzouki, bodhrán, offerynnau taro cerddorfaol a lleisiau. Ranagri yw Dónal Rogers, cyfansoddwr a chynhyrchydd toreithiog, y ffliwtydd enwog Eliza Marshall, y delynores Eleanor Dunsdon a’r offerynnwr taro Jordan Murray. Paratowch i gael eich symud i lawenydd a dagrau gyda geiriau godidog - a pheidiwch ag anghofio eich esgidiau dawnsio, mae Ranagri yn gwybod sut i barti!

THE LUKE JACKSON TRIO Y TRIAWD LUKE JACKSON

Luke Jackson opened our Friday night concert last year - and raised the bar for every act that followed. He was sensational - and what a voice! Three separate standing ovations during his set told their own story, and we just had to have him back with his red-hot band. Since his 2012 debut album More Than Boys (produced by Wales’s Martyn Joseph) Luke has toured and recorded relentlessly. He has starred at the Costa del Folk, toured the USA, and supported Fairport Convention, Richard Thompson, Marillion and Jools Holland - including a concert with Jools at the Royal Albert Hall. Speaking of Luke’s seven-track EP Of The Time, Fatea magazine enthused: “He has gifted us with one of the most important and essential releases we’ve heard in quite some time.” Agorodd Luke Jackson ein cyngerdd nos Wener y llynedd – a chodi’r bar ar gyfer pob act a ddilynodd. Roedd yn sensational - a dyna lais! Roedd tri chymeradwyaeth sefyll ar wahân yn ystod ei set yn adrodd eu stori eu hunain, ac roedd yn rhaid i ni ei gael yn ôl gyda'i fand coch-poeth. Ers ei albwm gyntaf More Than Boys yn 2012 (a gynhyrchwyd gan Martyn Joseph o Gymru) mae Luke wedi teithio a recordio’n ddi-baid. Mae wedi serennu yn y Costa del Folk, wedi teithio’r UDA, ac wedi cefnogi Fairport Convention, Richard Thompson, Marillion a Jools Holland – gan gynnwys cyngerdd gyda Jools yn y Royal Albert Hall. Wrth siarad am EP saith trac Luke Of The Time, roedd cylchgrawn Fatea yn llawn brwdfrydedd: “Mae wedi rhoi un o’r datganiadau pwysicaf a mwyaf hanfodol rydyn ni wedi’u clywed ers tro.”

JEZ LOWE AND THE BAD PENNIES JEZ LOWE A’R BAD PENNIES

Riches upon riches! Jez Lowe by himself is a festival giant, but with the Bad Pennies his wonderful songwriting is elevated to levels few other bands can reach. The Bad Pennies are a collection of virtuosos. Andy May, a multi-instrumentalist with his accordion, Northumbrian small-pipes, and whistles, has 20 wins at open piping competitions under his belt, his first at the age of 13, Andy is a record-breaking (and holding) nine-time winner of the Northumbrian Pipers Society Annual Open Competition. David de la Haye started out playing bass with Border’s fiddler Shona Mooney and has since pushed the bass to the foreground with the Monster Ceilidh Band. Kate Bramley adds to the mix with sensational fiddle playing and soaring vocals. This is going to be an outstanding set. Golud ar gyfoeth! Mae Jez Lowe ar ei ben ei hun yn un o gewri’r ŵyl, ond gyda’r Bad Pennies mae ei gyfansoddi caneuon gwych wedi’i ddyrchafu i lefelau na all llawer o fandiau eraill eu cyrraedd. Casgliad o virtuosos yw'r Bad Pennies. Mae Andy May, sy’n aml-offerynnwr gyda’i acordion, pibau bach a chwibanau o Northumbria, wedi ennill 20 o fuddugoliaethau mewn cystadlaethau pibau agored o dan ei wregys, ei gyntaf yn 13 oed, Andy yn torri record (ac yn dal) naw- enillydd amser Cystadleuaeth Agored Flynyddol Cymdeithas Pibyddion Northumbria. Dechreuodd David de la Haye chwarae bas gyda ffidlwr Border Shona Mooney ac ers hynny mae wedi gwthio’r bas i’r blaendir gyda’r Monster Ceilidh Band. Mae Kate Bramley yn ychwanegu at y gymysgedd gyda chwarae ffidil syfrdanol a lleisiau uchel. Mae hon yn mynd i fod yn set ragorol.

LOWRI EVANS LOWRI EVANS

Described by Bob Harris as “ one of my absolute favourite artists,” Lowri Evans last played for this festival in 2023 - and was one of the great hits of the weekend (besides the tumultuous standing ovation, we ask a number of festivalgoers to fill in a survey - so we know!) Her songs span Americana, folk, country and blues, all supported by Lee Mason’s beautifully judged guitar playing and subtle harmonies. (In fact, we reckon Lee is one of this country’s very finest guitarists with licks and solos right out of the top drawer). Lowri has taught songwriting alongside Beth Nielsen Chapman and Judi Tzuke and has opened for Seth Lakeman, Glenn Tilbrook, Martin Simpson, Cara Dillon, Steve Tilston. If there’s any justice in this world, they should one day open for her. Wedi’i disgrifio gan Bob Harris fel “un o’m hoff artistiaid,” chwaraeodd Lowri Evans i’r ŵyl ddiwethaf yn 2023 – ac roedd yn un o ganeuon mwyaf poblogaidd y penwythnos (ar wahân i’r gymeradwyaeth gythryblus sy’n sefyll, gofynnwn i nifer o fynychwyr yr ŵyl lenwi a arolwg - felly rydyn ni'n gwybod!) Mae ei chaneuon yn rhychwantu Americana, gwerin, gwlad a blues, i gyd wedi'u hategu gan gitâr hardd Lee Mason a harmonïau cynnil. (Mewn gwirionedd, rydyn ni'n meddwl bod Lee yn un o gitaryddion gorau'r wlad hon gyda llyfu ac unawdau allan o'r drôr uchaf). Mae Lowri wedi dysgu cyfansoddi caneuon ochr yn ochr â Beth Nielsen Chapman a Judi Tzuke ac wedi agor i Seth Lakeman, Glenn Tilbrook, Martin Simpson, Cara Dillon, Steve Tilston. Os oes unrhyw gyfiawnder yn y byd hwn, fe ddylen nhw un diwrnod agor iddi.

ANGHARAD JENKINS & PATRICK RIMES ANGHARAD JENKINS A PATRICK RIMES

Multi-award-winning musicians Angharad Jenkins (violin/voice) and Patrick Rimes (violin/voice/piano/pipes) have been members of Welsh folk group supergroups Pendevig and Calan. Now, as a duo, they take their love and knowledge of Welsh folk music to new levels of intimacy, with vibrant playing and beautiful vocal harmonies. Swansea-based Angharad is currently working on her first solo album, and also plays as part of the duo DnA with her mother, the celebrated harpist Delyth Jenkins. Patrick, born raised in Bethesda, North Wales, has a style firmly rooted in the distinctive fiddle tradition of that area, but he also draws on a wide variety of other influences too, from orchestral music to jazz and bebop. He was twice named junior fiddle champion of Wales, and remains the only person to have won the coveted ‘blue ribbon’ award at Anglesey Eisteddfod for a traditional music performance. Mae’r cerddorion arobryn Angharad Jenkins (ffidil/llais) a Patrick Rimes (ffidil/llais/piano/pibell) wedi bod yn aelodau o’r grwpiau gwerin Cymreig Pendevig a Calan. Nawr, fel deuawd, maen nhw’n mynd â’u cariad a’u gwybodaeth am gerddoriaeth werin Gymreig i lefelau newydd o agosatrwydd, gyda chwarae bywiog a harmonïau lleisiol hyfryd. Ar hyn o bryd mae Angharad, sy’n hanu o Abertawe, yn gweithio ar ei halbwm unigol cyntaf, ac mae hefyd yn chwarae fel rhan o’r ddeuawd DnA gyda’i mam, y delynores enwog Delyth Jenkins. Mae gan Patrick, a fagwyd ym Methesda, Gogledd Cymru, arddull sydd wedi’i gwreiddio’n gadarn yn nhraddodiad ffidil nodedig yr ardal honno, ond mae hefyd yn tynnu ar amrywiaeth eang o ddylanwadau eraill hefyd, o gerddoriaeth gerddorfaol i jazz a bebop. Cafodd ei enwi ddwywaith yn bencampwr ffidil iau Cymru, ac mae’n parhau i fod yr unig berson sydd wedi ennill gwobr chwenychedig y ‘rhuban glas’ yn Eisteddfod Môn am berfformiad cerddoriaeth draddodiadol.

HERON VALLEY HERON VALLEY

Heron Valley are one of the most exciting, vibrant bands we’ve encountered in ages. Featuring a powerful line up of bagpipes, fiddle, guitar, keyboards, bass and drums, their music incorporates elements of Scottish and Irish folk and bluegrass. They’ve toured extensively, performing at major festivals and venues across the UK, Europe, and North America - but this is their first visit to South Wales. We confidently predict it won’t be their last. Mae Heron Valley yn un o’r bandiau mwyaf cyffrous, bywiog rydyn ni wedi dod ar eu traws ers oesoedd. Yn cynnwys cyfres bwerus o bibau, ffidil, gitâr, allweddellau, bas a drymiau, mae eu cerddoriaeth yn ymgorffori elfennau o werin Albanaidd ac Iwerddon a bluegrass. Maent wedi teithio’n helaeth, gan berfformio mewn gwyliau a lleoliadau mawr ledled y DU, Ewrop a Gogledd America – ond dyma’u hymweliad cyntaf â De Cymru. Rydyn ni'n rhagweld yn hyderus nad dyma fydd eu olaf.

AVANC AVANC

We have watched Avanc progress to become the stupendous juggernaut of virtuosity and sound that they are today. When we ask our festival audiences who they’d most like to see again, Avanc top many, many lists. If you’re new to this astonishing band, you’ll feel like you’ve been in the path of an express train. Even if you have seen them, you still won’t know what to expect - other than this is Welsh musicianship at its spellbinding height. Avanc are effectively Wales’ National Youth Folk Band, and they specialise in unearthing forgotten musical gems from ancient manuscripts and reworking them in their own energetic image. Avanc’s powerful 11-piece lineup include fiddles, triple harps, bagpipes and five clog dancers. You wanted ‘em, we got ‘em. Rydym wedi gwylio Avanc yn symud ymlaen i ddod yn jygiwr syfrdanol rhinwedd a sain y maent heddiw. Pan ofynnwn i’n cynulleidfaoedd gŵyl pwy hoffent ei weld fwyaf eto, mae Avanc ar frig llawer, llawer o restrau. Os ydych chi'n newydd i'r band rhyfeddol hwn, byddwch chi'n teimlo eich bod chi wedi bod yn llwybr trên cyflym. Hyd yn oed os ydych chi wedi’u gweld nhw, fyddwch chi dal ddim yn gwybod beth i’w ddisgwyl – heblaw am hyn mae cerddoriaeth Gymreig yn ei hanterth swynol. Avanc yw Band Gwerin Cenedlaethol Ieuenctid Cymru i bob pwrpas, ac maen nhw’n arbenigo mewn dod o hyd i berlau cerddorol anghofiedig o lawysgrifau hynafol a’u hailweithio yn eu delwedd egniol eu hunain. Mae rhestr bwerus 11-darn Avanc yn cynnwys ffidlau, telynau deires, pibau a phum clocsiwr. Roeddech chi eisiau ‘nhw, fe gawson ni nhw.

SAM KELLY AND JAMIE FRANCIS SAM KELLY A JAMIE FRANCIS

We’re delighted to welcome Sam Kelly to our main stage. Previously performing with his band The Lost Boys, Sam returns with banjo and guitar virtuoso Jamie Francis in one of the most stunning duos in world folk music. Since winning the prestigious Horizon Award for emerging artists at 2016’s BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, Sam has worked with stars such as Kate Rusby, Seth Lakeman, and Cara Dillon. Jamie started gigging at the age of 12 and has since played across the world - including as part of Seth Lakeman’s band. Expect soaring harmonies, unforgettable tunes and melodies and instrumental fireworks of the highest calibre. Mae’n bleser gennym groesawu Sam Kelly i’n prif lwyfan. Cyn perfformio gyda’i fand The Lost Boys, mae Sam yn dychwelyd gyda’r pencampwr banjo a gitâr Jamie Francis yn un o ddeuawdau mwyaf syfrdanol cerddoriaeth werin y byd. Ers ennill Gwobr fawreddog Horizon ar gyfer artistiaid newydd yng Ngwobrau Gwerin BBC Radio 2 2016, mae Sam wedi gweithio gyda sêr fel Kate Rusby, Seth Lakeman, a Cara Dillon. Dechreuodd Jamie gigio yn 12 oed ac ers hynny mae wedi chwarae ar draws y byd - gan gynnwys fel rhan o fand Seth Lakeman. Disgwyliwch harmonïau uchel, alawon ac alawon bythgofiadwy a thân gwyllt offerynnol o'r safon uchaf.

HANNAH SANDERS AND BEN SAVAGE HANNAH SANDERS A BEN SAVAGE

Two wonderful musicians at the top of their game, Hannah and Ben have been winning rave reviews for their stunning albums and performances at concerts and festivals across the folk world. Ben’s unique guitar sound and Hannah’s stunning vocals will live long in the memory. Importantly too, they’re a lot of fun - with a stage presence shimmer with an infectious joy for the music. “Enchantingly beautiful music,” says The Mirror. And the Daily Express adds:“Bewitching harmonies, tasteful twin guitars and a dreamy quality that lingers long after the music ends.” Mae dau gerddor bendigedig ar frig eu gêm, Hannah a Ben wedi bod yn ennill adolygiadau gwych am eu halbymau trawiadol a pherfformiadau mewn cyngherddau a gwyliau ar draws y byd gwerin. Bydd sain gitâr unigryw Ben a lleisiau syfrdanol Hannah yn byw yn hir yn y cof. Yn bwysig hefyd, maen nhw'n llawer o hwyl - gyda sglein presenoldeb llwyfan gyda llawenydd heintus i'r gerddoriaeth. “Cerddoriaeth hudolus o hardd,” meddai The Mirror. Ac mae’r Daily Express yn ychwanegu: “Argorïau swynol, gitarau gefeilliol chwaethus ac ansawdd breuddwydiol sy’n aros ymhell ar ôl i’r gerddoriaeth ddod i ben.”

PAUL LLOYD NICHOLAS PAUL LLOYD NICHOLAS

A favourite on the folk circuit, Paul also teaches guitar and songwriting at retreats across the UK and Europe, and is an ambassador for Richard Meyrick guitars, hand built in Abergavenny by one of Britain’s great luthiers. Paul’s haunting, story-telling songs are played on BBC radio and on stations worldwide, especially Australia, the USA and Canada. One of them, Hold The Line, is curated at the National Folk Museum of Wales. Along the way he has picked up some illustrious fans such as Charlie Dore and Fairport’s Dave Pegg (“He writes such beautiful songs”). “He sings like an angel and plays like a demon,” says the Castle of Brecon Folk Club. Folk Wales magazine adds: “Paul can hold an audience transfixed with a beautiful song...he enriches the folk scene.” Yn ffefryn ar y gylchdaith werin, mae Paul hefyd yn dysgu gitâr ac ysgrifennu caneuon mewn encilion ledled y DU ac Ewrop, ac mae’n llysgennad i gitarau Richard Meyrick, a adeiladwyd â llaw yn y Fenni gan un o luthiers mawr Prydain. Mae caneuon dirdynnol Paul yn cael eu chwarae ar radio’r BBC ac ar orsafoedd ledled y byd, yn enwedig Awstralia, UDA a Chanada. Mae un ohonyn nhw, Hold The Line, yn cael ei churadu yn Amgueddfa Werin Cymru. Ar hyd y ffordd mae wedi codi rhai ffans enwog fel Charlie Dore a Dave Pegg o Fairport (“Mae’n sgwennu caneuon mor hyfryd”). “Mae’n canu fel angel ac yn chwarae fel cythraul,” meddai Clwb Gwerin Castell Aberhonddu. Ychwanega cylchgrawn Folk Wales: “Gall Paul ddal cynulleidfa wedi’i thrawsnewid â chân hyfryd...mae’n cyfoethogi’r sîn werin.”

THE ROB LEAR BAND BAND ROB LEAR

Described as ‘Elegance with acoustic aplomb’ , and as ‘oozing class’ by Country Music Magazine and RnR Magazine, Rob Lear is one of this country’s premier songwriters. Albums such as Motorcycle Heart and Strange Days have cemented a reputation for stunning melodies and instantly memorable lyrics. “Great songs with such a sad voice,” says pop legend Justin Hayward of the Moody Blues. Producer Greg Haver (Manic Street Preachers, Cerys Matthews, Catatonia, Melanie C, kt tunstall ) reckons that Rob is “one of the best singer songwriters around.” Rob’s third album, Strange Days, encapsulates the Rob Lear Band sound as a fusion of Folk, Americana, pop and a touch of rockabilly. Rob’s songs draw on the memories, experiences and coming-of-age tales growing up in the Welsh Valleys. Live, the Rob Lear Band blend elements of beautiful vocal harmonies and a wide range of instruments including accordion, mandolin, violin and percussion. Disgrifiwyd Rob Lear gan Country Music Magazine fel ‘elegance with acoustic aplomb’, ac ‘oozing class’ gan RnR Magazine. Mae Rob yn awdur caneuon o fri: mae ‘’ a ‘’ yn cynnwys caneuon llawn melodi a geiriau cofiadwy. Yn ôl Justin Hayward o’r Moody Blues, “Great songs with such a sad voice”. Medd y cynhyrchydd Greg Haver (Manic Street Preachers, Cerys Matthews, Catatonia, Melanie C, kt tunstall ) “Rob is one of the best singer songwriters around.” Yn ei drydydd albwm, Strange Days mae’n plethu gwerin, Americana, pop a rhywfaint o rockabilly. Ysbrydolir Rob gan ei brofiadau wrth ddod i oed yng nghymoedd de Cymru. Wrth chwarae’n fyw, mae’r band yn cyflwyno canu llawn cytgord ac amrywiaeth eang o offernynau.

MAIR THOMAS MAIR THOMAS

Mair was brought up in Montgomeryshire in a musical family, where she grew up in the chapel and eisteddfod tradition. She sings both in English and Welsh, and was the first winner of our festival’s singer-songwriter competition. She is a regular on BBC radio and has twice appeared at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod. Expect hugely melodic country-folk and a soaring crystal-clear voice. Magwyd Mair yn Sir Drefaldwyn mewn teulu cerddorol, lle magwyd hi yn y traddodiad capel ac eisteddfodol. Mae hi’n canu yn Gymraeg ac yn Saesneg, a hi oedd enillydd cyntaf cystadleuaeth cantores-gyfansoddwr ein gŵyl. Mae hi'n gyson ar radio'r BBC ac wedi ymddangos ddwywaith yn Eisteddfod Ryngwladol Llangollen. Disgwyliwch wlad-werin hynod felodaidd a llais uchel grisial-glir.

PHIL MILLICHIP PHIL MILLICHIP

Phil Millichip is a South Wales singer-songwriter and deft guitarist. He has a huge repertoire of well-crafted songs - including the intensely moving ‘If I Had A Son’ recorded and performed by many other artists, including the late great Vin Garbutt. Phi, whose songs are popular requests on radio shows such as Frank Hennessy’s Celtic Heartbeat, will be leading our songwriting workshop - a session he has single-handedly turned into festival favourite. Canwr-gyfansoddwr a gitarydd medrus o dde Cymru yw Phil Millichip. Mae ganddo repertoire enfawr o ganeuon crefftus – gan gynnwys y hynod deimladwy ‘If I Had A Son’ wedi’i recordio a’i pherfformio gan nifer o artistiaid eraill, gan gynnwys y diweddar wych Vin Garbutt. Bydd Phi, y mae ei ganeuon yn geisiadau poblogaidd ar raglenni radio fel Celtic Heartbeat gan Frank Hennessy, yn arwain ein gweithdy ysgrifennu caneuon - sesiwn y mae wedi troi ar ei ben ei hun yn ffefryn yn yr ŵyl.

THE BAGAD GRWNDI WELSH FIDDLE ORCHESTRA CERDDORFA FFIDIL CYMRAEG BAGAD GRWNDI

Bagad Grwndi (very roughly translated from the Welsh as a ‘bag of cats’) is a community fiddle orchestra in South Wales. Under the direction of Welsh traditional cello pioneer Jordan Price Williams (VRï), the group offers an opportunity for string players of all ages and ability to explore Welsh traditional music through an orchestral string setting whilst keeping true to the spirit of the Welsh fiddle. Expect an utterly uplifting wall of sound. Cerddorfa ffidil gymunedol yn Ne Cymru yw Bagad Grwndi . O dan gyfarwyddyd yr arloeswr soddgrwth traddodiadol Cymreig, Jordan Price Williams (VRï), mae’r grŵp yn cynnig cyfle i chwaraewyr llinynnol o bob oed a gallu i archwilio cerddoriaeth draddodiadol Gymreig mewn cyd-destun cerddorfa linynnol, tra’n cadw’n driw i ysbryd y ffidil Gymreig. Disgwyliwch wal sain gwbl ddyrchafol.

JUICE JUICE

JUICE are one of the Britain’s truly great ceilidh bands. Having them play regularly at our festival is a gigantic privilege. With a 40-year history spanning two generations, Juice are veterans of many hundreds of Ceilidh performances at folk festivals, folk dance clubs, corporate and social events throughout the UK and abroad, earning the accolade “the best jigs and reels Ceilidh band in the UK”. The band’s huge repertoire features entirely original arrangements of dance tunes from the traditions of the British Isles, Europe and North America dating from the 15th century to the present day. Their relentless energy creates a party atmosphere on every stage and dance floor that welcomes them. For our festival they will be joined by renowned caller Ned Clamp. A great night guaranteed. Mae Juice yn un o fandiau ceilidh gwirioneddol wych Prydain. Mae cael chwarae yn rheolaidd yn ein gŵyl yn fraint enfawr. Gyda hanes 40 mlynedd yn ymestyn dros ddwy genhedlaeth, mae Juice yn gyn-filwyr o gannoedd o berfformiadau Ceilidh mewn gwyliau gwerin, clybiau dawnsio gwerin, digwyddiadau corfforaethol a chymdeithasol ledled y DU a thramor, gan ennill y clod “y jigiau a’r riliau band Ceilidh gorau yn y DU”. Mae repertoire enfawr y band yn cynnwys trefniannau cwbl wreiddiol o alawon dawns o draddodiadau Ynysoedd Prydain, Ewrop a Gogledd America yn dyddio o’r 15fed ganrif hyd heddiw. Mae eu hegni di-baid yn creu awyrgylch parti ar bob llwyfan a llawr dawnsio sy’n eu croesawu. Ar gyfer ein gŵyl bydd y galwr enwog Ned Clamp yn ymuno â nhw. Noson wych wedi ei gwarantu.

BROOKS WILLIAMS BROOKS WILLIAMS

Brooks Williams is, by common consent, one of the world’s top 100 acoustic guitarists. If you’ve seen Brooks before you’ll queue to see him again - if this is your first time, prepare to be stunned. This lovely, self-effacing genius with a voice like brandy butter has been gigging for 35 years. Now resident in the UK, he left his home in Statesboro, Georgia, at 19, moved to Boston and cut his teeth in the coffee houses and bars, developing such a technique that he was soon supporting the likes of Nanci Griffith, Leo Kottke and Taj Mahal. Oh yes, and his bottleneck guitar work is utterly jaw-dropping. Just watch what he does with Amazing Grace… Mae Brooks Williams, trwy gydsyniad cyffredin, yn un o 100 gitarydd acwstig gorau’r byd. Os ydych chi wedi gweld Brooks o’r blaen byddwch chi’n ciwio i’w weld eto – os mai dyma’ch tro cyntaf, paratowch i gael eich syfrdanu. Mae’r athrylith hyfryd, hunan-effeithiol hwn gyda llais fel menyn brandi wedi bod yn gigio ers 35 mlynedd. Bellach yn preswylio yn y DU, gadawodd ei gartref yn Statesboro, Georgia, yn 19, symudodd i Boston a thorri ei ddannedd yn y tai coffi a'r bariau, gan ddatblygu techneg o'r fath fel ei fod yn fuan yn cefnogi pobl fel Nanci Griffith, Leo Kottke a Taj Mahal. O ie, ac mae ei waith gitâr tagfa yn hollol syfrdanol. Gwyliwch beth mae'n ei wneud gyda Amazing Grace ...

GREG ROWLANDS GREG ROWLANDS

Greg Rowlands is one of South Wales’ truly great folk singers. With a voice that can carry to every corner of any room or auditorium he plays, Greg is a huge and commanding presence on stage. His interpretations of both standards and little-known gems ranges from the rousing to the deeply, movingly sensitive. Greg’s two fine albums Rollin’ The Covers and Songthief can only give a flavour of the way he envelops his audience in a giant bear hug. In fact, if you’re not joining in with every chorus, you might be advised to check your pulse! An event to make you smile. Mae Greg Rowlands yn un o gantorion gwerin gwirioneddol wych De Cymru. Gyda llais sy'n gallu cario i bob cornel o unrhyw ystafell neu awditoriwm y mae'n ei chwarae, mae Greg yn bresenoldeb enfawr a meistrolgar ar y llwyfan. Mae ei ddehongliadau o safon a gemau anhysbys yn amrywio o'r cynhyrfus i'r hynod sensitif. Ni all dau albwm gwych Greg Rollin’ The Covers a Songthief ond rhoi blas o’r ffordd y mae’n gorchuddio ei gynulleidfa mewn cwtsh arth enfawr. Yn wir, os nad ydych chi'n ymuno â phob corws, efallai y cewch eich cynghori i wirio'ch pwls! Digwyddiad i wneud i chi wenu.

WYNFORD JONES & GEOFF CRIPPS WYNFORD JONES A GEOFF CRIPPS

Wynford Jones and Geoff Cripps’ towering presence on the folk circuit over four decades has been immense. Both founder members of much-loved 80s folk-rock pioneers The Chartists, Wynford and Geoff retain all their energy and verve. Wynford’s songs articulate, like few others can, the radical Welsh working-class experience…and the poignant memories of growing up in the Valleys. All are underpinned by the sensitive playing of multi-instrumentalist Geoff, a visionary campaigner for folk music whose work on the arts scene has nurtured new generations of performers. The duo’s current stage act has been given fresh impetus by the digital release of The Chartists’ long-unavailable masterwork Cause For Complaint. It is an album that left Wales’s pre-eminent modern songwriter Martyn Joseph awestruck. “I can’t recall a moment in my lifetime when we needed the siren call of protest more than now,” he said. “We need the spirit of these songs…to remind ourselves of who we truly are.” Mae presenoldeb aruthrol Wynford Jones a Geoff Cripps ar y gylchdaith werin dros bedwar degawd wedi bod yn aruthrol. Mae'r ddau yn sylfaenwyr arloeswyr roc gwerin poblogaidd o'r 80au The Chartists, Wynford a Geoff yn cadw eu holl egni a'u brwdfrydedd. Mae caneuon Wynford yn cyfleu, fel ychydig iawn o rai eraill, brofiad radicalaidd y dosbarth gweithiol…a’r atgofion teimladwy o dyfu i fyny yn y Cymoedd. Ategir y cyfan gan chwarae sensitif yr aml-offerynnwr Geoff, ymgyrchydd gweledigaethol dros gerddoriaeth werin y mae ei waith ym myd y celfyddydau wedi meithrin cenedlaethau newydd o berfformwyr. Mae act lwyfan gyfredol y ddeuawd wedi cael hwb newydd gan ryddhad digidol o waith meistr The Chartists nad yw ar gael ers tro, Cause For Complaint. Mae’n albwm a adawodd y cyfansoddwr caneuon modern amlycaf o Gymru, Martyn Joseph, o’r neilltu. “Ni allaf gofio eiliad yn fy oes pan oedd angen y galwad seiren o brotest arnom yn fwy na nawr,” meddai. “Rydyn ni angen ysbryd y caneuon hyn… i atgoffa ein hunain o bwy ydyn ni mewn gwirionedd.”

THE CHRIS MORETON TRIO TRIAWD CHRIS MORETON

Besides being one of the kindest, most laid-back blokes on the music scene, Chris Moreton is, by any yardstick, one of the greatest bluegrass guitarists Britain has ever produced. A former Guitarist Magazine Acoustic Guitarist of the Year, and British Bluegrass instrumentalist of the Year, Chris is also a five-time guitar champion at the renowned Edale Bluegrass Festival. The Independent rightly calls him “the best bluegrass player in the country” while Guitarist magazine said: “Chris Moreton’s performance of The Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheba saw jaws dropping throughout the audience.” At our festival, Chris will be joined by wife Wendy, a wonderful bass player, and Dobro guitar whizz Chris Tweed. We’re proud to have The Chris Moreton trio kick off our FREE Friday afternoon concert in such style. It starts at 3.30pm - be there and be amazed. Heblaw am fod yn un o'r bobl fwyaf caredig, mwyaf hamddenol ar y sin gerddoriaeth, mae Chris Moreton, o unrhyw ffon fesur, yn un o'r gitaryddion bluegrass gorau y mae Prydain erioed wedi'i gynhyrchu. Yn gyn-Gitarist Magazine Gitarydd Acwstig y Flwyddyn, ac offerynnwr Prydeinig Bluegrass y Flwyddyn, mae Chris hefyd yn bencampwr gitâr pum-amser yng Ngŵyl enwog Edale Bluegrass. Mae’r Independent yn gywir yn ei alw’n “chwaraewr bluegrass gorau’r wlad” tra dywedodd y cylchgrawn Gitâr: “Gwelodd perfformiad Chris Moreton o The Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheba safnau ar draws y gynulleidfa.” Yn ein gŵyl, bydd ei wraig Wendy, chwaraewr bas bendigedig, a chwis gitâr Dobro Chris Tweed yn ymuno â Chris. Rydym yn falch o gael y triawd Chris Moreton i gychwyn ein cyngerdd prynhawn Gwener AM DDIM mewn steil o’r fath. Mae'n dechrau am 3.30pm - byddwch yno a rhyfeddwch.

RON SAVORY RON SAVORY

Ron Savory is an astonishing force of nature - a huge stage presence, a giant voice and an instrumental technique that marks him out as one of Wales’s greatest acoustic guitarists. His songs range from driving soft rock to the heart-achingly poignant and melodic. Regular festival-goers will readily recognise Ron as part of the Eclectic Shed Experience - a stunning trio who were one of the main stage hits of 2024. Now, his solo performance is set to capture even more fans. Watch as Ron’s mesmerising perfomance of his song Pray It Never Comes stuns a noisy audience into appreciative silence. Mae Ron Savory yn rym rhyfeddol o fyd natur - presenoldeb llwyfan enfawr, llais enfawr a thechneg offerynnol sy'n ei nodi fel un o gitaryddion acwstig mwyaf Cymru. Mae ei ganeuon yn amrywio o roc meddal gyrru i'r torcalonnus o deimladwy a melodig. Bydd mynychwyr rheolaidd yr ŵyl yn barod iawn i adnabod Ron fel rhan o'r Eclectic Shed Experience - triawd syfrdanol a oedd yn un o brif hits llwyfan 2024. Nawr, mae ei berfformiad unigol ar fin dal hyd yn oed mwy o gefnogwyr. Gwyliwch wrth i berfformiad hudolus Ron o’i gân Pray It Never Comes syfrdanu cynulleidfa swnllyd i dawelwch gwerthfawrogol.

O-GAM I-GAM O-GAM I-GAM

O-gam I-gam is a high-energy Twmpath band and caller based in South Wales. They are a group of talented freelance musicians who share a passion for bringing people together to enjoy Welsh folk culture through music and dance. A Twmpath is a traditional Welsh barn dance. No experience is necessary as a caller will give simple instructions and explain the steps for fun group dances that can be enjoyed by everyone of all ages and energy levels. Come and just join in! While you catch your breath there will also be an opportunity to see some Welsh folk dancing performed by local dancers and also to sing along to well-known Welsh songs. So come and join O-gam I-gam for an evening of dance, fun, laughter and live music in our FREE Twmpath on Friday night. Band a galwr Twmpath llawn egni wedi’i leoli yn Ne Cymru yw O-gam I-gam. Grŵp o gerddorion llawrydd dawnus sy’n angerddol dros ddod â phobl ynghyd i fwynhau diwylliant gwerin Cymru trwy gerddoriaeth a dawns. Nid oes angen profiad o ddawnsio Twmpath arnoch, gan y bydd galwr yn rhoi cyfarwyddiadau syml ac yn egluro’r camau ar gyfer dawnsiau grŵp hwyliog y gall pawb eu mwynhau – pob oed a phob lefel egni. Dewch i ymuno! Tra byddwch yn cael eich gwynt atoch bydd cyfle hefyd i weld ychydig o ddawnsio gwerin Cymreig a chyfle i gyd-ganu caneuon Cymraeg cyfarwydd. Felly, dewch i ymuno ag O-gam I-gam ar gyfer noson o ddawns, hwyl, chwerthin a cherddoriaeth fyw yn ein Twmpath AM DDIM nos Wener.

HERMIONE WILD HERMIONE WILD

Hermione Wild is the worthy winner of our singer-songwriter competition and will play on our main stage on the festival’s opening Friday night. Her song ‘Aline’ is about a woman unlucky in love. “It’s really about modern dating,” says Hermione, from Swansea. “But I tried to write it with themes that might have been relevant to women in that position at any time in the last 200 years or so…there are some problems and pitfalls that never seem to go away and, believe me, as a single mum I know a lot of them!” One of our competition judges, the great Welsh songwriter Lowri Evans (who will perform on our main stage on Saturday night) said: "Hermione was clear winner from the opening bars of the song - great storytelling, lovely voice and accomplished guitar work". Hermione, will share a bill with Welsh fiddle geniuses Angharad Jenkins & Patrick Rimes, Irish superband The Haar, folk royalty Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman and the living legend that is Phil Beer. “I’m massively excited,” added Hermione. “It will be a privilege to share a stage with such huge talent.” Hermione Wild yw enillydd teilwng ein cystadleuaeth canwr-gyfansoddwr a bydd yn chwarae ar ein prif lwyfan ar nos Wener agoriadol yr ŵyl. Mae ei chân ‘Aline’ yn sôn am fenyw sy’n anlwcus mewn cariad. “Mae'n ymwneud â dyddio modern mewn gwirionedd,” meddai Hermione, o Abertawe. “Ond ceisiais ei ysgrifennu gyda themâu a allai fod wedi bod yn berthnasol i fenywod yn y sefyllfa honno ar unrhyw adeg yn ystod y 200 mlynedd diwethaf…mae yna rai problemau a pheryglon nad ydyn nhw byth yn diflannu, a chredwch chi fi, fel mam sengl rydw i'n adnabod llawer ohonyn nhw!” Dywedodd un o feirniaid ein cystadleuaeth, y gyfansoddwraig Gymreig wych Lowri Evans (a fydd yn perfformio ar ein prif lwyfan nos Sadwrn): “Roedd Hermione yn enillydd clir o farrau agoriadol y gân – adrodd straeon gwych, llais hyfryd a gwaith gitâr medrus”. Bydd Hermione yn rhannu rhaglen gyda'r athrylithwyr ffidil o Gymru Angharad Jenkins a Patrick Rimes, y band super Gwyddelig The Haar, y teulu brenhinol Kathryn Roberts a Sean Lakeman a'r chwedl fyw yw Phil Beer. “Rwy’n hynod gyffrous,” ychwanegodd Hermione. “Bydd yn fraint cael rhannu llwyfan gyda thalent mor enfawr.”

BOIS Y BRYN BOIS Y BRYN

Bois Y Bryn are, among very many other things, Wales’s premier sea shanty band. Based in Cwmbran they were formed by singers from local choirs and bands. Now, along with Fisherman’s Friends, they sit at the pinnacle of the UK shanty tradition. This is a set not to be missed - if you can get to the festival for their late Friday afternoon gig you won’t be disappointed. Their performances are foot-tapping, hand-clapping, audience engaging and utterly uproarious. Bois Y Bryn yw prif fand sianti môr Cymru ymhlith llawer iawn o bethau eraill. Wedi'u lleoli yng Nghwmbrân fe'u ffurfiwyd gan gantorion o gorau a bandiau lleol. Nawr, ynghyd â Chyfeillion y Pysgotwyr, maen nhw ar binacl traddodiad sianti’r DU. Mae hon yn set na ddylid ei cholli - os gallwch chi gyrraedd yr ŵyl ar gyfer eu gig hwyr brynhawn Gwener ni chewch eich siomi. Mae eu perfformiadau'n dal traed, yn clapio â llaw, yn ddeniadol i'r gynulleidfa ac yn gwbl gynhyrfus.

BLACKWOOD CEILIDH BAND BAND CEILIDH COED DUON

The original Blackwood Comprehensive School Celtic Band (now the Blackwood Ceilidh Band) was formed in 2001 following a donation of instruments via the BBC's 'Instrument Amnesty' scheme (which aimed to redistribute unwanted instruments to worthy causes). Having acquired two mandolins and a banjo, the then Head of Music, Hilary Brown, and Guitar Peripatetic Teacher Mike Collins, began to form a fledgling band around this consisting of around twelve interested pupils playing tin whistle, guitar, bodhran drum, mandolin, cello and double bass. This inaugural group performed at St. David's Hall (Level 3 stage) in December 2001. Spurred on by this success, all pupils in Year 8 were taught to play the tin whistle and encouraged to join the Band. Since 2003, the Band has toured and gigged many times and the school continues to give all pupils a grounding in folk music. The band is now into its eighth incarnation, reformed after Covid as the Blackwood Ceilidh Band. Catch them in one of our dance marquees on Saturday afternoon. Ffurfiwyd Band Celtaidd gwreiddiol Ysgol Gyfun Coed Duon (Band Ceilidh Coed Duon erbyn hyn) yn 2001 yn dilyn rhodd o offerynnau trwy gynllun 'Amnest Offeryn' y BBC (a oedd yn anelu at ailddosbarthu offerynnau dieisiau i achosion teilwng). Ar ôl cael dau fandolin a banjo, dechreuodd y Pennaeth Cerdd ar y pryd, Hilary Brown, a’r Athro Peripatetig Gitâr Mike Collins, ffurfio band ifanc o amgylch hyn a oedd yn cynnwys tua deuddeg o ddisgyblion â diddordeb yn chwarae’r chwiban tun, gitâr, drwm bodhran, mandolin, sielo a bas dwbl. Perfformiodd y grŵp agoriadol hwn yn Neuadd Dewi Sant (llwyfan Lefel 3) ym mis Rhagfyr 2001. Wedi'i ysgogi gan y llwyddiant hwn, dysgwyd holl ddisgyblion Blwyddyn 8 i ganu'r chwiban tun a'u hannog i ymuno â'r Band. Ers 2003, mae’r Band wedi teithio a gigio droeon ac mae’r ysgol yn parhau i roi sylfaen i bob disgybl mewn cerddoriaeth werin. Mae’r band bellach yn ei wythfed ymgnawdoliad, wedi’i ailffurfio ar ôl Covid fel Band Ceilidh Coed Duon.

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