SHOW OF HANDS		DOUGIE MACLEAN
Show of Hands is an English acoustic roots and folk duo comprising singer-songwriter Steve Knightley and multi-instrumentalist Phil Beer. In recent years they have been accompanied on tour and in the studio by double-bassist Miranda Sykes. They are undeniably one of the strongest current forces in acoustic music. "Formidable operators in the roots arena. A class act"  The Independent		Dougie MacLean is one of Scotland's most successful, respected and popular musicians. Singer-songwriter, composer and 'magical' performer, he is also a fine guitarist and fiddle player. "...a Scottish phenomenon...with his exquisite guitar style, expressive voice and honest performance, his songs conjure up remarkably vivid imagery of our world"    (The Performing Songwriter, USA)
JAMIE SMITH'S MABON		THE YOUNG 'UNS
Jamie Smith's Mabon are Wales' finest purveyors of original Celtic music. As comfortable on a world music stage as in a folk setting, theirs is a music that travels beyond borders to explore the forms and styles of the Celtic traditions.Through songs and melodies, from thoughtful lyrics to joyful jigs, graceful mazurkas to ecstatic muñera, here is a band that can take you on an emotional journey.		After bursting onto the folk scene 3 years ago, The Young’uns have fast become one of the most popular, entertaining and sought after live acts today. With bags of charm, talent, and an abiding enthusiasm for traditional song, Sean Cooney, David Eagle and Michael Hughes bring freshness and dynamism to their arrangements of close harmony songs, both with and without accompaniment.
STEVE TILSTON		Lucy Ward
Steve Tilston is one of our most celebrated song-smiths and is widely recognised within the world of folk and contemporary music.The words, arrangements and subtle, quite superb guitar playing could be no one else. His music has featured regularly on radio and TV. "SteveTilston writes beautiful words and melodies ...his work will rank alongside much better known artists"     Ralph McTell		Lucy Ward is a British singer, guitarist and concertina player from Derby. She performs traditional English folk songs as well as her own material. Having supported many top folk artists, Lucy has gone on to become a headline act in her own right at festivals and clubs all over the country. She is developing into a fine songwriter and a consummate performer who wows her audience with her genuine and sparkling personality and her stunning voice.
Pete Abbott		Mendocino
Pete Abbott is a regular visitor to Wirral Folk On The Coast Festival.  A member of Other Roads, currently embarking on their Spring tour and in their 5th year, Pete’s own reputation as a singer, songwriter and performer has grown with the band. Previously with the John Wright Band, Pete's solo performances are expertly delivered with style and ease.		Based in the South East of Ireland, Mendocino are Hugh O’Carroll, Guitar,Evan Grace and Ryland Teifi. With guitar, banjo, mandolin, bazouki and keyboards, together with strong vocals, their music displays a real depth of talent. Last year they successfuly toured Ireland and Wales and they are currently writing tracks for their new album.
Anna Shannon		Full House
From a classical musical background (flute, oboe, saxophone and violin) Anna has featured in line-ups of diverse styles over the last few years but it is her award winning solo work on the folk circuit that is now earning growing acclaim. Her varying guitar styles and honest voice, has been admired and accepted by many folk traditionalists and maritime and shanty singers		Full House is one of Chester's foremost acoustic bands and and host the very successful Raven Folk Club. The current line-up, Chris Lee, Nick Mitchell, Dave Russell, Mark Woolley and Ian Jones bring a fresh expanded sound that demonstrates their talent and musicianship. "Their latest CD maintains their reputation as one of the finest folk bands in the North West"  Folk North West
The Blue Pig Orchestra		BarlowCree
The Blue Pig Orchestra, Mike Rolland, Joanna Byrne, Daz Rice, Stuart Emery and Mark Mitchell, are a five piece Blackpool band gaining a reputation for powerful, exciting live performances, dynamic songwriting and rich male/female vocal harmonies. Influenced by folk, americana and rock and roll in equal measures, the BPO concentrate on writing exciting songs which have a story to tell.		BarlowCree is a Cardiff based folk-acoustic duo performing original material and their own adaptation of traditional and contemporary folk songs. Their magnetic stage presence, coupled with craftsman-like song writing is captivating audiences on both the club and festival scenes. "Barlowcree... their original songs are powerful and their covers are... well, original." Genevieve Tudor,  BBC
Ruth & Ken Powell		Wildfire Folk
Ruth and Ken joined forces around 16 years ago as part of the much acclaimed trio ‘Risky Business’.Now singing as a double act, they entertain us with the same quality sound we have all enjoyed over the years. Ken has been admired for his ability to enhance and strengthen the personal achievements of many a singer and musicians over the yearswith his competent and dedicated playing. Ruth remains to be one of the most exceptional female vocalists in the UK.		Wildfire was formed by Lichfield Arts as a Youth Ensemble to play music as it should be played - with enthusiasm, energy and style! Initially inspired by the Birmingham Conservatoire Folk Emsemble and lead by fiddle extraordinaire Joe Broughton, Wildfire started off as a one off workshop and was so popular that it quickly developed into a band in its own right with regular rehearsals and performances all over the country.