NEW DATES COMING SOON
Music in our Tent by the Pond, Market Place and Hayloft Bar, dancing and choirs, storytellers and roaming performers throughout both days. Circus skills, silent disco and craft in the Children’s Tent. Pond dipping and Barn tours with The National Trust. Try your hand at some Arts & Crafts. Music and performances from international musicians to some of the best local community groups and choirs. A perfect combination to make the soundtrack to end your summer. Plenty to keep adults, families and children of all ages entertained.
A Gate pass provides entrance to the Festival to enjoy the activities, music and performances across the site.
PLEASE NOTE – There are a few separately ticked performances and workshops that are NOT included in your Gate Pass. Please see the ‘Separately Ticketed Performances’ page on the website.
A Day Gate pass gives you access to the Festival 10.00am until 11.00pm. An Evening Gate Pass gives you access from 6.00pm until closing
Please see our listings to decide which is the best ticket for you. Discounts are available for Group Bookings so please get in contact and we will see what we can do for you! Children under 2 are free and don’t require any ticket.
Please scroll down for full details of all the music and children’s/family activities that we hosted in 2022
All activities in black are included in the Gate Pass. Any performances in blue are separately ticketed.
Saturday Live Music
SATURDAY DAY GATE PASS
Eddie Cooke
Saturday 17th September
11.00am & 3,15pm, Hayloft Bar
Eddie is a self taught guitarist with a poetry back ground. His unique style of playing and writing, combined with his passionate and powerful vocal, has given him a unique quality many artist long for.
SATURDAY DAY GATE PASS
Rickety Nelson (Dave Headey)
Saturday 17th September
12.00pm, Hayloft Bar
Rickety Nelson will be bringing his old guitar and will sing all his hits (or rather, hit) and, provided he remembers most of the words, songs by other stars of that era like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and Lonnie Donegan.
SATURDAY DAY GATE PASS
Bad Uke Rising and Cirencester Ukulele Club
Saturday 17th September
1.00pm Hayloft Bar
Foot tapping favourites!
SATURDAY DAY GATE PASS
Canute’s Plastic Army
Saturday 17th September
1.15pm Tent by the Pond
Canute’s Plastic Army features the soaring, passionate vocals of Anish Harrison and dynamic, intricate acoustic guitar of Neil Mercer.
SATURDAY DAY GATE PASS
Tu-kay & Ryan
Saturday 17th September
1.15pm Tent by the Pond
Tu-kay & Ryan are an award winning acoustic duo blurring the lines between alt-folk, Americana and roots music.
They have become known for their lush harmonies and heartfelt lyrics.
SATURDAY DAY GATE PASS
Seven O’Clock Junkies
Saturday 17th September
4.15pm Tent by the Pond
The Seven O’ Clock Junkies is the alias for Darryl Everitt a British pop singer/songwriter who was possibly born in the wrong decade and definitely in the wrong country.
Blending Californian chime of the Byrds with the vocal hook of every great British invasion band of the 60’s, the Seven O’ Clock Junkies deliver a storming set of foot tapping covers and originals.
SATURDAY DAY GATE PASS
What the Pluck
Saturday 17th September
Family Barn Dance, 5.00pm
A Swindon based ukulele band covering a range of popular tunes from the classics through to more modern hits
Toe tapping, lively and always fun
https://www.whatthepluckswindon.com/
SATURDAY DAY & EVENING GATE PASS
N/SH
Saturday 17th September
6.00pm Tent by the Pond
N/SH is a solo, multi-instrumentalist musician with Alternative, Indie and Ambient genres all featuring in his music.
Influences such as Radiohead, The Smile Band, Fink, Sigur Ros, The Slow Show, Damien Rice, Ben Howard and The National, to name but a few, have shaped N/SH’s sound.
Described musically as:
‘A Rennaisance Man’ creating ‘Musical Ear-Worms’ and ‘Catchy Choruses’.
Individually Unique’ with a ‘Pensive, Melodic & Atmospheric vibe’.
‘His incredibly crafted self-penned songs are rich in narrative and his cool persona reflects this.’
‘He’s one for any singer-songwriter to sit and admire’
SATURDAY DAY & EVENING GATE PASS
James J Turner
Saturday 17th September
6.45pm Tent by the Pond
James J Turner has a unique live solo style and is one of the most potent artists to emerge from the Acoustic music scene in recent years. James’s powerful voice and dextrous guitar playing provide the backbone to his passionate, anthemic songs
“A potent piece of folk rock. If justice was done, there really shouldn’t be anyone that doesn’t already know this man’s work …This music will get inside your brain and stay there“
Tim Carroll, FOLKWORDS
SATURDAY DAY & EVENING GATE PASS
Steph Brown
Saturday 17th September
7.15pm, Hayloft Bar
Brighton based songstress Steph Brown is gearing up for her enchanting new single, Come with me to be released August 16th. This will be the second single from soon to be released debut album ‘Surfacing’ Steph, formally known as Della Lupa, began hosting open mics at 16 and, such was her own untapped talent, was encouraged by her contemporaries to join them in their musical endeavours. Creating a style unique to her own life experiences, Steph has cultivated an earnest, cathartic sound packed full of emotion and biographical lyrics.
SATURDAY DAY & EVENING GATE PASS
Paul McClure
Saturday 17th September
7.45pm Tent by the Pond
If you haven’t heard of Paul McClure, then its about time you remedy that. A UK Americana singer songwriter, full-time touring Troubadour, storyteller, road-warrior, raconteur and serial house concert performer from Rutland, England signed to Clubhouse Records.
“Remarkable songwriter… We should all work on helping make him the star he deserves to be.” – Mojo
“the warmth and confidence that Paul McClure brings to the stage means he’s always a compelling entertainer” Americana UK (2019)
Paul McClure’s songwriting style takes inspiration from the greatest of sources, from Townes Van Zandt to Loudon Wainwright III, Elvis Costello to Ryan Adams. A wonderful lyrical balance of wit, pathos, compassion and strength combines with an ear for timeless melody to prove the songs more than strong enough to carry the weight.
With acclaimed performances at many UK festivals including Glastonbury, Ramblin’ Roots, Y-Not, Truck and Cambridge Folk Festival and now The Great Barn Festival!
SATURDAY DAY & EVENING GATE PASS
Kev Minney
Saturday 17th September
8.30pm & 9.45pm, Hayloft Bar
Born and raised in Northampton, UK, Kev Minney is a singer-songwriter with a unique voice and virtuoso guitar skills. His songs emanate straight from the heart, evoking emotion, that bring us stories of tenderness, grit, hope, authenticity and beauty.
He is strongly influenced by songwriters including Neil Young, Nick Drake, Jackson C Frank and Joni Mitchell, along with more modern-day artists such as Radiohead and Nick Cave. With three albums under his belt, airplay on several BBC Radio Station, Kev is one to watch out for!
‘BEAUTIFUL & INTELLIGENT’ – FOLK RADIO
‘A VERY PROMISING FUTURE’ – GUITARIST MAGAZINE
SATURDAY DAY & EVENING GATE PASS
The Autumn Saints
Saturday 17th September
9.00pm Tent by the Pond
The Autumn Saints are an Anglo-American quartet based in Oxford, UK.
The band’s music has its roots planted firmly in the American South, with lead singer Britt Strickland bringing the soulful, weighty music history of his home state of North Carolina to the City of Dreaming Spires.
Their brand new album has just been released and has been named Album of the Week by UK Country Radio. It’s called “Wind Burn & Broken Oak” so make sure you look it up and listen.
A real treat for our Tent by the Pond.
SATURDAY DAY & EVENING GATE PASS
Knights of Mentis
Saturday 17th September
10.00pm Tent by the Pond
Back by popular demand! The Knights of Mentis are an acoustic nine piece playing Americana, country and roots music.
They are sure to go down a storm at the Barn Festival.
https://knightsofmentis.bandcamp.com/
Sunday Live Music
SUNDAY DAY GATE PASS
Mizike Choir
Sunday 18th September
12.00pm, Tent by the Pond
So what is Mizike Singing? Well, it’s an infectious blend of music from Africa and Europe that uses urban and ethnic styles and rhythms. It’s a very different way to use your voice and your body – focusing on movement, learning songs by ear and learning alternative and exciting new vocal techniques. But above all, it’s about the amazing sound of polyphony – the effect of lots of voices singing different parts together, building up intricate rhythms and harmonies.
SUNDAY DAY GATE PASS
Ben Avison
Sunday 18th September
12.30pm, Tent by the Pond
Guitarist Ben Avison has carefully honed the craft of songwriting, telling a story in every song. He is a captivating performer who has been singled out for his “beautifully rich voice”, “tasty guitar work” and as a “master of many styles” by the BBC.
The influences are eclectic and classic, yet floating above it is a clear English voice all its own.
SUNDAY DAY GATE PASS
Rising Voices Choir
Sunday 18th September
1.45pm, The Great Barn
A community choir with folk roots.
SUNDAY DAY GATE PASS
Jali Fily Cissokho
Sunday 18th September
2.15pm, The Hayloft Bar
Senegalese master musician Jali Fily Cissokho brings along his 21 string West African kora/harp to the Festival. He comes from a family of musicians, the skills and traditions passed down from generation to generation yet still brings modern influences into his music. If you didn’t know what a Kora what before, now you do!
SUNDAY DAY GATE PASS
Soundabout Choir
Sunday 18th September
2.30pm, Tent by the Pond
The Soundabout Inclusive Choirs are musical communities without barriers for people all ages and all abilities, with a focus on giving a voice to people with severe and profound learning disabilities.
SUNDAY DAY GATE PASS
Whoosya
Sunday 18th September
3.15pm, Tent by the Pond
Whoosya is a fun, energetic band from Wantage in Oxfordshire. They perform songs from the American Folk Roots tradition – that’s a fusion of country, bluegrass, gospel, jug band and skiffle.
The band has guitars, banjo and mandolin and is driven along by the bass and washboard. Having four singers with this powerful rhythmic playing gives their songs drive and energy. It’s impossible to sit still while listening!
SUNDAY DAY GATE PASS
Space Pigs
Sunday 18th September
4.15pm, Tent by the Pond
SpacePigs have returned from the future to play classic rock from the past bringing you Santana, Eric Clapton, Eagles, The Rolling Stones, Bowie and more)
SUNDAY DAY GATE PASS
Boogie Me
Sunday 18th September
5.00pm, The Great Barn
Jon Lane and Boogie Me are a 15 piece Rhythm, Blues and Boogie band. Formed in 2006, the band comprises experienced players who have cut their teeth with numerous bands and orchestras. Drawn together with a collective love of R&B, Soul, Blues and obviously, Boogie, the band continues to grow from strength to strength. With a set list that includes Ray Charles, Solomon Burke, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Paulo Nutini, Amy Winehouse, Nina Simone, Sam Brown, The Commitments, Blues Brothers, James Brown and Jools Holland there really is something for everyone… If you like your Blues swinging then this is a band you’re going to want to see more of
SUNDAY EVENING @ THE BARN
Jody & The Jerms
Sunday 18th September
6.00pm, Tent by the Pond
Jody & the Jerms only formed in St Clements, Oxford, in late 2019, but their blend of indie jangle pop, tinged with country, punk and folk overtones, quickly saw the band pick up airplay on BBC 6 Music, Radio X and Absolute, amongst many stations. The sextet were one of the last bands to do a BBC session for the much-missed Janice Long in December 2021.
Since then, the band have released their album Flicker to glowing reviews and toured the UK in June and July, and with a new single called Waves out in September, be sure to catch their set in the Tent By The Pond.
SUNDAY EVENING @ THE BARN
Tim Friars & The Mercenaries
Sunday 18th September
7.00pm, Tent by the Pond
Tim Friars & The Mercenaries, are a well-renowned Celtic Rock Band, as popular for their powerful live set as for their fantastic recorded sound. The band is made up of a talented team of creative musicians: Tim on guitars and vocals, Gordon on Keyboards, guitar and vocals, Mike on fiddle, mandolin and guitar, Steve on Bass guitar, Charlotte on backing vocals and vanity busting and Andy on drums and cajon.
Based in Oxfordshire, they have a storied history of live performances, a variety of musical styles and arrangements, and professional recording sessions. They pride themselves on their musical versatility and fun and frantic live shows, breaking boundaries with their unique sound.
SUNDAY EVENING @ THE BARN
Old Time Sailors
Sunday 18th September
8.00pm, The Great Barn
Old Time Sailors is a musical show designed to take the audience back in time through an unforgettable trip to the 19th century and beyond. Pick up your own copy of the Sunday Sailor, which includes lyrics to all the songs in order to sing along and become a Sailor for one epic night!
From bluegrass, to sea shanties, traditional Irish to lively drinking songs, join in the 17 strong musical crew and witness an astounding show unmatched in this music genre
Saturday Family Activities
SATURDAY DAY GATE PASS
David Gibb
Saturday 17th September
10.30am, Tent by the Pond
David Gibb is on a one-man mission to make brilliant, engaging and high quality music for families. Guaranteed to have both parents and children singing along in no time, this is music that the whole family can enjoy together.
“prepare to be carried away with the music… packed full of catchy, toe tapping numbers” The Guardian
David Gibb is a musician, theatre maker and author who has spent the last 10 years working with children and families. In 2011 he received the highly commended prize at the Young Story Teller of the Year Awards and in the same year was nominated for a BBC Radio 2 Folk Award. Since then he has gone onto to release four albums for families, written music and songs for numerous theatre projects and had his music played on radio stations all over the world.
SATURDAY DAY GATE PASS
Circus Skills Workshop
11.00am onwards, Children’s Tent
Who hasn’t wanted to master a new skill like juggling or plate-spinning? A circus workshop is a great way to involve people of all ages in a positive, fun learning and sharing experience. It is the perfect way to be introduced to the fun world of circus arts such as juggling, plate spinning, poi, ribbon, diabolo, feather balance, pedal go and stilts
So whether you’re big or small, young or old, our experienced circus artists are guaranteed to teach you some new skills.
SATURDAY DAY GATE PASS
David Gibb – Song writing Workshop
Saturday 17th September
11.15am, The Children’s Tent
A chance for children to embark on a magical musical adventure to remember with a workshop from award winning song writer and performer David Gibb!
Create your very own song, exploring lyrics, melody, rhythm and more. At the end of the session, perform the song and wow your family and friends.
A fantastic way to introduce children to the concept of creating their own music, as well as developing confidence in creative writing through songs.
SATURDAY DAY GATE PASS
What Not Theatre – The Insect Hunters
Saturday 17th September
1.00pm onwards Festival Grounds
Join WhatNot Theatre on the giant bug hunt! Team up with The Insect Hunters and follow our intrepid explorers as they hunt for the long lost species of giant moth! Who know what can be lurking in the grounds of a medieval Barn!
Lots of fun, games and silliness as you learn a bit more about the wonderful world of bugs
SATURDAY DAY GATE PASS
Armaleggan
Saturday 17th September
2.00pm, Festival Grounds
Firm Festival favourites, Armaleggan is a Border Morris side with added Grrr…
SATURDAY DAY GATE PASS
Family Barn Dance with What The Pluck
Saturday 17th September
5.00pm, The Great Barn
Join us as we throw open the doors of the Great Barn for a hoedown with a difference!
SATURDAY & SUNDAY DAY GATE PASS
Classic Storytelling from Rattlebox Theatre
Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th September
Various times throughout the weekend from the medieval storytelling tent
Storytelling at its finest.
“Dave Oliver as hilarious and totally compelling as ever, as his stories drew one in to his crazy, topsy – turvy folktale – but – not – as – it – seems world with his splendid range of accents and utter charm”
Shane Wolfland- Exeter Respect festival
SATURDAY & SUNDAY DAY GATE PASS
Children’s Tent
Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th September
There will be plenty of activities running throughout the day from the Children’s Tent with Arts & Craft for all ages.
SATURDAY & SUNDAY DAY GATE PASS
Pond Dipping
Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th September
Join the National Trust for a spot of pond dipping as you investigate the wildlife in the Great Barn pond
All nets and equipment will be provided
SATURDAY & SUNDAY DAY GATE PASS
Silent Disco
Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th September
The Children’s Tent
Need we say more, what’s not to love about a silent disco.
The disco will be running across the weekend from the Children’s Tent.
SATURDAY & SUNDAY DAY GATE PASS
Tours of the Great Barn
Led by The National Trust, come and learn the fascinating history of this magnificent building
SATURDAY & SUNDAY DAY GATE PASS
Rob at The Woodshed
Rob is a wood worker with a passion for heritage craft making hand crafted spoons and bowls from locally sourced green wood using axes, knives and a foot powered lathe.
Rob will be demonstrating his craft throughout the weekend and will have lots of items for sale.
Sunday Family Activities
SUNDAY DAY GATE PASS
A Dragons Tale, Theatrix Arts Theatre
Sunday 18th September
10.30am, The Tent by the Pond
Foolishly John Lambton throws the strange googly eyed fish back into the river. What has he done! The Fish grew and grew and grew until… Well why not find out by coming to watch Paul Batten of Theatrix Arts perform this magical story based on the legend of the Lambton Worm through puppets, changing scenery, music and sound effects.
SUNDAY DAY GATE PASS
A Dragons Tale, Theatrix Arts Theatre
Sunday 18th September
11.30am, The Tent by the Pond
Meet the puppets and create your very own Dragon Puppet
SUNDAY DAY GATE PASS
Emma Boor Puppet Peddler
Sunday 18th September
12.00pm & 4.30pm Festival Grounds
Imagine a magical bicycle, arriving at a safe space near you, full of stories, music and comedy puppets. Imagine watching ‘be-spoke’ mini shows from a bike (sorry for the pun), packed with creative ideas that inspire you to try things at home and bring worlds to life.
It’s Cycle themed, Early years street theatre and puppetry for very young audiences and their families.
Meet ‘The 3 Bicycle Goats Gruff’ and the Cycle Helmet Troll. Have a wheely good time with ‘The Gingerbread Man’ and his messy baking, and join a thrilling race with ‘The Tortoise and the Hare’.
Prepare to be amazed and entertained by The Puppet Pedlar.
SUNDAY DAY GATE PASS
The Vale Islanders
Sunday 18th September
1.00pm, Festival Grounds
The Vale Islanders is a group of dancers and musicians who perform Playford English country dances of the Seventeenth Century in the costume of the period.
Our name reflects our roots in the island villages of the Vale of White Horse and our dancing aims to reflect the dances of the ordinary people of the Vale 350 years ago.
All our dances are taken from “The English Dancing Master” first published by John Playford in 1651.
SUNDAY GATE PASS
The Two Severn Bores – Take a journey along well known rivers in story and song
2.45pm, The Great Barn
Journey the river from it’s source to the sea, exploring the history and mythology of the area with The Two Severn Bores, Bill Church and Dan Everett. Tales full of fascinating facts, fables and beautiful music flow through a narrative journey of the Severn and perhaps a few other waterways as they navigate landscapes familiar and historic.
Bill Church is currently Story Teller in residence at the Farm for City Children’s Wick Court in Gloucestershire (This is a wonderful farm set up by Clare and Michael Morpurgo). A former Head Teacher, Bill continues to inspire literacy projects and extend his storytelling skills to new practitioners, young and old. http://www.thestorytraveller.co.uk
Dan Everett is a versatile and talented musician. A founding member of Polly and the Billet Deux and regular on tour with Lady Nade he has just launched a solo album ‘Fragments’. With soaring vocals, a rootsy folk, Americana sound and rhythmic jazz and soul influences Dan insures the sense of water flows through the performance with all the life and variation of the river itself.
SUNDAY DAY GATE PASS
Professor Slug’s House of Bugs
Sunday 18th September
3.00pm, Festival Grounds
Professor Slug’s House of Bugs is a show all about bugs. Professor Slug is an eccentric expert on invertebrates who helps bugs out with their buggy problems – and you can too!
Get as strong as an ant! Teach a bee how to buzz! And help a dung beetle make a pooey perfume for its big date…
This interactive show is packed full of colourful puppets, catchy songs, and educational info about the wonderful world of bugs. The puppets are designed by Georgia Hill (CBeebies) with music written by Catriona Gisby (Elle & the Pocket Belles).
The show is also partnered with wildlife conservation charity Buglife.
https://www.instagram.com/professorslugsbugs/
SUNDAY DAY GATE PASS
Tiny Wildlings Nature Play
Sunday 18th September
Various times throughout the day next to the Children’s Tent
Tiny Wildlings is an outdoor playgroup which adopts a forest school ethos, encouraging pre-school aged children to learn through child-led play. Come and join in the fun next to the Childrens Tent
Our wildlings can cook up a storm in the mud kitchen, hunt for bugs in the grounds, get wet and messy with some water play or create some beautiful crafts to take home.
Great Barn Festival 