So finally here is my blog on the Sunday at this years Gate to Southwell Folk Festival. The day started with a local band Not Now John on the open stage, they did a fine set of covers ranging from Fleetwood Mac to George Ezra's Budapest.

Not Now John

Next it was over to the main stage to catch another set from Flossie Malavialle, followed by a solo set from Chris Wood both on the main stage. 

Chris Wood

After Chris Wood I went over to the second stage and first up once there was Ed Donovan and the Wandering Moles, who put on a fine set of original songs.

Ed Donovan and The Wandering Moles

Next up was what could be easily called a folk super-group, being The Tweed Project. Made up of the duo Greg Russell & Ciaran Alger plus The Mischa Macpherson Trio. Greg & Ciaran won BBC Folk newcomers award in 2013 & Mischa the following year. So the combination of award winning musicians and singers meant a real treat, and from such young artists.

The Tweed Project

Last on in the afternoon session on stage 2 was Dark Horses, a project featuring Flossie Malavialle & Keith Donnelly. The two combining to perform songs from their latest album "Under the rainbow". All songs written by Keith. The songs showed off the wonderful vocal talents of Flossie to their best.

Dark Horses

After having a wander around the site watching some of the Morris Dancers and having something to eat it was time for the evening session.

I decided once again to spend the evening at the Second Stage. First up were Blind Willies, hailing from San Francisco who proceeded to entertain with a mixed set of  folk, blues and Americana. Definitely a band worth seeing if ever you get the chance. I enjoyed them so much I purchased two of their albums.

Blind Willies

Second up for the evening were Mark Rogers & Mary Byrne, also from the states, this time from Brooklyn New York. This was their first ever U.K. visit, and they didn't disappoint.

Mark Rogers & Mary Byrne

After two lots of Americans it was back to the UK with Maia with their eclectic brand of "Sci-Fi Folk". Maia appeared at Southwell last year and this was a more than welcome return. They must be one of the most original bands to appear. With a mix of traditional folk instruments augmented with synthesisers and brass they delivered once again a fine set, complete with some wonderful harmonised vocals. 

Maia

Maia were followed by the winner of the annual open mike competition. Sadly I did not catch the name of the young man who won, though he was a very accomplished singer and guitar player, singing a couple of blues influenced songs as well as a more traditional folk song. The good thing is he will be invited to appear at next years festival with his own 20 minute slot.

And so onto the last set of the festival for me. Manran and guests, in the form of The Tweed Project. This was formed by both bands playing individually and also combining on other tunes and songs. By now it was starting to get very chilly and it was nice to have some rousing stuff to clap along to. Manran hail from Scotland and play as mix of traditional folk with a rock influence, with most of the vocals in Gaelic. And of course coming from Scotland they include the bagpipes.

Manran

So this years festival came to an end, and once again the line up was excellent, and I came away already looking forward to next year and the tenth anniversary.