2009

and with it came another warm, sun-dappled chapter in the story of Moseley Folk.

Our line-up had definitely stepped up to another level, with Friday’s headliner Saint Etienne performing their Mercury-nominated Foxbase Alpha. Bob Stanley had agreed to curate Friday’s bill, and his choices were sublime. From Sweden’s enchanting Frida Hyvonen to Glasgow’s pop legends the Pastels playing alongside Japan’s avant-pop duo Tenniscoats, 2009 really was a Folk masterclass from far and wide.

The rest of the weekend was no less inspiring, with local tabla legend Pritam Singh treating us to an unforgettable lesson in classical Indian music, followed by a very rare performance from British Folk Prog band Comus and later Adrian Edmonson’s Punk Folk project, the Bad Shepherds.

Sadly, the late great Bert Jansch didn’t make it to Moseley Folk due to illness. However, the knitters of Moseley Folk spent the weekend making him a patchwork scarf to keep him warm.

Beth Orton, Cara Dillon, Martin Carthy & Dave Swarbrick, Jim Moray and Wizz Jones – to name just a few – what a heavyweight line-up this year was, illustrating our growing confidence and passion for bringing you the best musical talent from around the world.

The Main Stage was open at the back, giving views through to the beautiful lake behind, the floral dressing on the stage had grown as had the huge helium weather balloons.

Andy Harrison’s hand-powered fairground, as well as the fearsome Pirates, had become favourites with our younger audience – Huzzah!!