2013

will always be remembered as one of those golden years where everything just seemed to fall into place — the right artists, the right energy, and that unmistakable Moseley magic that only happens when the community gathers under the trees.

We welcomed a proudly Irish heartbeat to the park, led by the legendary Dubliners, who brought decades of song and storytelling to our little corner of Birmingham. They set the tone for the weekend, which also saw Tir na nOg and Wild Clover.

Complemented by the best in more contemporary Folk and Americana; The Staves, The Travelling Band, Efterklang, The Leisure Society and Lucy Rose.

An 18 year old Katherine Priddy first played the Main stage at Moseley. You can always rely on Moseley Folk to bring you the freshest young talent.

Edwyn Collins gave us one of the most emotional performances in Moseley Folk history. Fresh from a long recovery after suffering from 2 brain haemorrhages, his voice rang out stronger than ever, and the whole field seemed to hold its breath in admiration.

And then came Indie Friday,  a last-minute curveball that turned into a sell-out triumph with Ocean Colour Scene belting out Moseley Shoals in its entirety.

British Sea Power swept in with their usual eccentric brilliance, complete with a giant bear costume — John Fell fulfilled a lifetime ambition to become the Bear on stage.

As ever, our roots were firmly planted in the local scene. Frogmorton; Dave, Lucy, Chris, Roger, and of course Mike Smith, a long-time member of our box office team, treated us to their farewell set.

This year, the main (and only) bar moved onto Centre Court alongside the Centre Court Stage so you could enjoy live music while you stocked up on Purity’s fine ales.

Also, this year, one of the stranger incidents we’ve witnessed at Moseley Folk – a rare and very poisonous Coral Snake was discovered backstage on the Saturday night. Not one to shy away from danger, our Safety Officer, Rob Dudley, was quick to catch and put the snake into a box ready for the RSPCA to safely collect. Maybe it was the music that encouraged it to escape its vivarium from a nearby house; we’ll never know, but from then on, Rob became known as Crocodile Dudley.

Looking back, 2013 felt like the year the festival stretched its legs, more confident, more eclectic, and more Moseley than ever. A meeting place for tradition and discovery, legendary acts and rising stars and heartfelt performances. It was a year that reminded us exactly why we do this, to bring people together and make memories that live far beyond a single summer.