2014

a year when the artwork grew bolder, the lineup grew louder, and the whole festival seemed to breathe a little deeper.

A strong new artistic direction from Rik Cooper, and one that lasted a good 3 years. And what a strong line-up to match! Somehow, against all sensible logic, we found ourselves inviting Johnny Marr and Billy Duffy into our leafy corner of Birmingham.

Watching two icons from The Smiths and The Cult stroll into a folk festival felt like a wonderfully mischievous secret we’d pulled off — the sort of programming twist that has always kept Moseley Folk just a little bit unpredictable. Add the incomparable Richard Thompson, The Doves, Jimi Goodwin, Thurston Moore and our first visit from The Waterboys, and suddenly 2014 felt like a festival stepping into its stride.

Bedford’s Ouse Valley Singles Club made a first Moseley performance on the Centre Court Stage. Festival favourites for many years, since – if you haven’t seen them before here’s one of their least rude numbers….

A bigger festival meant we needed The Commentators to keep you informed of all the action in the Park. James and Craig from Stan’s Café delivered a marathon commentary relaying the minutiae of all things Moseley delivered to all corners of the Park via an old school tannoy speaker system. Memorable episodes include the Wasp Sting / Marissa Nadler / Toilet Van. Here’s some live action from 2019.

Chickenbone John joined us this year for the first time, bringing his Cigar Box Guitar workshop to Moseley. Whip the Cat – all female Rapper and Clog dancers from Notts held a memorable dance workshop and performance on Centre Court.

Leafing through the programme, you’ll see a review of Lunar Festival, which had taken its bold first step to a weekend-long multi-stage festival at the Umberslade Estate. The photos include Arthur Brown (The Crazy World Of), who lit the procession fire, seen getting friendly with a Wolf alongside a face-painted Russell Gill. Russell, bless his soul, was our Head Steward and good friend for many years and will always have a place in our hearts.

Arthur treated us to a performance at our After Party at the Hare and Hounds this year. Complete with dancers and multiple costume changes – for a man who topped the charts in the 60’s when Top of the Pops was filmed in black & white, he sure had a lot of energy!