Bluegrass in Hexham

06/06/2026

Say hello to another one of our fantastic bandstand acts - A J Potter and the NE Rails! ⭐

A J Potter and the NE Rails are a folk-rock skiffle band from the Northeast, blending enchanting storytelling with dynamic instrumentation. 🎵

Their sound weaves together rich narrative songs, lively rhythms, and a raw, rootsy energy that is sure to delight our Hexham audience.

You can see A J Potter and his band on the Saturday. To hear what they sound like and find out more about this great local band, check out the link in the comments 👇

04/06/2026

Hexham's very own Forum Cinema is supporting Bluegrass in Hexham. A live performance before one of the most iconic road movies of all time!

Get ready for Hexham’s annual Bluegrass and Americana festival with a special screening of the 1969 counter culture classic - Easy Rider featuring a live pre-film musical performance.

Screening at Forum Cinema Friday June 19th - tickets at forumhexham.com

02/06/2026

Introducing another of our bandstand acts - Hannah Rickard and Kieran Szifris! 🎻

They are a dynamic acoustic duo blending folk, country, bluegrass and contemporary influences into a sound that is both direct and distinctive.

Hannah is known for her powerful voice and expressive fiddle playing, with a strong presence on the Americana, country and rockabilly circuit. Her work has taken her from grassroots roots venues through to major touring projects, including collaborations following her work on Status Quo’s “Aquostic” tours, where she was invited by Francis Rossi to co-write and record an album that went on to reach No.1 in the UK Country Chart.

Kieran is recognised for his distinctive octave mandolin style and his work across leading UK folk projects including Monster Ceilidh Band and Kathryn Tickell & The Darkening. His playing has been described in press as bringing “dark and dirty riffs and rhythms” and a "flamboyant octave mandolin… creating a thrilling frontline of melody and rhythm,” highlighting a style rooted in drive, texture and intensity.

Together, they combine fiery, high-energy songs, stark and emotive ballads, and original instrumental writing. Reviews of Kieran’s playing consistently point to a sound that is rhythmic, atmospheric and physically engaging, forming a strong counterpoint to Hannah’s vocal-led, roots-driven style.

The result is a duo that moves naturally between folk tradition and wider influences drawing from folk, country, jazz, pop and rock shaping them into something immediate, original and unmistakably their own, delivered with charisma, edge and live energy.

They'll be playing on the Saturday - not to be missed!

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25/05/2026

Love driving guitar, fiery fiddle licks, and sweet vocals? Then you’ll want to catch The Philippa Ogden Trio! 🎻

Fronted by Philippa Ogden, a familiar face to regular festival-goers from her time with Errant Moose, this lineup sees her joined by Max Vizard and Damon Kilcawley. Both are firm favourites on the UK bluegrass scene, having played in the band Mr Saturday Night, as well as many sessions across the country.

Together, they bring a set of original songs rooted in place and perspective - drawing on Philippa’s connection to her hometown, alongside themes of identity and storytelling.

Catch them on the Saturday - and keep your eyes peeled on this page as we spotlight more bandstand acts!

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23/05/2026

Fun in the sun at the market this morning!

23/05/2026

Hexham Bluegrass will be busking at Hexham Farmers' market this morning between 10-12. Thanks to Dave Barden for his excellent drawing.

22/05/2026

Attention banjo enthusiasts! 🪕

This year’s lineup features Dan Walsh – a banjo player extraordinaire who’s appeared at folk, bluegrass, and americana festivals right across the UK and beyond.

Described as “one of the UK’s leading lights in melodic clawhammer banjo,” Dan’s playing is driving and percussive, packed with syncopation and inventive phrasing that really sets him apart.

Expect a mix of songs and tunes, thoughtful arrangements, and a performance full of energy!

You can catch Dan at the bandstand on Sunday. For full details of the festival, click on the link in the comments.

19/05/2026

Well, it's not happening in Hexham but our very own The Often Herd touring the USA! You can catch Rupert and Niles at some fringe gigs if not on stage at Hexham Bluegrass and Americana Festival 25-26 July

18/05/2026

A chance to catch Niles Kreiger and Rupert Hughes with The Sinners at the Tyne Bar 3pm. Saturday 30 May. Then up the road to see Dan Walsh 7.30. at The Cumberland Arms

16/05/2026

Introducing the first of our bandstand acts, and what better way to kick it off than with our headliner - !

This band have one mission: to bring back the raw, powerful and authentic sound of the early years of Bluegrass music – no compromises. 🪕

Featuring guitar, fiddle, banjo, bass and top notch harmonies, this band are the real deal - delivering toe-tappin' bluegrass as authentically as they possibly can. 🙌

We can’t wait to welcome them all the way from Italy to the Sele this July – it’s going to be a good one!