Moonrakers (Celtic harp, cello, fretted instruments, keyboard, whistles, female/male vocals), have brought traditional and contemporary folk music to new audiences across the UK. They’ve been described as “startlingly talented” (Oxford Times), with five albums of “exquisite music “(BBC) and “truly wonderful” (Wycombe Festival) performances. Their latest album ‘Green to Gold’ has received glowing reviews in the music press (“The real deal”, The Living Tradition; “Uplifting, sensitively crafted songs and tunes” FATEA magazine), and their music also featured in the new BBC television drama ‘Beyond Paradise’. To see and hear more, go to www.moonrakers.net

After years of playing together on the Oxford session scene and in the folk clubs, The Oakstone Trio came together in 2022 for a gig at Oxford Folk Weekend.

Louis Thurman (melodeons, vocals), Mitch Keely (guitar, vocals), and Joshua Newman (fiddle, viola, vocals) combine a nuanced, improvisatory approach to tunes with energy and warmth, allowing seldom-heard melodies to escape old manuscripts and giving well-loved session tunes the space to find new directions. They pair new compositions with old tunes and solo ballads with harmony chorus songs.  www.oakstonetrio.co.uk

Why See This Show?

Modern day folk enthusiasts will know that we’re way past the “finger in the ear” tropes of latter days. Moonrakers and The Oakstone Trio exemplify very contemporary approaches to roots music while retaining a respect for the timeless quality of the material. Moonrakers interject their own songs and tunes in the idiom, while the Oakstone Trio stretch the boundaries of traditional tunes. If you’ve not seen these two bands, you’re in for a treat – very much a highlight of the Oxford Folk Festival 2025 weekend.

Information and tickets: https://linktr.ee/OXFORDFOLKFEST