One of the UK’s (and Oxford’s) best loved bands, Stornoway, return to Wood! Perhaps more connected to the natural world than any other band, they have a personal understanding of the urgency of the climate and biodiversity crisis facing us. Their new album was written by night in a wind-battered shed, on a coastal hilltop - whilst by day lead singer/songwriter Brian Briggs manages a wetland nature reserve, where he’s seen migratory wetland bird numbers declining year on year. As traffic died away in 2020, the crescendo of bird song sparked the rediscovery of an almost child-like joy in creativity and expression, and in the strange sense of isolation and togetherness, the band reconnected. New album, “Dig The Mountain”, produced by the band with Mike Lindsay (Tunng) is the best and most effortless of their career, as textured, surprising and unique as the British countryside. Playing with instrumentation and melody, words and texture, the songs are bouyant and windswept, with an undertow of longing borne of grief for our disappearing nature. The band keep the environmental impacts of touring to a minimum, and actively engage people with nature through their much-loved live shows, creating a powerful and uplifting force onstage, and it’s this force that has brought them back together again. Feel the outside world flood into your soul, as Stornoway break down the walls between you and the land that made you…

We’re delighted to have Willy returning to Wood Festival in 2024, with his tight 3-piece band, more than a decade after his superb 2011 show. A songwriter with an iconically gorgeous and husky baritone, he’s released 3 albums in that time, becoming harder to define as the years go by. Returning in a 2021 after an 8 year gap, with “Already Dead”, his first album written and recorded at his home in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, it’s a surprising reinvention that justifies its lengthy gestation. Simultaneously raw and intimate while fearlessly experimental, it’s a record about “the necessary destruction of one’s mythology; mythology of species, sex, race, nation, self,” says Mason, “but also about freedom, possibility and opportunity for reconciliation. I ended up diving so deeply into this record because it felt at the time like the only way I could hope to do some good for somebody,” Four albums and nearly 20 years into his songwriting career, Willy Mason’s voice resonates with a new sage authority, the canvas he’s daubing upon more expansive than ever before, and despite all the pain, cruelty and cultural alienation he encounters on Already Dead, the abiding emotion he leaves us with is hope.

Nick Cope has been writing and recording his beautiful and unique songs for children and adults for more than 10 years. He has an incredible fan base from all over the UK, which has grown even more over the last few years due to the phenomenal success of his CBeebies show, Nick Cope's Popcast, featuring Wood’s very own Joe & Robin in the Popcast band! Nick is something of a Wood festival institution; there’s no better sight than the main arena standing room only with ‘kids’ aged 0-75 years on a Sunday morning (even the teenagers!). Nick has a way of reaching into people's hearts with his songs of the everyday, igniting children's imagination in an organic, unpatronizing, educational and fun way.

Cider With Molly cast their evocative magic over songs born of tradition. “A voice that encourages ever more attentive listening as you strive to catch every nuance of her impeccable delivery” – FRUK From the misty beauties of Mo Bhuachaillín Donn to the joyous race of Murphy’s Running Dog – the original masters of folk improvisation The Ciderhouse Rebellion (accordionist Murray Grainger and fiddle player Adam Summerhayes) are joined by stellar Irish singer Molly Donnery ( The Haar). Already acclaimed in their own rights (multiple FATEA awards and championed by the likes of Phil Beer, BBC Radio 3, and FRUK) the new trio draw listeners into the very heart of the music with each performance being uniquely magical in its improvisatory focus. With exquisite playing from Summerhayes and Grainger, Molly Donnery’s vocals have found a creative match that is truly spellbinding – as their live shows and debut album ‘A Little Bit Slanted’ reveal. “Intimate stuff, drawing listeners into the very heart of the music. Each performance is uniquely magical in its improvisatory focus” – The Birmingham Press

As Toronto’s music scene has grown in stature on the world stage, Canadian singer/songwriter Jerry Leger has been making his own significant contributions. A favourite of Uncut and Rolling Stone, Leger has also earned the praise of fellow artists Ron Sexsmith (“he’s the real deal”) and Doug Paisley. On his new album “Donlands”, Leger has teamed up with legendary Canadian producer Mark Howard (Lucinda Williams, Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, Neil Young), whose trademark atmospheric sound adds a new dimension. Named after the street in Toronto’s east end where it was recorded, in what once was the Donlands Theatre, Donlands presents Jerry Leger as he’s never been heard before. Leger wears his poetic heart firmly on his sleeve on “Three Hours Ahead Of Midnight” and “The Flower And The Dirt,” songs that underscore Leger’s uncommon ability to pen timeless music and lyrics. Further, as on the Roy Orbison-esque opening track “Sort Me Out,” and the heart-wrenching piano ballad “Wounded Wing,”Leger digs deep to express the strength and resolve we’ve all needed to get through the past few years.

The Michigan-based trio return to Wood festival after a 14-year gap, with a brilliant new orchestral folk-pop album “On the Northline”, their first since 2017, out via London’s legendary americana label Loose Music. Frontier Ruckus spent the last two decades cataloging the impact of imperceptible, everyday moments while crafting a singular artform of their own making. Formed by friends David Jones and Matthew Milia when still in high school, they slowly built a world around Jones’ banjo playing and Milia’s lyrically complex songwriting, which solidified with the addition of multi-instrumentalist Zachary Nichols. Along with a cast of friends and collaborators, that core membership of Frontier Ruckus guided the band through five albums of gorgeous and increasingly intricate orchestral folk pop, backdropping Milia’s poetic observations on the mundane and the holy. Having grown organically but single-mindedly since Jones and Milia’s teenage days, Frontier Ruckus live the life of a hard-working band, grateful to connect with everyone they encounter along the way. “I hope the intimacy of the songs reminds long-time listeners what they loved about our band and invites new listeners in just the same,” Milia says.

Jake Vaadeland is a self-taught multi-instrumentalist and songwriter from Saskatchewan, Canada. His traditional sound and unique style could be defined as a blend of Bluegrass and 50’s Rockabilly, with Jake also specializing on guitar and banjo in addition to his impressive vocals. Jake strives to write and play with a focus on storytelling and messages that he hopes his audience can relate to, all packaged in foot stomping, high energy performances with The Sturgeon River Boys. We’re really excited to see him and his band set the Wood festival stage alight (metaphorically!)

Brown Horse are a Norwich-based country rock band, rooted in a collaborative approach to songwriting. Their debut LP “Reservoir”, though recorded over just four days in a quiet corner of Norfolk, is a collaborative effort years in the making. Starting life in 2018 as a folk quartet, Emma Tovell, Nyle Holihan, Patrick Turner and Rowan Braham spent their early days playing old time standards, Michael Hurley covers and original songs in pubs across England. Coming back together post-pandemic, they moved towards a heavier, guitar-driven sound, adding Ben Auld on drums, and began to make a name for themselves in the resurgent scene of their adopted hometown, Norwich; the addition of Phoebe Troup in the summer of 2023 completed the line-up. While the band acknowledges a debt to the alt-country sounds of Uncle Tupelo, Silver Jews, Lucinda Williams, and Jason Molina, the songs on the album also resonate with the “Last Waltz’” generation of 70s folk-rock artists. The sound of Brown Horse is rich and layered, with lap steel, electric guitar and accordion surfacing and exchanging phrases, and a sense of untethered pace, adventure and intensity.

Folk infused singer songwriter Lizzy Hardingham performs songs that "drive straight to the heart, giving audiences a chance for genuine connection and empathy". Hardingham is paving her way as a powerhouse performer with beautifully delivered songs, "her wonderful voice grabbing the listener from the very first note and holding on until the last". She will be bookended by roots legend Katriona Gilmore on fiddle and mandolin and improv hero Jonny Wickham on the double bass. Think Joni Mitchell, Sandy Denny and KT Tunstall all wrapped into one.

Annie's first appearance at Wood festival is part of her “I Thought It Would Be Easier” album tour. Born and bred in the heart of NYC, Annie's musical journey started at an unexpected crossroads. On the night of her high school graduation, she picked up the family guitar for the very first time and discovered a hidden passion that would change her life. Inspired by icons like Simon & Garfunkel, Carly Simon, and Ben Kweller, she began crafting her own melodies, often humming her thoughts like a secret soundtrack to city life. Annie's artistic odyssey led her to countless open mic nights in the bustling streets of New York, where she learned the art of performance and songwriting. It wasn't just about singing; it was about baring her soul through her own creations. These experiences ignited a fire within her, setting the stage for her debut solo show at legendary NYC venue 'The Bitter End' in 2008. Though Annie now calls Cambridge home, her music still resonates with a unique NYC flair, showcasing her knack for rich storytelling, mesmerizing melodies, and lyrics that cut straight to the heart.

Katie Malco released her debut album, Failures, via 6131 Records during lockdown in 2020. Failures, released to widespread criticial acclaim, is a coming-of-age record that, through soul-baring songwriting and gut-punch guitars, documents Malco’s adolescence; vignettes of a troubled teenage life in an abusive household, growing up and battling acute self-doubt. Armed with only an old telecaster that's seen better days (played upside down) and her storied lyrics, Katie has toured the UK and mainland Europe with the likes of Julien Baker, Alvvays, Jenny Lewis, Fenne Lily, Bob Mould (Hüsker Dü), Dawes, This is the Kit, SOAK, BC Camplight, Laura Stevenson, The Joy Formidable, + Peter Buck (REM), alongside an appearance at SXSW this year. Katie toured the UK last year with Laura Stevenson and joined her on a sold out nationwide US tour in April 2023. She also completed a full co-headline US tour with SOAK in Feb this year. Katie is set to continue her busy year, with new music in the works, a recent tour in the UK and Europe with Alvvays and a run of UK shows with Hurray for the Riff Raff.

Demi Marriner is a songwriter of passion and emotion so contagious it’s almost impossible to not be captivated from the outset. Whether she’s pouring out her heart in an intimate solo shows, or kicking down the doors with her incredible backing band, Demi knows how to impress. Winner of the Whispering Bob Harris' Emerging Artist Award at the 2021 UK Americana Awards, Demi released her highly anticipated debut record 'The Things We Didn't Say' in July 2023 which has received widespread acclaim. Following a successful debut EP 'Tracks and Trails', and follow up EP 'Dandelion' reaching numbers 1 and 2 respectively in the iTunes UK Country Album Charts, she’s already graced stages across the country and has also been invited to perform with Rufus Wainwright, Guy Chambers, Sam Outlaw, Jarrod Dickenson, Jon Gomm, Wildwood Kin, Ferris & Sylvester, Elles Bailey, BJ Barham and many more.

Lily Lyons is a singer songwriter from London and Cornwall. Lily released her debut EP in 2022 followed by a string of shows in the UK and US with Grammy award winning pianist Kevin Hays. She recently supported Roo Panes at two sold out shows at Union Chapel in London.

  Wesley Stace (aka John Wesley Harding) may well be the best UK songwriter you’ve never heard of! Resident in the USA since the early nineties, he's been joined on stage by Bruce Springsteen, Lou Reed, Iggy Pop and John Prine to name just a few, and his songs have been sung by, among others, Rosanne Cash, Tanya Donelly, Graham Parker, Josh Ritter and Wreckless Eric. This will be his first UK tour in 15 years. His live shows are always worth catching: expect not only great songs, but also a healthy serving of razor sharp wit and wisdom. 

Rholben's interpretations of the traditional music of Wales are full of tenderness, wit, and deep emotion. The sublime voice of Siriol Davies, who grew up in South Wales, is supported by thoughtful guitar, melodic double bass, sweeping, soaring strings, and sumptuous vocal harmonies. Siriol takes the Welsh language songs and tunes of her childhood and, together with some of the most highly respected and sought after traditional musicians to be found, creates a sound that somehow feels light and current whilst also feeling as weighty and as old as the hill from which they take their name.

In an effort to make sure their time was well spent during the pandemic, Reid and Laurie (Treetop Flyers) began a weekly routine of working in the studio on new ideas. With a shared love for a more laid-back approach to music inspired by contemporary artists such as Sylvie, Drugdealer, Charles Watson, Reverend Baron, Kevin Morby, Marina Allen and Spencer Cullum Jr, to classic artists such as Gerry Rafferty, JJ Cale, Van Morrison, Fairport Convention and George Harrison, the pair set to work to see what magic they could conjure up. Initially playing all instruments to demo ideas a sound was beginning to form and with that in mind the pair got in a little help from their friends to go over ideas and add their unique magic to the recordings. The pair called on friends Dom Brider and Charles Watson (Surfing Magazines), the aforementioned Devin Harrow of Native Harrow, and Charlie Higgs (Jessica’s Brother) to make the demos come to life. The album was written and recorded by the pair and mixed by Laurie at their North London Studio The Cube, and mastered in Portland by Timothy Stollenwerk. A new EP has been finished and will be out this year, so Watch this space.

A band who grew up from the cracks in the pavement on Croft Road in Wallingford and sing songs about love, loss, hope, skinheads and power stations.

“I play for peace in these uncertain times” Jali Fily (a GRIOT) is a traditional storyteller/musician who can trace his roots back to 12th century Mali where they entertained and advised the Kings of the empire. Born into the great lineage of Cissokho Griots from Southern Senegal, he began his training at the age of 6 with tuition from his Griot father and songs learnt from his Griot mother. His music and compositions are deeply rooted in his Mande tradition and his performances show the virtuosity of his kora playing as he is able to pick three parts at once: bass line, melody and improvisations above them, mixing fearsome technique with an ability to improvise scintillating runs out of thin air. He creates a unique musical blend that spans centuries and continents, ranging from solo traditional Mande music to rocking electro-kora with his Coute Diomboulou Band. Since moving to the UK in 2002 he has performed at many major festivals and worked with many renowned musicians including his nephew Seckou Keita, Toumani Diabate, Baba Maal, AR Rahman and Will Gregory (of Goldfrapp fame).

Fresh folk meets indie pop, Joely June is a soft gut punch of soaring melodies, gritty slide guitar and ear worm hooks that’ll engulf you like a warm hug. Formally known just as Joely, Autumn 2023 marks the start of an exciting new era for this soulful songwriter with the release of her new singles Time & Space, End-All & Cool, which made it onto Spotify’s editorial playlists New Music Friday, Proper Belters & Fresh Finds. Before her highly anticipated relaunch, she made two Main Stage appearances at Truck Festival in 2022 and 2023 with her band, hit over 50,000 all-time streams on Spotify and was frequently championed by BBC Introducing. 

Born In Louisiana, Kate Ellis uses melancholy Folk/Americana to conduct fearless soul-searching. A journalist for the Observer described hauntingly beautiful songs, Americana UK gave her latest album Spirals 9/10 calling it “An irrefutable, unquestionable joy” while Folk Radio UK noted it was “Beguilingly sung, melodic, warm, tender, open and insightful in its vortex of emotions – an early contender for the year’s best-of lists.” BBC Radio’s Ralph McClean recently said: “Kate Ellis’s beautiful album Spirals is absolutely brilliant, the Louisiana-born singer-songwriter really has something very special going on.”

The Ripples" come on to the scene with "Restless," their first EP. After touring venues and festivals in Mallorca (their native island) with their electrifying and wild performances, the band releases "Restless," their first work, consisting of 5 original songs recorded in Tomi Solbas' studio (The Wheels). Inspired by beatnik imagery and 1960s rock n' roll, The Ripples take us back to the timelessness of music through their dynamic riffs, intricate melodies, and a fresh but yet contemporary style loaded with rock n' roll, glam, and country touches.  Currently, the band is immersed in the recording studio, working on what will be their first LP, set to be released in autumn..

Owl Light Trio are Jim Penny on concertina, Jane Griffiths on fiddle and viola and Colin Fletcher on guitar. All three musicians have deep roots in traditional music, share a passion for tunes from Ireland, the UK and Brittany, and draw upon their combined influences to create complex, compelling and heartfelt arrangements. Between them they have performed and recorded with Maddy Prior, Nancy Kerr, Tim van Eyken, Red Dog Green Dog and Duotone. Owl Light Trio has performed at Gower, Oxford, Sidmouth, Shrewsbury, Tandem and Klangrausch folk festivals and the Nest Collective’s Campfire Club. Their debut album ‘Owl Light’ was described by fRoots as 'A fine CD of beautifully-crafted music that is both memorable and clever'.

he Kirals is a four-piece alt-folk/Americana band from Oxford, performing original material from their two albums YOU (2019) and Goodbye River (2023). Originally formed by singer songwriters Jon Heffernan (guitar) and Ally Baker (banjo), the band includes ‘accordionista’ Lisa Harker and double-bassist Ryan Quarterman. Recently described by Americana-UK magazine as “...like a breath of fresh air as their harmonies and incisive picking deliver the goods” and “...quite thrilling in their reclamation of folk rock”, the band performs regularly on the Oxfordshire music scene and their recent album Goodbye River has received radio play on BBC and local radio stations. The band is currently working on its third album due for release in 2024.