A gig on Friday 17th April. The event starts at 19:45.
Sam Kelly is a BBC Radio 2 Folk Award winning musician, singer, songwriter, and producer from Norfolk, UK.
Described by legendary folk broadcaster Mike Harding as ‘one of my favourite singers ever’ and by Cara Dillon as ‘an amazing singer with so much soul’, Sam has become one of the most accomplished and well-respected performers on the UK folk scene, with an impressive discography of 4 full length solo albums, as well as numerous other collaborative works. As an accompanist on guitar and Irish bouzouki, his portfolio includes playing with the likes of Kate Rusby, Seth Lakeman, John McCusker, Phil Beer, and Katherine Priddy. Sam has become respected by peers and audiences alike as a unique and innovative arranger and pioneer of traditional folk song, and he is one half of a published songwriting duo with long-term collaborator Jamie Francis, with their music being used on Sky Sports, Sky Arts, Channel 4, Channel 5, as well as BBC Radio 1, 2, and 3.
A captivating and versatile duo capable of producing harmonically sophisticated music alongside raw and robust foot stomping tunes, Sam and Jamie showcase varied material from all the projects they have been involved with. With songs in the English language as well as Cornish and Gaelic, they have also become known for their self-deprecating, cheeky humour and amusing anecdotes in between songs.
Joining Sam and Jamie is one of the finest musicians on the UK folk and roots scene at the moment - Archie Churchill-Moss (Seth Lakeman, False Lights, Moore Moss Rutter). A virtuosic multi instrumentalist and one of the finest button accordion players in the UK, Archie has appeared on most of Sam’s albums, lending his unique and accomplished playing to the music. With soaring harmonies and melodies, and instrumental performances of the highest calibre, this performance is not to be missed!
‘From the first moments of her first song, you can tell that she’s got it, whatever “it” is.’ (Bristol 24/7 & FATEA). Lou Shepherd is a rising folk singer-songwriter whose emotive voice—‘moss-soft and sun-tinged’ (Bristol 24/7, FATEA)—has confirmed her place as one of the UK’s most exciting emerging folk artists. With her compelling storytelling rooted deeply in nature and connection, Lou’s poetic lyrical perspectives, immersive soundscapes and commanding melodies cast ‘Laurel Canyon Shadows’, with the ‘quiet determination of a seedling seeking the light’. (Bristol 24/7, FATEA)
Brought up on the best of the British folk revival and folk sessions in the South West of England, Lou’s live performances have gained Europe-wide acclaim, having spent two years at the heart of the Amsterdam folk scene. Now back in her native West Country, Lou’s awe and wonder for nature shine through. A talented multi-instrumentalist, her lucent and effortless vocals have left a lasting impression with audiences nationwide.
With her debut EP Rise scheduled for release later this year, she looks forward to bringing her ‘masterful songwriting’ (Bristol 24/7) to venues and festivals around the UK.
Tickets for the concert, which takes place at Christ Church Downend on Friday 17 April 2026, are available online here. They are priced at £15 each in advance or £17 on the door. Doors open at 7.00pm and the music starts around 7.45pm. This event is also included in the Summer Season Ticket.
There will be a bar, stocking cider, soft drinks, wine, hot drinks and real ale from Bristol’s Hop Union Brewery. Audience members are encouraged to bring their own glass/mug/tankard, as well as reusable bottles for water, as part of the drive to be more environmentally aware; there is a 50p discount for those that do. There will also be sweet treats available at the bar courtesy of Radstock-based The Great Cake Company, as well as a prize draw, which helps to fund the support artists for each concert.
Terms & Conditions: All tickets are non-transferable. Please note that we operate a strict no-returns policy. Downend Folk & Roots is a "listening venue". Noisy patrons may be ejected from the premises. The organisers reserve the right to ask latecomers to wait for a suitable break in the performance before taking their seats. Our events are photographed and your image may be used online. If you would rather it was not, please speak to a team member when you arrive. By purchasing tickets, you agree to these terms and conditions.
Entry requirements: no age restrictions (under 18s to be accompanied by an adult over 21yrs, 1:1 ratio)
Described by legendary folk broadcaster Mike Harding as ‘one of my favourite singers ever’ and by Cara Dillon as ‘an amazing singer with so much soul’, Sam has become one of the most accomplished and well-respected performers on the UK folk scene, with an impressive discography of 4 full length solo albums, as well as numerous other collaborative works. As an accompanist on guitar and Irish bouzouki, his portfolio includes playing with the likes of Kate Rusby, Seth Lakeman, John McCusker, Phil Beer, and Katherine Priddy. Sam has become respected by peers and audiences alike as a unique and innovative arranger and pioneer of traditional folk song, and he is one half of a published songwriting duo with long-term collaborator Jamie Francis, with their music being used on Sky Sports, Sky Arts, Channel 4, Channel 5, as well as BBC Radio 1, 2, and 3.
A captivating and versatile duo capable of producing harmonically sophisticated music alongside raw and robust foot stomping tunes, Sam and Jamie showcase varied material from all the projects they have been involved with. With songs in the English language as well as Cornish and Gaelic, they have also become known for their self-deprecating, cheeky humour and amusing anecdotes in between songs.
Joining Sam and Jamie is one of the finest musicians on the UK folk and roots scene at the moment - Archie Churchill-Moss (Seth Lakeman, False Lights, Moore Moss Rutter). A virtuosic multi instrumentalist and one of the finest button accordion players in the UK, Archie has appeared on most of Sam’s albums, lending his unique and accomplished playing to the music. With soaring harmonies and melodies, and instrumental performances of the highest calibre, this performance is not to be missed!
‘From the first moments of her first song, you can tell that she’s got it, whatever “it” is.’ (Bristol 24/7 & FATEA). Lou Shepherd is a rising folk singer-songwriter whose emotive voice—‘moss-soft and sun-tinged’ (Bristol 24/7, FATEA)—has confirmed her place as one of the UK’s most exciting emerging folk artists. With her compelling storytelling rooted deeply in nature and connection, Lou’s poetic lyrical perspectives, immersive soundscapes and commanding melodies cast ‘Laurel Canyon Shadows’, with the ‘quiet determination of a seedling seeking the light’. (Bristol 24/7, FATEA)
Brought up on the best of the British folk revival and folk sessions in the South West of England, Lou’s live performances have gained Europe-wide acclaim, having spent two years at the heart of the Amsterdam folk scene. Now back in her native West Country, Lou’s awe and wonder for nature shine through. A talented multi-instrumentalist, her lucent and effortless vocals have left a lasting impression with audiences nationwide.
With her debut EP Rise scheduled for release later this year, she looks forward to bringing her ‘masterful songwriting’ (Bristol 24/7) to venues and festivals around the UK.
Tickets for the concert, which takes place at Christ Church Downend on Friday 17 April 2026, are available online here. They are priced at £15 each in advance or £17 on the door. Doors open at 7.00pm and the music starts around 7.45pm. This event is also included in the Summer Season Ticket.
There will be a bar, stocking cider, soft drinks, wine, hot drinks and real ale from Bristol’s Hop Union Brewery. Audience members are encouraged to bring their own glass/mug/tankard, as well as reusable bottles for water, as part of the drive to be more environmentally aware; there is a 50p discount for those that do. There will also be sweet treats available at the bar courtesy of Radstock-based The Great Cake Company, as well as a prize draw, which helps to fund the support artists for each concert.
Terms & Conditions: All tickets are non-transferable. Please note that we operate a strict no-returns policy. Downend Folk & Roots is a "listening venue". Noisy patrons may be ejected from the premises. The organisers reserve the right to ask latecomers to wait for a suitable break in the performance before taking their seats. Our events are photographed and your image may be used online. If you would rather it was not, please speak to a team member when you arrive. By purchasing tickets, you agree to these terms and conditions.
Entry requirements: no age restrictions (under 18s to be accompanied by an adult over 21yrs, 1:1 ratio)
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