A gig on Friday 20th March. The event starts at 19:45.
Following a chance meeting at Whitby Folk Festival in 1993, Chris Sherburn (Concertina) and Denny Bartley (Vocals and Guitar) have been bringing their unique sound to audiences across Europe and America, creating one of folk music’s most enduring partnerships. Their obvious rapport made them one of the busiest acts on the folk scene, both as a duo and with their well-loved band, Last Night’s Fun.
In 2016, Chris and Denny teamed up with Emily Sanders (fiddle/viola and vocals) to form this exciting trio. For the first time, they incorporated vocal harmonies and strings to enhance Chris and Denny’s distinctive sound. Emily’s addition has also introduced a female vocal presence and expanded their repertoire with English folk songs, complementing the band's strong Celtic roots.
Emily was a founder member of the acclaimed trio Isambarde. She has also toured with Merrymouth (Simon Fowler, Lead Singer of Ocean Colour Scene) and regularly appears with Pete Morton and Chris Parkinson.
Now, their soul-stirring songs, exhilarating tunes and quick-witted banter ensures that no two concerts are ever the same. From festival stages to intimate venues, their performances are filled with warmth, laughter, and exceptional musicianship. Don’t miss the chance to experience their magic live!
Their latest album BEGUILE is the first to feature Chris, Denny and Emily together, and also some stellar guest performances from Martin Simpson and Andy Seward (Kate Rusby Band) and mastered by Phil Beer.
Opening the evening will be Paul Lloyd Nicholas. Paul plays guitar, write songs and sing. He’s proud to call himself a South Wales singer-songwriter who’s fallen on his feet and has a brilliant time playing to terrific audiences. In between gigs Paul teaches guitar and, occasionally, songwriting at retreats and summer schools around the UK and Europe.
Paul’s songs have been played on BBC radio and on stations worldwide, especially Australia, the USA and Canada… and, for some wonderfully unfathomable reason, Switzerland, Belgium and Denmark. Best of all, though, one of his songs, ‘Hold The Line’, is curated at the National Folk Museum of Wales.
Tickets for the concert, which takes place at Christ Church Downend on Friday 20 March 2026, are available online here and from Melanie’s Kitchen in Downend (cash only). They are priced at £14 each in advance or £16 on the door. Doors open at 7.00pm and the music starts around 7.45pm. This event is also included in our Spring Season Ticket (see downendfolkandroots.com).
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.
For further information, please email [email protected] or find us on social media.
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: 14+
In 2016, Chris and Denny teamed up with Emily Sanders (fiddle/viola and vocals) to form this exciting trio. For the first time, they incorporated vocal harmonies and strings to enhance Chris and Denny’s distinctive sound. Emily’s addition has also introduced a female vocal presence and expanded their repertoire with English folk songs, complementing the band's strong Celtic roots.
Emily was a founder member of the acclaimed trio Isambarde. She has also toured with Merrymouth (Simon Fowler, Lead Singer of Ocean Colour Scene) and regularly appears with Pete Morton and Chris Parkinson.
Now, their soul-stirring songs, exhilarating tunes and quick-witted banter ensures that no two concerts are ever the same. From festival stages to intimate venues, their performances are filled with warmth, laughter, and exceptional musicianship. Don’t miss the chance to experience their magic live!
Their latest album BEGUILE is the first to feature Chris, Denny and Emily together, and also some stellar guest performances from Martin Simpson and Andy Seward (Kate Rusby Band) and mastered by Phil Beer.
Opening the evening will be Paul Lloyd Nicholas. Paul plays guitar, write songs and sing. He’s proud to call himself a South Wales singer-songwriter who’s fallen on his feet and has a brilliant time playing to terrific audiences. In between gigs Paul teaches guitar and, occasionally, songwriting at retreats and summer schools around the UK and Europe.
Paul’s songs have been played on BBC radio and on stations worldwide, especially Australia, the USA and Canada… and, for some wonderfully unfathomable reason, Switzerland, Belgium and Denmark. Best of all, though, one of his songs, ‘Hold The Line’, is curated at the National Folk Museum of Wales.
Tickets for the concert, which takes place at Christ Church Downend on Friday 20 March 2026, are available online here and from Melanie’s Kitchen in Downend (cash only). They are priced at £14 each in advance or £16 on the door. Doors open at 7.00pm and the music starts around 7.45pm. This event is also included in our Spring Season Ticket (see downendfolkandroots.com).
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.
For further information, please email [email protected] or find us on social media.
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: 14+
Other traditional folk gigs
— Rough Trade Bristol
singer-songwriter
folk rock
blues-rock
workshops & classes
talks
