We've 2 very different shows in April;

US Bluegrass maestros Jacob Jolliff (mandolin) and Michael Daves (guitar) are in concert at Cobnor Barn on Saturday 11 April at 8pm.  It's just one of 2 public shows in the UK following their teaching week at 'Sore Fingers' and celebrates their new release 'We Like Jim & Jesse!' which is superb!

At 1pm the same day they play a short instore at Harbour Records in Emsworth - get there early!

Four days later (April 15) former Steeleye Span fiddler Peter Knight brings 'Gigspanner Big Band' to St. James Church, Emsworth. Last year the band released 'Turnstone' which has to be one of the best folk releases of 2025 and was shortlisted for the Folk Album of the Year Awards.  In itself this is hardly surprising for a band including John Spiers (Bellowhead), Hannah Martin & Phillip Henry (Edgelarks), percussionist Sacha Trochet, and guitarist Roger Flack.  We've enjoyed many memorable shows in this Church and I'm certain this will be another!

Just as an aside WemsFest has been leading on the application for Emsworth, Southbourne, Thorney Island, and Westbourne to become 'UK Town of Culture 2028'.  We feel there's so much culture and history which needs to be told in a creative and engaging way - and let's face it 'if you're not in it, you can't win it !'  Already we've had 4 radio stations and a TV station, plus 3 printed journals report on this and received the backing of over 40 local organisations.

Future Shows for Your Diary:

May 10: The Tannahill Weavers

May 22: Boo Hewerdine & Yvonne Lyon

May 23: Bassekou Kouyate & Amy Sacko (MALI)

A Mini-season of Scottish Musicians!

June 7: John McCusker Trio (John, Sam Kelly, and Toby Shaer)

June 13: Tarran

June 21: GNOSS

August 9: Barry 'The Fish' Melton (last ever UK tour for former Country Joe & The Fish stalwart)

September 3: Lenny Gallant & band (CANADA)

September 11: An Dannsa Dub (Isle of Skye)

September 25-27: 10th Emsworth Beer, Cider & Wine Festival

October 3: Tom Robinson, and Adam Phillips

October 9: Musa Mboob & Xam Xam (GAMBIA)

October 22: Chains & Tides Project

October 27: Fairport Convention

October 31 Habib Koite & Sura Susso (MALI/GAMBIA)

A mini-festival to brighten November!

November 3: Ímar (SCO)

November 4: El Pony Pisador (ESP)

November 5: Birdvox (SCO)

November 17: Blazin' Fiddles (SCO)

November 27 or 28: Genticorum (QUEBEC)

December 11: Maroon Town, and DJ Rob Moore

December 13: The Unthanks

As always your support for our live music and events is so very much appreciated.

Tickets for all WemsFest events can be purchased at Bookends or Harbour Records in Emsworth, or from The Westbourne Cafe.  Also online (booking fee applies)
Keep watching wemsfest.com or facebook or Instagram for details!

WemsFest 3rd April.