Driven Serious return to host the eight annual extravaganza of folkish music at Folkish Explosion 2026, bringing you the best soulful, energetic folkish music and entertainment from across the nation.
MILLS AND FARRELL
Traditional/contemporary folk duo, Mills & Farrell is David Farrell, with a background in Australia rock, opening for acts such as INXS and Canned Heat, and Janet Mills from Nova Scotia, with a background in family folk tradition and kitchen music. Coming together for timeless ballads, two voices, and an unforgettable sound.
Expect a blend of original and traditional heart-wrenching tales with their own twist on Appalachian mountains meets Maritime salt, inspired by Gillian Welch and Dave Rawlings, The Milk Carton Kids, and The Waifs. Tragic tales of broken humans, environmental protest in lullaby, and distressed waterfowl, are themes in their transportive and connective live experience.
ST FIAN
St. Fians music is described as “a treat for the soul”, blending enchanting vocals, original folk songs, and storytelling that delves into folklore, human emotion and life’s true grit.
CAPTAIN OF THE LOST WAVES
‘The Captain was born to be a showman, perhaps even a prophet, watching his show is a life altering experience, there are no words in the English language to describe him’.
The Huffington Post
‘Sometimes something comes along that is so completely extraordinary that you just go yep, the Captain is a superstar, truly cinemascopic and epic’
Tom Robinson BBC6 Music
‘The Captain is a man born out of his time. Had this music been released in the mid to late 70’s he would have rightfully taken his place among those we now regard as Rock Gods. This is highly innovative yet accessible music, hugely quirky, with moments of sing a long amid the extremely fine instrumentation and arrangement'.
DRIVEN SERIOUS
Driven Serious is without a doubt one of the most engaging, energetic, original live folk-rock bands around in the UK today.
Driven Serious new album: "Look On These Works is an incredibly engaging listen, whether it’s the monumental sounding strings that carry us through this adventure, or the war-like drums at the start of the title track, it’s an impressive experience." - Narc
Driven Serious performance: " I suppose you could file Driven Serious under the banner of folk-rock; but they are so much more than that. They have a vibrancy that you can virtually see thrumming off them when they play, passionate and with the hand-brake well and truly off, and with a vibe that has had people likening them to The Levellers to The Pogues to The Smiths to The Wonderstuff" – The Crack
This event is 18 and over. Any ticket holder unable to present valid identification indicating that they are at least 18 years of age will not be admitted to this event, and will not be eligible for a refund.
- +44 191 230 4474
- General enquiries only
Tickets held for collection can be collected from the venue on the evening of the event. Please take the credit card used to make the booking and your Ticketmaster reference number with you.
- Limited street parking available
- Nearest public car parks within 5-10 minute walk
- Recommended use of public transportation
- Taxi drop-off point directly outside venue
Please contact the venue for further information on 0191230 4474.
No smoking. No illegal substances.
Over 18s only.
