Details of performers appearing in 2008 are currently being compiled and will be available in Spring 2008.
Bands wishing to be considered for a performance at Raglan Festival 2008 can submit applications here.
Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash - Friday 8th
SOLD OUT
With millions of album sales and concert attendances worldwide, Wishbone Ash’s heritage as one of the most enduring and best loved British rock acts is assured, while the band’s innovative twin-guitar hallmark has influenced numerous successful rock acts over the years. Fronted by the founding member, lead vocalist and key creative force of the original Wishbone Ash, Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash remains faithful to the original blueprint and, during its live concerts, performs a wide variety of material from the band’s classic album releases, including songs which have rarely been performed live until now. The band will perform classics such as “Warrior”, “Blowin’ Free”, “Blind Eye” and “Living Proof” with lesser heard gems such as “Lifeline”, “Front Page News”, “Diamond Jack” and “Silver Shoes”.
Chapter XIII
Wishbone Ash will be supported by Chapter XIII a superb Bristol base rock band with a unique and spellbinding modern sound. Signed up by Levelsound in 2005 the band released their first album "Dream Salvation" late in 2006. The band have supported the Stranglers on their recent UK tour as well as headlining prestigious venues such as the Barfly in Camden (not once but three times)
www.wishboneash.co.uk
www.chapterxiii.co.uk
The BiG - Sunday 10th
SOLD OUT
The BiG have been chosen to round off this years Festival in skanking style before setting off to play at Glastonbury Festival later in the month.
6 years, 4 albums, a TV appearance and countless headline tours in the U. K. and Europe have earned The BiG a reputation as the most innovative and energetic Ska band in the U. K. Whether you're skankin', listening (or just watching!) you'll leave the shows with a tune in your head, always wanting more.
The brand new double album Whatever Makes You Happy is on full release in Europe and America (Moon Ska/Megalith Records). As well as delivering the best new Ska and Reggae around it reveals a versatile band successfully delving into many more genres to produce a truly unique release.
Last year's 140-date tour of festivals and venues saw The BiG supporting The Stranglers, The Beat, The Damned, The Buzzcocks, Neville Staple (The Specials), Desmond Dekker, The Skatalites, Bad Manners, The Selecter, Electric 6, Alabama 3 and Dreadzone to name but a few.
Supporting the BiG will be two superb local bands, Back Alley Sally a fresh, dynamic young band from from Chepstow and innovative Monmouth based band Beatswork.
www.thebig.org
Back Alley Sally
Craig Bradbury - Sat 9th
SOLD OUT
Craig is a highly accomplished singer/songwriter from Mid Wales, blending rhythmical guitar playing and soulful lyrics. He has been entertaining audiences up and down the country with his unique mix of inspiring original songs, comedy and magic tricks. As well as performing live, Craig has featured on National Radio, TV and is now working on a new 12-part video show. His highly enjoyable show features opened tuned guitars, driving Bodhran and soaring accapellas.
www.craigbradbury.com
Allegria
This lively Newport based band have become the main topic of conversation at every venue that they have played.
Allegria consists of founder member Nico Pucacco who started performing on drums at the age of 14yrs, a musical career which led him to working with many T.V. and Radio personalities as well as live performances.Though his experiences had been wonderful, his true passion lay in the Flamenco guitar style and in classical romance, until he discovered Django Reinhardt. He has since adopted these many art forms and has not looked back .
It was the fusion of lead guitarist Hywel Maggs, composer, producer and performer of many titles and projects for T.V. and Radio who`s veins are filled with musical magic that set the path and sparked up fire in all who have been so fortunate to experience his freely improvised euphoric, and precise harmonius technique, which preserves the essence of melody and never sacrifices elegance and emotion, a true master.
The amalgamation and the warm blend of the ever pulsating rhythm and energy provided by Dave Evans "The Doc" with his contrabass, was what allowed everything to sit perfectly in place and which created excellence for Allegria. After all, how can the greatest painter ever express himself without quality canvass So whether you are a fan of swing jazz or a lover of latino dance the versatility and homogenous elegance of these musicians will make it a memorable encounter for all.
www.allegria.netfirms.com
Geoff Downes & Friends
Acknowledged as one of the world's greatest rock keyboard players and a mainstay of the Raglan Music Festival, Geoff will be performing a range of acoustic numbers featuring a diverse range of special guest stars including top vocalists, acoustic guitarists, cellists & others. Expect some surprises!
www.geoffdownes.com
Catherine Handley & Eluned Pierce (Flute & Harp Duo) - Fri 8th
SOLD OUT
Catherine & Eluned's performance at last year's festival was so sensational that we just had to break our own rules and have them back for a second year running - once again playing at Raglan Parish Church.
Catherine is principal flute of the Welsh Sinfonia, West of England Philharmonic Orchestra and plays with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, BBC Concert and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestras.
Eluned formerly based in Scotland has been principal harp with the Scottish Ballet, BBC Scottish Symphony, Royal Scottish National and Scottish Chamber orchestras. Whilst in scotland she tutored harp at the Royal Scottish Academy of music & Drama and is now associated with its Welsh equivalent and with the National Youth Orchestra of Wales.
Both Catherine & Eluned have both appeared at many festivals both in the UK and abroad and have a number of national and International TV appearances to their names.
www.myspace.com/cathhandley
Blaenavon Male Voice Choir - Sunday 10th
Usual Castle Entry . Please note village exemption not accepted
We are pleased to announce two firsts for the Festival; a full Male Voice Choir on the programme (something that people have been requesting for the last two years) and secondly the use of Raglan Castle as a venue for the Festival. Thanks to the support of Blaenavon Male Voice Choir and of Raglan Castle custodians Cadw, we are delighted to be putting on a concert on the Sunday afternoon in the Fountain Court within the castle itself.
Blaenavon Male Voice Choir was officially formed in 1910, although there is evidence which shows that groups of men gathered in Blaenavon to sing in harmony back in 1873.
The Choir enjoys Eisteddfod competition and has attained the highest level of achievement in that field of music. For a period of over three years, Blaenavon was undefeated in all major competitions throughout the UK. The Choir has had tours to Hungary, Norway, France and America.
The Choir, being a founder member of the Welsh Association of Male Choirs, formed part of the Festival of Massed Male Voices held at the Royal Albert Hall in London in March 1998 and has also performed with numerous international opera stars (Delme Bryn Jones, Dame Gwyneth Jones and Vadas-Kiss Lazlo to name but a few) and notable bands such as the Royal Welch Fusiliers, H.M. Royal Air Force and Royal Marines.
www.bmvc.org
Gethin Pearson / The Glow - Sunday 10th
Gethin Pearson, Cwmbran's young but hotly-tipped singer-songwriter has a background in hardcore and punk, but has developed his own "folk pop" style of acoustica.
With a revolving band of musicians, Pearson has wowed established music industry figures within the music industry in Wales, and has made an impression at the industry festivals Go North and Go Basque.
"I used to play in louder hardcore/punk bands but decided to try something different," he explains. "I picked up the acoustic and started to piece together a few songs. Now I'm concentrating on writing 'pop' songs, in the sense that they are catchy and effective - and it's easier than trying to label our sound."
An EP has been recorded with well-known producer Richard Jackson
www.myspace.com/gethinpearsonandthescenery
The Glow
Glow formed in spring 2005 after a lot of thought and many shared ideas amongst friends Ben, Jim and Rob. Between 1999 & 2003 they all went to southampton uni to study music and came away with a fresh view on life, technology and, most importantly, music. Now, in 2007, with lots of new tunes, top gigs and loads of airplay, the three are desperate to show the world what they have!
And what they have is beautiful, energetic, melodic songs made up of thick layers of beats, synthesized textures, unearthly guitars, vocal harmonies, trumpet, live sampling, heavily treated bass, and the occasional spot of live percussion. Oh, and lots of weird and wonderful effects! Glow don't have all of this equipment just for the sake of it though. they're continually growing their collection of goodies to meet the needs of their constantly evolving sound.
Their shared ideal of creating simple and powerful music using both grounded and innovative techniques constantly pushes them forwards, wanting more and striving for some sense of perfection (although whether it can ever be reached is a matter for frequent debate in Camp Glow!)...
www.myspace.com/fablesofglow
