Compagnie Giulia are a 5 peice local band who play an exciting mix of Medieval, Mediterranean and near Eastern music together with newly composed music to Medieval lyrics. Their unique sound comes from the interplay of knowledge and experience of diverse musical traditions (Classical, Folk, Medieval, Greek and Middle Eastern). Since 2006 they have been delighting audiences and dancers with their performance of high energy music, improvisation and intimate love songs. They also play for weddings, celebrations and historic events.

Our Open Nights are friendly, informal evenings when everyone is welcome. Although everyone is encouraged to contribute songs, music, poems, stories or even jokes, it’s not compulsory, and you’ll be equally welcome to just join in any chorus bits or just listen. We don’t charge admission for these evenings, but we do send the pot round to help towards expenses.

If anyone would like a chance to perform email.

Duncan McFarlane provides “Classy English folk guitar, eminently listenable vocals and great songs, both traditional and contemporary.” So said Mike Raven, long a highly-regarded authority on the folk music, and no mean guitarist himself. Duncan first started in folk music at the age of eighteen, but soon got diverted into playing in other genres for over twenty years, returning to folk performance about ten years ago, since when he has made a name for himself first in his home area of Yorkshire, but later further afield, playing clubs and festivals throughout the country. Having done a ‘visiting performer’ slot for us some time ago, we had no qualms about inviting him back as a concert artist. His guitar heroes are Martin Carthy and Nic Jones, and their influences on his music are evident, but he brings his own brand of healthy irreverence to the tradition which can only be done by someone with a huge knowledge of that tradition, which also has its effect on his own song-writing. “A hugely engaging performer, delivering his brand of folk with loads of enthusiasm.” Can’t wait!