Conservatoire Folk Ensemble

Global Traditions: Conservatoire Folk Ensemble
A concert series of folk music from around the world

The UK's biggest folk band, The Conservatoire Folk Ensemble, will be taking the 50-piece line-up of the band on the road for the 27th year in 2025, but here in their home venue they present the full 85-strong ensemble for two full sets. This has to be seen to be believed.

"Truly the most joyous noise I have ever heard and re-affirming my faith in the potential of the human race." Jon Bens

Formed in 1997 at Birmingham’s prestigious Conservatoire by fiddle player and arranger Joe Broughton (The Urban Folk Quartet, The Albion Band, Joss Stone), the Conservatoire Folk Ensemble have established a reputation for creating energetic and powerful shows, everywhere from the Royal Albert Hall to New Street Railway Station. Their increasingly popular live appearances - especially at such festivals as Cropredy, Green Man, Shambala and Kendal Calling - have left audiences ecstatic and even (at Towersey) moved to tears.

Still based at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, the personal influences of each member shapes the set-list, as traditional English and Celtic reels slide into full-on rock grooves, funk, jazz, hip-hop, ska and reggae. Eastern European and Asian flourishes can also be heard, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the group.

This is very much 21st century folk.

This is ‘Power Folk’.

www.folkensemble.co.uk

“Varied and brilliant… one massive sound” Frank Hennessy, BBC Radio

“There’s subtlety, poignancy, variety and more than a soupçon of talent. You’ll like this, like it lots I know you will.” fRoots

“This album is utterly mind-blowing.” Mick Tems - Folk Wales Online Magazine