If you’re not subscribing to our monthly supporters newsletter you’ll be missing out on our exclusive supporters playlist of the best new Americana we’ve heard over the last month which this month includes new tracks by Michael Weston King, Brown Horse, Katherine Priddy, Danny George Wilson and Luke Winslow-King among others – as always we trawl through the best Americana we’ve heard recently so you don’t have to. For this month’s fabulous supporters giveweay we have a pair of tickets to the Folk by the Oak Festival which takes place in Hatfield Park, Hertfordshire on Sunday 19th July.
With two stages set in one beautiful parkland arena, regulars to Hertfordshire’s most popular folk festival know there’s no FOMO at Folk by the Oak. The music switches between stages so you can catch every band on the bill, and with this year’s line-up you won’t want to miss a single set. Just announced and completing the line-up for 2026 is Olivia Chaney, who will open the Main Stage accompanied by Owen Spafford on violin. From her early days of showcasing at SXSW and a stint as lead singer for electronica outfit Zero 7 through to release of her 3rd studio album Circus of Desire, Olivia has established a reputation for crafting luscious and sophisticated music . Currently garnering much deserved mass exposure thanks to her latest single Dark Eyed Sailor – recorded with producer Oli Deakin (CMAT) – featuring in the new Wuthering Heights film, Olivia’s crystalline voice and exquisite songwriting promises a blissful afternoon set with music to envelop and transport you.
Fans of the festival will be delighted to hear that both Sam Kelly & The Lost Boys and Talisk are back on the Main Stage by popular demand. Sam Kelly first performed on the festival’s second stage, the Acorn Stage, in 2013, and Folk by the Oak have been proud supporters of Sam and The Lost Boys ever since, citing their “soaring harmonies, exceptional musicianship and an infectious energy” as the reason for their return.”
On booking Talisk again Festival Director Adam Slough told us “In 2019 they gave an absolutely phenomenal performance and we are thrilled to welcome them back. Expect big energy, heavy tunes, and another Folk by the Oak performance to relish from one of contemporary Scottish folk’s most celebrated live acts!”
Following Talisk on the Main stage is Spell Songs. Commissioned by Folk by the Oak, the folk super-group brings together the remarkable talents of musicians Karine Polwart, Julie Fowlis, Seckou Keita, Kris Drever, Rachel Newton, Beth Porter & Jim Molyneux to respond to the creatures, art and language of the acclaimed ‘The Lost Words’ & ‘The Lost Spells’ books by Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris. Already an unmissable opportunity to see so many incredible musicians perform together, this unique set will also feature live painting by Jackie, the award-winning artist who started the ‘Lost Words’ movement, and premiere new work from Spell Songs’ much anticipated 3rd studio album.
For the penultimate Main Stage set, with his gritty sound, homemade guitars and raw storytelling, the festival announced the return of captivating and enigmatic performer Seasick Steve. “In 2021 we were enthralled by this blues icon, who gave us the kind of stand-out performance that we had all been waiting for through the Covid shut down” says Adam. “As we were restricted back then to half our usual audience capacity, we knew we had to bring this incredible performer back for ALL our wonderful audience to enjoy.”
Closing the festival are the innovative and exciting Black Country, New Road, bringing their musical brilliance to the Main Stage finale. “With the release of their 3rd studio album Forever Howlong, this Cambridge-bred band really made us sit up and take notice” says Festival Director Adam Slough. “Drawing on influences from folk to prog to baroque pop, creating a rich tapestry of sound that is eclectic, innovative and technically brilliant, we know this will be an ear-opening and virtuosic final set for FbtO26!”
Over on the Acorn Stage line-up we are introduced to some exceptional up and coming talent alongside more established yet still ground-breaking artists. As is now a cherished Folk by the Oak tradition, the opening set is handed to the London Youth Folk Ensemble, giving a vibrant group of talented young musicians the invaluable experience of performing live on a festival stage, and giving the audience a perfectly joyous opening set!
Highlands-based songwriter Iona Lane is next up, weaving ecology, conservation, islands and folklore into her poetic songs and contemplative melodies, followed by Rain of Animals, a duo known for their impeccable arrangements and instrumental wizardry. Also on the Acorn stage bill is Jessie Reid, a songwriter wise beyond her years who has already racked up an impressive 10 million plus streams, won a regional BBC Introducing Artist of the Year accolade and performed at Glastonbury, Camp Bestival and Green Man to name but a few. Her raw, understated vocals and innovative percussive guitar style will make for an unmissable set.
The penultimate set is given to a project commissioned by EFDSS, supported by Folk by the Oak and led by the immensely talented and acclaimed composer and percussionist Adriano Adewale, whose memorable performance as part of the AKA Trio at Folk by the Oak 2022 has kept him firmly on the festival’s radar. Inspired by the synergies between nature, folklore and folk music, and bringing together musical heritage from England, Scotland, Brazil, Haiti, Columbia, the US and the Punjab, Adriano will be joined by musicians including Nancy Kerr, Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne and Kuljit Bhamra to present this unique musical show “Rooted & Rising”.
True to form, Folk by the Oak have secured a belter of a band to close their second stage! “Electronic-folk fusion band Valtos have a unique, genre defying sound and compelling energy that’s perfect to headline our 2026 Acorn Stage” says Adam. “Their talent, innovation, dedication and boundary-pushing artistry continue to impress critics and fans alike, and we are expecting an electrifying finale.”
Blending breakthrough artists with beloved legends, Folk by the Oak’s line-up is as diverse as it is impressive. So if you’re new to the festival and worried about set clashes, don’t be! Thanks to the cleverly designed parkland arena and alternating stage schedule, you really can catch every single set at this unique and perfectly formed festival in a day.
Folk by the Oak takes place in Hatfield Park, Hertfordshire on Sunday 19th July. Early Bird Tickets are £56 until 31rd March, fantastic value for a whole day packed with live music, with discounts available for full time students, recipients of UC/ESA, and Blue Light Card holders. All the details are over on the official site here.
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