Chichester Folk Song Club join the Festival of Chichester

GU4 are among the vast array of performers heading to Chichester for the city’s brand-new festival.

“Playing our part in the excellent and exciting new Festival of Chichester, Chichester Folk Song Club have booked special guests this month,” said spokesman Kerry Manning.

“On Tuesday, June 18, we welcome the amazing harmony group GU4 to our clubroom at The 4 Chesnuts, Chichester.

“Pete, Miggy, Karen and Bill have all been immersed in English folk music for most of their lives and bring together backgrounds from the north-east, Sussex, Leicester and Birmingham. Not surprisingly, their disparate roots have led to a wide range of influences but they share a love of The Watersons, The Copper Family, The Young Tradition, Peter Bellamy, Swan Arcade, The Wilsons, Johnny Collins, Beggars Velvet and the a cappella harmonies associated with the early years of Steeleye Span.

“Their repertoire comes straight from the English tradition or from contemporary writers such as Peter Bellamy, Graeme Miles, Benny Graham, George Thomas and their own Miggy Campbell, who studied at Bishop Otter College. Their renditions are well crafted and carry a spark of spontaneity delivered with enthusiasm and a healthy slice of good humour. A varied programme is guaranteed through song selection and choice of lead vocal and harmonies.”

Kerry added: “Based in Leicestershire, their rich sound has won many fans and is taking them to clubs and festivals throughout England. Armed only with a set of pitch pipes, they perform a wide variety of material ranging from gentle and sensitive love songs that can hold an audience rapt in silence, to raucous chorus numbers delivered with such verve that even the most reticent are encouraged to join in.

“They have been much in demand over the past few years, performing at many of the country’s folk clubs and festivals, from Northumbria to Cornwall and all places in between. Unfortunately, this may well be the last chance we down here in Sussex may have to hear them as, due to family relocations, the group is splitting up later this year. Such a pity as they are at their very best at the moment, having established a beautiful sound and gained the necessary performance experience to enable them to feel totally at home singing their great repertoire of songs.”