Music / folk
Young folkies stage grand summer finalé in Bristol
Local folk fans are in for a treat as, fresh off the back of a summer festival tour, a troupe of young up-and-coming musicians and dancers are bringing their acclaimed performance to Bristol.
The National Youth Folklore Troup of England – or NYFTE, for short – are a 40-strong team of ten-to-18 year olds who share a passion for traditional English dance, song and music.
Their summer finalé concert at Shirehampton Public Hall will feature various types of dance including clog, Morris, stave, Molly and Rapper sword dancing,
is needed now More than ever
The music they perform includes traditional arrangements and original tunes written by troupe members.
NYFTE have had a busy summer season that’s included performances at Chippenham and Sidmouth folk festivals
The team, which includes members from across the country, features a strong South West contingent – testament to the region’s connection with folk traditions, including Morris dancing.
Folk has historically not been a genre associated with younger people, but a pop culture interest in folk traditions has emerged in recent years, bringing it up to date and broadening its appeal.
Local projects such as Boss Morris, the all-women ‘prog morris’ side which performed at the Brit Awards with Wet Leg as well as appearing on comic Bridget Christie’s Channel Four show The Change, and gender-stereotype subverting dancers Molly No-Mates, have been part of the next-gen folk revival.
Young people involved in NYFTE welcome the opportunity to explore their somewhat niche interests in a friendly, focused environment.
“NYFTE gives me an opportunity to play music in a supportive peer group and an introduction into the folk community,” said one member from Bristol.
“NNYFTE is having friends who understand your quirks and share similar folkie interests to you,” said another, while a third commented: “NYFTE allows me to connect with my roots and absorb myself in the historical culture of this nation.”
‘Prog Morris’ side Boss Morris have taken the world by storm and shown there is another dynamic, inclusive and forward-looking side to folk traditions – photo: Jon Wilks
Their show in Shirehampton, on September 21, will top off a summer season which has included performances at acclaimed folk festivals such as Sidmouth and Chippenham.
It will showcase ensembles of all sizes performing musical arrangements of folk tunes on trad and non-traditional instruments including fiddle, accordion, guitar, flute, clarinet, trumpet, pipe and tabor, melodion, recorder and cello, as well as dancing accompanied by live music and traditional songs.
The concert takes place at 2pm on Saturday, September 21 at Shirehampton Public Hall (BS11 9TX).
The concert is free to attend, but interested parties should book a ticket at www.nyfte.org.uk/news/dates/2024-nyfte-season-finale-bristol
Main image: NYFTE
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