Nottingham’s Foolhardy Folk Festival set to return for third year to Arboretum

The festival which began in 2020 in the Arboretum brings a collection of the best names in folk music to the beautiful city centre location for an afternoon of music. The lineup includes Beans on Toast, Jeffery Lewis & the Voltage and Skinny Lister.

The event is just one of many organised by DHP Family is also responsible for Splendour Festival which took place at Wollaton Park earlier this year. Foolhardy Festival takes place in the greenery of the historic woodland surrounding the Victorian bandstand. The festival will also have a range of street food, craft beers and more on offer.

Some of the other artists on the lineup include: Ferris & Sylvester, Truckstop Honeymoon and Tensheds, with local act Vona Vella opening proceedings, and a very special guest still to be announced. New York comic book illustrator Jeffrey Lewis will be playing with his anti-folk outfit The Voltage.

DHP Family promoter Ben Ryles said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be working with Jay again in helping to bring Foolhardy Folk Festival 2023 to life in its home at the beautiful, historical Nottingham Arboretum. For the third year running, he’s put an amazing lineup together of international and domestic acts.

“Jeffrey Lewis in particular is one of my favourite songwriters of all time. His being on the same lineup as Jay feels like something that should definitely have happened before, but somehow hasn’t. They’re kindred sprints.”

Skinny Lister is a five-piece originating from London. The band are known for high-energy sets and getting the whole crowd jumping, dancing and singing along. British folk duo Ferris & Sylvester bring a distinct combination of blues, Americana and rock ‘n’ roll,

Truckstop Honeymoon is a husband and wife duo that tell stories about the strangeness of everyday life. Their music combines elements of bluegrass, music hall jazz and straight-up rock’n’roll. Tensheds deliver a brand of gritty, heavy, edgy blues/punk, with elements of the classical training background.

Local talent Vona Vella offers sunny soundscapes with poetic lyricism and is now putting the finishing touches to their debut album.

Musician Beans on Toast has said: “The whole place will be filled with wonderful people, in a beautiful place listening to brilliant music. I’m very proud of what we’ve built at The Foolhardy Folk Festival. Bring on 2023!“

Tickets are priced at £30 plus fees and are already on sale. The festival is family-friendly, with free admission for under 11s.