2026 David Hall Music Acts

Derek has been singing and making music all his life in various genres “appropriate to my age” as he subtly puts it!   Now it’s mainly folk, country with a few original songs accompanied by acoustic guitar with occasional 5 string banjo. He also plays bass and calls with his ceilidh band. As a trustee for the Petherton Arts Trust, Derek is often found at The David Hall either volunteering or performing and he has been involved with the Petherton Folk Fest for a number of years mainly MC’ing in the David Hall. 

A  rare chance to catch the Cowsville Hummingbirds live — a soulful trio weaving Americana blues vibes with lush, three-part female harmonies that’ll break your heart and soothe your soul. Featuring the spellbinding fiddle of Sam, Debs’ warm guitar tones, and Kimmy plucking sweet banjo lines, they blend timeless classics with heartfelt originals. These accomplished musicians — each with rich histories in other bands — come together only occasionally, making each show something truly special. Based on the Dorset/Somerset border, this is a set you won’t want to miss.

The Rigmarollers pack out shows with their joyous take on the blues. They have risen quickly to become festival headliners and are growing their following all the time.

Cery Matthews recently highlighted them on her Radio 2 Blues Show, while Jazz FM’s David Freeman praised them on his Blues & Boogie Show. Blues in Britain Magazine featured the band with an interview and album review in March 2025. 

It takes just three of them to make a massive sound, blending vocals, harmonica, guitar, sousaphone and percussion.

Inspired by traditional and contemporary folk music, Antoine & Owena create their own original blend of folk music that provides a feast for the ears, the heart and the feet. Together they combine the interpretive folk violin styles of Owena Archer, with the folk-rock guitar and bouzouki rhythms of Antoine Architeuthis to create an eclectic mix of original and traditional material inspired by history, tragedy, love and hope. Their original songs focus on story-telling and have been described as “well-constructed and convincingly told” by Living Tradition, and simply “Brilliant” by Folking.com, whilst their own take on traditional folk songs are stylishly sympathetic to the originals but given new tunes with a contemporary twist.

Embark on a musical voyage with The Quartermasters, a five -piece nautical folk /rock band whose harmonious melodies and sea-themed lyrics breathe life into the ancient tales of the ocean. With their

infectious shanty rhythms and captivating storytelling, The Quartermasters weave a tapestry of maritime folklore that mesmerizes audiences and transports them to the briny depths of the sea.

Formed in Somerset, The Quartermasters have always been drawn to the lore of the sea and their passion for nautical history and traditional folk music shines through in every performance. Each member brings a unique blend of talent and expertise to the band, from the composition of original songs, harmonic gang vocals, and themasterful instrumentation of the cajon, cello and guitar.

A thrilling fusion of fire and finesse, Vagabond is the award-winning duo of virtuoso violinist Adam Summerhayes and master accordionist Murray Grainger. Described as “intoxicating” (The Times) and “breathtaking” their music is a spellbinding  journey through the seductive melodies of Gypsy, Tango, and Klezmer traditions.

With  over a decade of musical adventures together, their performances are a dynamic blend of dazzling technique, raw passion, and deep musical connection. Expect a foot-stomping, heart-stirring experience from two musicians at the height of their artistry.

Evoking  the smoky intimacy of a Parisian café, the swirling drama of Eastern European folk, or the playful fire of a spontaneous musical duel.

Returning to the folk fest by popular demand, Owl in the Sun play a home-grown blend of americana, folk and swing, with self-penned songs that herald from outside the city way of things. From the heart-warming to the dark and edgy, the gentle toe-tapping to the dance your socks off, you can expect infectious melodies and luscious vocal harmonies over a line-up of upright bass, acoustic guitars, accordion, fiddle and flute. ‘Absolutely lovely’, Bob Harris, BBC Radio 2. 

Bhangra folk dance is a fusion of folk dance and music which originates from the Punjab region of India and Pakistan. Traditionally a song and dance of the harvest festival. Modern Bhangra music is influenced by western musical styles and features in many Bollywood films. Avtar will lead an audience dance-a-long,  Fun, easy steps to follow along. All ages welcome

Enigma is a Border Morris side based here in South Petherton formed in the Autumn of 2014. 

Wyvern Jubilee are a mixed Cotswold Morris side, dancing all over the West Country.  They were formed for the Queen’s Silver Jubilee and are still welcoming new members. Practices are held at South Cadbury village hall during the Winter. They can be seen dancing at pubs and festivals from April to September.

A dedicated group of ladies who perform many different styles of Middle Eastern dance, including Sausi, Baladi, folk, cabaret, Kaleegi, along with fusion style of Bhangra and Gypsy Flamenco

Available to add some sparkle to any event, phone 01460 242260 

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Founded in 1983, largely by members of Queen’s Delight, a Cotswold Morris team, who wanted to establish a North West Morris team in Somerset. Although Queen’s Delight has since folded, Treacle Eater North West Clog live on!  The dances originate from the cotton mills of the north, imitating the rhythms and the patterns of the machines in the factories. Clogs would have been worn by the workers and are a distinguishing feature of this style of dance.

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Dr Turberville’s Morris is a mixed Morris side who originated in Crewkerne, Somerset in 1982. Now based in Ash. They dance Cotswold Morris & some Border.

They dance predominantly Cotswold Morris, sticks, handkerchiefs and bells. The dances are usually danced in a set of 6 but some are danced as solo jigs. Music comes from melodeons, and pipe and drum. 

Around Christmas and Wassail time we also dance Border Morris, for which we wear tattered jackets and headgear. 

The Blackrock School of Irish Dance, traditional Irish dance group based in Yeovil. Dancers range from 3-18 both boys and girls. Dance classes are on a Saturday morning 10-12 for beginners 10-13.30 for seniors.

Sweet Coppin are a clog dance team based in Taunton, Somerset who dance a mixture of clog stepping, North West team dances and a selection of other, traditional 'soft shoe' dances from across the British Isles.

  Blackdown Morris is a brand new folk arts community group based in Chard. They currently focus on Rapper (sword) and Border Morris dancing, as well as Mummers plays. They are learning and performing a mix of traditional dances as well as creating their own dances inspired by the beautiful Blackdown Hill they’re named after.  

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Originally from South Wales, Bob is well

known on the live music and festival

circuit for his passionate lyrics and

emotional, soaring vocals.

His festival credits include:

Lakefest - Beacon Festival - Priddy Folk

Festival - Watchet Festival - How The

Light Gets In - 7 Hills Festival - Trowbridge

- Brecon Fringe - Green Gathering -

Altitude Festival - Cornwall Folk Festival -

Night At the Abbey and many more.

Wessex Women is a small women’s choir based in the South West of England. Our members, who come from Dorset, Devon and Somerset, meet on a regular basis to sing and perform songs from around the world. Our repertoire is varied and includes a capella versions of folk songs, protest songs, original compositions, blues, jazz, pop, gospel, and a smattering of comic songs. We often choose songs that are relevant to women’s lives both past and present. 

"I love her gorgeous folk" Chris Hawkins BBC Radio 6 BBC introducing artist Sharon Lazibyrd is a talented, original and award winning singer- songwriter who writes striking and melodic songs. She has recorded a session for Bob Harris and was invited to take part in a BBC Introducing residential. She has performed at many festivals including Glastonbury and the 6 Music Festival in Bristol in 2016.

Meeting Voices is a community choir in Chard. We meet on a Wed evening 7.15 - 9.15.  We sing a variety of songs from around the world some written or arranged by our MD, Pete Linnett. We sing in 4 part harmony, without instrumental accompaniment (A cappella). For performances, we sometimes join together with one of Pete's other choirs, Langport or Lyme Voices, to ensure we have enough singers in each part."

Chaffcombe Reservoir Dogs is a ukulele band in Chaffcombe , Somerset.  We have a regular base player, harmonica , whistle player and percussionist, as well as about 15 ukulele players . We are a friendly and all inclusive group. 

Unique on the West Country music scene, Oconee Bell perform an entertaining, toe-tapping mix of transatlantic music that draws upon a variety of influences including Americana, folk, and bluegrass.

Their abundant experience coupled with their innate musicality combines impeccable arrangements of engaging popular covers as well as thoughtful and insightful original songs.

Cobra Café are a British-Hungarian acoustic guitar and flute duo based in Dorset. Their repertoire is based on an eclectic collection of folk songs from 15 countries, as well as on their original music. With the influence of jazz, folk and world, they have created a unique sound and style, leaving plenty of room for improvisation. Venezuelan waltz, Klezmer dance and Russian Gypsy music are just a few examples of their vibrant set. 

KD Rivers is a UK Americana and folk artist with a passion for storytelling. Her music blends the heart of English folk with the soul of American roots. From bars to festivals, KD’s original songs draw inspiration from timeless ballads, nature, and life’s raw  emotions. With a banjo in hand and a voice that connects, KD Rivers is a modern voice with deep roots.

Somerset group Stampita play a mixture of original compositions, traditional and modern Celtic songs, and material inspired by wider European influences and American folk blues. Musical references span the centuries, from Medieval melodies, songs of mutiny, uprising and rebellion to contemporary folk power-ballads of love, loss and redemption. 

Originally from South Wales, Bob is wellknown on the live music and festival circuit for his passionate lyrics and emotional, soaring vocals.