Bardfest '26: Welcome Concert

Featuring ‘Enchanted’ – poetry and storytelling by Monica Ciriani and Izzy Darkwood. A weaving of magical poetry and story; come into the woods with us and follow the enchanted path wherever it may lead you – a journey filled with beauty, mystery, whimsy and adventure.

Monica Ciriani is a multi-faceted human being who has lived many lives. She loves words and using them to reawaken the magic within and around us with poetry to bring us back into our own enchantment.

Izzy Darkwood is a writer, storyteller and maker of ephemera. She is rooted in landscape through nature and story and sees the slow magic all around in the everyday. She believes that the need for human connection through community and the arts is as vital as air.

***American by Simon Andrews***

Simon Andrews is a singer songwriter and guitarist. He is inspired by the spirit of place and the people he meets.Born in England but also raised in the US, Simon creates a fusion of British ,Celtic and American guitar styles. Simon’s passion for songwritting blossomed during lock down. He will be performing some of those songs at this years Bard Festival.

www.youtube.com/@simonandrews4518

https://on.soundcloud.com/Nj0f69t9f6DzzQxQFl

***Prog-Rock by James Hollingsworth***

Frome-based James Hollingsworth is an acclaimed songwriter and multi-instrumentalist with a unique, complex acoustic guitar style, reminiscent of Andalusian guitar as well as modern rock, he’s been described as an acrobat of the guitar with the powerful voice of an angel. Known as an inspired solo singer/songwriter/guitarist (and ‘mean’ harmonica player), his songs are refreshingly inventive and accessible, rooted in acoustic Folk-Blues as well as Prog Rock, by turns tranquil then soaring with hypnotic groove munching guitar space freak-outs – plus glorious songwriting within.

“Guitar-Shaman & Sublime Songsmith” – Awen Publications “there is literally NO-ONE else like him!” – Barking Spider Promotions

Refreshments by donations; merch stall (bring cash).

£15 in advance (excluding booking fee); £20 on door (cash).

Email address: kevanmanwaring@yahoo.co.uk

For more BardFest Events, click on “Learn More” below.