Party like it's 1699!
Swing ‘Em Fair are a English concert and ceilidh band featuring Chris Green (guitar, mandocello, stompbox), Jude Rees (oboe, English bagpipes, shawm, recorder) and Sophie Matthews (English bagpipes, rauschpfeife, shawm, recorder, flute, hurdy-gurdy). They blend early music and instruments with English folk tunes to create a sound that is fresh, exciting and also very easy to dance to!
Chris and Jude were both founder members of acclaimed English folk trio Isambarde for several years and Sophie is an active member of 17th century band The Oxford Waits as well as being a much sought-after historical interpreter and and musician, working regularly for English Heritage, Cadw and the National Trust.
As well as their outstanding stage performance, we are anticipating some exciting workshops – remember the harmony performance at the last festival?
Finally, a word about the name. ‘Swing ‘Em Fair‘ was a colloquial name in 18th century Warwickshire for the festivities associated with a public hanging. While the 18th century had many fine points, its criminal justice system left a lot to be desired!
