HOW IT ALL BEGAN  .   .   .   .   .   .

 I have always been a great fan of folk-roots music, and as my wife and I began to emerge from the exhaustion that accompanies the parenthood of small children, we started going to concerts in our area and beyond, and re-awakening the love of live music that had been dormant whilst we were busy with a young family.   It seemed to us that there were many others in a similar situation here in Marlborough, who would welcome the opportunity to hear fabulous musicians performing in our own town. 

 Having been bowled over by Show of Hands on several occasions, I decided to invite them to give a concert here in Marlborough in 1999.  So on 11th March they came to Marlborough Town Hall and performed to an enthusiastic audience of fans, friends and family  -  and Marlborough Folk-Roots was born!

 Steve Knightley returned that autumn to give a solo gig, and next year the line up comprised a return visit from Show of Hands, an acoustic concert by Fairport Convention and the first of many visits by Chris While and Julie Matthews.    Now the programme has grown to around five concerts in the winter and spring and, after a summer break, another three or four in the autumn.  Some regulars return every year or so, but we are constantly inviting new talent and broadening the musical base. 

 In the last five years we have been privileged to meet many great musicians, from different points on the musical spectrum, but all multi-talented and fantastic performers.   I have never booked an artist whom I have not personally heard and enjoyed, so that when recommending any concert I can speak with first hand knowledge and absolute confidence that it will be a great evening. 

I am delighted that the number of people coming to enjoy this music has grown steadily and what began as a hobby is rapidly becoming a way of life.  Artists have become friends, and indeed I now have musicians and agents contacting me to request a slot in our programme.  

 If this is your first contact with Marlborough Folk-Roots, please come along and experience a musical treat.  You will not be disappointed.

Andrew Bumphrey

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