Organisers are over 'The Whole of the Moon' after announcing The Waterboys will headline next summer's Folk by the Oak music festival in Hatfield.
The all-day folk fest will return to the grounds of Hatfield House on Sunday, July 16, 2023.
FBTO promoters have now confirmed the first two line-up announcements with The Waterboys and This is the Kit both set to appear in Hatfield Park at the Hertfordshire music festival.
Festival director Adam Slough told us: “We are thrilled that legendary band The Waterboys, led by the dynamic and brilliant Mike Scott, are headlining our 2023 festival.
"The band has been a source of musical joy to a legion of die-hard fans for nearly 40 years.
"From their mid-1980s 'Big Music' period through their influential classic Fisherman’s Blues, to the rich songcraft of recently released All Souls Hill, The Waterboys have consistently blended tightness, inspiration and improvisation to reach heights of performance few other acts can.”
Sharing the news on their social media channels, Scottish musician and Waterboys founder Mike Scott said: “We’re delighted to play at Folk by the Oak, and will supply some Funk by the Trunk and Rock by the Hollyhock as well."
The Waterboys' set will feature the established line-up of Memphis keyboard great 'Brother' Paul Brown, ace British drummer Ralph Salmins and funky Irish bassman Aongus Ralston.
Also announced today (November 17) are This is the Kit, the Ivor Novello-nominated musical project of the hugely gifted Kate Stables.
Hailed as “one of the most original and musically gifted artists of today” by The Independent, the band has developed a reputation for innovative songwriting and enthralling live performances.
“This is the Kit joined us back in 2017 and their set was nothing short of beguiling,” said Adam.
“We are still hard at work programming yet another exceptional line-up for 2023, bringing together some of the best folk, roots and acoustic sets imaginable, and are delighted we can share these two incredible artist announcements already.”
Folk by the Oak is a family-friendly, one-day festival set in the Queen Elizabeth Oak Field at Hatfield House, and takes place on Sunday, July 16 2023.
Early bird tickets are still available from www.folkbytheoak.com
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