Countdown to much-anticipated Folklore Festival begins

Thursday 09 June 2016

Levellers fiddler Jon Sevink cannot wait to end the band's ten-year absence from Jersey as they prepare to headline this year's Folklore Festival at the Val De La Mare.

Sevink is looking forward to this year's Folklore Festival on Sunday as the band continue to go from strength to strength, even though they were formed as long ago as 1988 in Brighton.

"Yeah, it's fair to say we have been around the block a few times, but we still love what we do and I think we do it very well," said Jon. 

"I'm really pleased because we are doing a winter tour later this year at some big venues across Britain and a lot of them are already sold out, which for us is fantastic. It means people like what we are doing, even after this many years.

"I just can't believe it is ten years since we last played Jersey. It was Jersey Live in 2006 and I don't think the weather was too great, but rain or snow, sun or fog, we will always try to put on a great show. There will be some new songs, old songs and lots in between."

Sevink says the intimacy of indoor venues remains as thrilling today as it was when the band first formed in the late 80s - dates in November at Manchester, Bristol, Cardiff and Nottingham are already sold-out, a surefire testimony to their enduring appeal - but outdoor festivals are also very special occasions. 

"Both formats for playing live music have their positives and basically we love playing live anywhere. We have done it in pubs, clubs, beer cellars, massive arenas, Glastonbury in front of tens of thousands - but the chance to pay outdoor in beautiful places is something we will always enjoy."

The band's last two albums received huge critical acclaim, with 2008s 'Letters From The Underground' and the follow up four years later 'Static On The Airwaves' both outstanding works of originality.

"They were a return to something like the Levellers sound," said Jon. "We are now in the process of putting together a new album. We've fiddled around in the studio with some good tunes, some not so good tunes and we are thoroughly enjoying what we do."

The Folklore Festival attracted nearly 4,000 fans last summer when James headlined and this year, with the Levellers and The Charlatans both playing, organisers are hoping to reach their 5,000 capacity.

Folklore and Jersey Live co-director Warren La Sueur says the line-up should attract a bumper crowd.

He said: "I think the fact that we have got two such highly recognisable bands as the Levellers and The Charlatans is a godsend to music fans in Jersey. They were both formed in a similar era and both are known for the strength of their brilliant live performances. We are hoping the fact that we have got such a cracking line-up, with some really talented local bands, will push ticket sales further and hopefully we can close in on getting the full 5,000. 

"We are putting the final touches to the festival this year and all our preparations are on schedule."

Of course, the first question when it comes to festivals invariably revolves around the great British conundrum - the weather.

"Nope, after all these years that's not something I worry about any longer," said Warren.

"I gave up keeping my finger's crossed about the British weather a long time ago. It's great if the sun shines, but more important is being able to listen to some great bands, all of whom will be there to entertain. Music fans just love to listen to live bands and weather it is indoors or outdoors, sunny or pouring with rain, it doesn't really matter. You can have great fun whatever the elements."

Tickets are still available for Sunday's Folklore Festival. Go to www.folklore.org.uk for details.