Often hailed as the ‘First Lady of Folk’, Kate is a huge favourite of ours and even inspired the first Folk by the Oak! It is testament to her sheer talent and unfailing ability to delight her audiences that we know news of her return will be joyously received.

Kate’s awards, accolades and achievements span a Mercury Prize win in 1996 and being named one of the Top Ten Folk Voices of the Century in the same year, through 6 (yes 6!) Radio 2 Folk Awards, many acclaimed albums and a dedicated following of folk fans.

Kate last joined us in 2021 treating us to a blissful evening set that lit up our auditorium with the sunshine and joy Kate is so adept at bringing, and which we all so needed after the previous summer.

In 2022 Kate celebrated her incredible 30 year career with the release of 30: Happy Returns, featuring Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Darlingside, KT Tunstall, and Beth Nielson Chapman to name but a few. The stellar array of musicians guesting on this album is yet further proof of the high regard in which Kate is held by so many.

Always an inspiration to team FBTO, we can’t wait to welcome the ‘Barnsley Nightingale’ and her incredible band back to our Main Stage to revel in her warmth, wit and talent once more!