Famous Faces at the Yard

Tuesday 14th March, 2017|Category: News

As if a festival at the Royal William Yard wasn’t already wonderful enough, the organisers have announced that Seth Lakeman will be headlining!! The Royal William Yard is situated in one of the most picturesque locations in Plymouth, overlooking the breath-taking estuary. What better way to spend an afternoon, relaxing in the sun whilst listening to an array of fabulous performers. With all of the amazing restaurants around the Yard, alongside a fabulous offering of locally produced street food, it really is a treat for all the senses!

The following information was provided by the fabulous team at Royal William Yard!

West Country folk singer Seth Lakeman is to headline the first ever Royal William Yard Festival – on May 27 and 28 – which promises to celebrate “peninsular living” and everything the beautiful West Country has to offer.

The festival will bring areas of the historic Grade 1 listed ex-Naval victualling yard to life with beautiful classic cars, motor bikes and boats providing the backdrop to six stages, dotted around the yard offering an array of musical styles.

Devon-born Folk star Seth Lakeman, who was nominated for a Mercury Award with his single, Kitty Jay, is celebrating the release of his eighth studio album The Ballads of the Broken Few. UK house music legends Full Intention will be closing the Factory Cooperage on the Saturday 27th. Closing The Harbour Stage will be Molotov Jukebox, whose lead singer is also Game of Thrones and Harry Potter star, Natalia Tena. Also appearing will be Meadowlark on their homecoming gig to Plymouth.

Westcountry folk singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Seth’s eighth studio album Ballads of the Broken Few is a stunning combination of his dynamic song writing and playing, produced by Ethan Johns (Ryan Adams, Kings of Leon, Laura Marling) and the sublime harmony vocals of emerging young female trio Wildwood Kin.

Seth’s soaring vocals are perfectly complimented by the seamless harmonies of Wildwood Kin – two sisters (Emillie and Beth Key) and their cousin (Meghann Loney), also from Devon. When Seth met them at a local charity gig, he was immediately struck by their effortless ability to create intuitive harmonies. Continuing Seth’s unique vision for recording in inspiring locations – previous albums have been recorded in a church and a copper mine – the eleven tracks for ‘Ballads of the Broken Few’ were cut in the Great Hall of a Jacobean Manor House and they shine with the atmosphere of that setting. There is Seth’s trademark stomp, his swooping, sighing and aching fiddle and viola, and strident electric tenor guitar.

Since the Mercury Prize nominated “Kitty Jay” (recorded in his kitchen for £300), the follow-up gold selling “Freedom Fields” and his last, highly acclaimed offering, “Word of Mouth“, a deft collection of mini musical biographies of colourful West Country characters, Seth Lakeman has relentlessly pushed his musical boundaries and those of folk and roots music. With “Ballads of the Broken Few” Seth demonstrates yet again that, far from being complacent, he is constantly exploring new and bold musical paths. His new album is out now on Cooking Vinyl.
Seth will play a few select solo shows in 2017 playing songs from the new album and other live favourites from his back catalogue.

There will be a relaxed, Balearic-style sundowners bar and a main evening event in the Factory Cooperage with bands, DJs and a cabaret and cocktail bar. There will be a host of great, locally caught street food on offer, including tasty treats from the Bigbury-based Oyster Shack and wine from the award-winning Sharpham Estate near Totnes.

It will all take place in the stunning surroundings of Royal William Yard, recently developed to huge acclaim by award-winning Urban Splash.

Royal William Yard Events Manager Jim Pascoe said: “Our new festival really will celebrate everything Devon and Cornwall has to offer. From wonderful waterside living to great food, wine and musical talent. The festival will represent the best of the West Country and will have something for everyone to enjoy.

“Royal William Yard has become one of the the best places to work, rest and play in the West Country,” said Urban Splash Director, Emily Handslip.

“We are thrilled to announce the first ever Royal William Yard Festival and welcome Seth and his fellow artists. We are really hoping to attract more people than ever before this year as we begin the countdown to the Mayflower 400 celebrations when we’ll be able to showcase Britain’s Ocean City to people all over the world.”

We love attending lots of wonderful events at the Royal William Yard and are so excited for their first ever festival! Whether you are local and are planning a day out or are coming from further afield, this is definitely a date for the diary!

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