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Broomdasher begin their Festival Season this Saturday afternoon with a performance at Leigh Folk Festival.

They'll sing at the Leigh Library Gardens stage at 2.40 at what has become known the country's largest free folk festival.

They follow that with a spot on the main stage at Stainsby Folk Festival in Derbyshire on Saturday 20th July.

Then they have a bumper crop of appearances at the beginning of the autumn, with performances at South Downs Folk Festival on Saturday 21 September; Charmouth Folk Festival on Saturday 28th September and Tenterden Folk Festival on Saturday and Sunday 5th and 6th October.

Broomdasher's six unaccompanied voices sing traditional English folk songs of love; loss; work; play; revenge and murder. They've been mentored by some major folk names - including John Tams and Coope Boyes and Simpson - and their debut album Nothing To Do With Me has been positively received:

Glorious harmonies and finely crafted arrangements. An impressive calling card to bolster their flourishing live reputation

Very accomplished singers with a palpable sense of togetherness in their well-oiled performances. They have also gained a reputation for their involving live performances

Wide repertoire, highly skilled arrangements and very animated live shows

Nice harmonies and if Trad is your thing, this should please you

Their passion for sharing the enjoyment of singing produced astonishing responses on their debut last year, as they were re-booked everywhere they performed.

They may be a new name but between them they have an impressive pedigree before forming Broomdasher and recording their first CD Nothing To Do With Me.

Deena, Chris and Margaret were original members of the Cecil Sharpe House Choir - Huw and Jo joined later - and they've sung at festivals in the UK and overseas with the likes of Sam Lee and Lisa Knapp. Deena was taught by Leon Rosselson and sang in a group with him in Paris. Jo was taught by revered baritone John Carol Case, renowned for his work with Vaughan Williams, and she has sung in notable concert halls including Edinburgh's Usher Hall. Richard sings with Dorten Yonder and was half of Radio Derby regulars The Moonshine Duo. Chris is a founder member of Sea Shanty Festival favourites Hog Eye Men and the London Lubbers with Matthew Crampton and also worked with Skinny Lister.