Music from around the world comes to Croydon Harvest

This October, the Croydon Harvest Bandstand becomes a meeting place for folk traditions, stories and rhythms from across the globe.

Over the weekend 3-4 October, come along to enjoy a wide range of music for free at the festival. 

Throughout both days, you’ll be able to hear lively Balkan, Irish and Klezmer folk from Bath-based trio Ninotchka, whose fast-paced melodies, energetic jigs and infectious performances have taken them to Glastonbury several times.

Our programme also features The Fieldcaps, a folk duo from the South West performing a captivating blend of traditional songs and original alt-folk, with enchanting melodies and rustic harmonies.

Croydon singer-songwriter Amit Chadda brings an intimate, soulful set shaped by guitar, banjo, piano and heartfelt storytelling. Born and raised in Croydon, Amit’s music explores love, loss, hope and self-discovery.

On Sunday, Magic Number bring rich vocal harmonies inspired by British folk, shanties, Yiddish song, Jewish traditions and Georgian polyphony. 

Anglo-Brazilian duo Lambrego combine vocals, flute and guitar with layered melodies, rhythmic harmonies and poetic storytelling.

Audiences can also experience the colour and movement of Orleta, London’s Polish folk song and dance group. Performing since 1973, Orleta brings the spontaneity and celebratory spirit of a traditional Polish dance party to the heart of Croydon.

Eastern European and Ingush roots meet contemporary folk song-writing in the evocative music of Daria Kulesh, whose album Motherland was named Celtic Music Radio Album of the Year. She’ll also run a morning family storytelling session in The Queen’s Gardens!

The Ganda Boys, originally from Uganda and now based in London, blend joyous African songs and chants with a soulful contemporary sound and African fusion influences.

The weekend’s music programme concludes with San Halen, a Welsh folk-singing trio performing close-harmony arrangements of Welsh, Spanish and English folk songs, alongside reimagined versions of 1960s pop classics.

Bringing powerful West African rhythms to the bandstand, Rhythm Generation, master of traditional djembe drums, playing alongside Jally Kebba Susso, Afro-futurist kora player who is expanding the boundaries of West African musical tradition while keeping its heart and soul intact. Through his performances and teaching, Cheikh shares the music, stories and traditions of West Africa with audiences in the UK and beyond.

From Welsh and Portuguese influences to Spanish, Georgian, Yiddish and African traditions, this is folk music in all its richness: rooted in heritage, carried through generations and constantly evolving.

Come along, find a spot in the gardens and let the music take you around the world. More information about Croydon Harvest can be found here.

Schedule

Saturday 3 October

Ninotchka, 12-12:30pm

The Fieldcaps, 12:50-1:25pm

Amit Chadda, 1:45-2:20pm

Daria Kulesh, 2:40-3:15pm

Rhythm Generation, 3:35-4:15pm

Sunday 4 October

Ninotchka is back! 12-12:35; 3:50-4:15pm

Magic Number, 12:50-1:20pm

Lambrego, 1:30-2:10pm

Orleta, 2:10-2:40pm

The Ganda Boys, 3-3:35pm

San Halen, 4:30-5pm