Folk in the Forest

A folk club with a difference - set in the glorious surroundings of the Whinlatter forest, showcasing local artists and with opportunities to join in yourself. The combined magic of music and nature is an unforgettable experience, and a great way to connect with others through music.

Each evening starts with floor spots, followed by special guests, and we finish the evening with an open session - bring an instrument or a song to share…

If the weather's favourable, we'll have the event outdoors on the verandah, so dress warmly! If the weather's bad, we'll move indoors to the cafe.

Tickets by donation - suggested amounts £3 - £10. Please pay what you can afford, and help us keep prices low for those facing financial hardship.

Cafe Ambio has a licenced bar and is serving delicious food from 17:00 so enjoy a hearty meal followed by some great entertainment.

Special Guests

May 3rd: Bruin Valentine / Bitterbeck

Keswick-based Bruin Valentine is a leading exponent of the Hang, a magical musical instrument from Switzerland also known as a handpan. Conjuring up otherworldly ambiences using dextrous hands on brushed steel, Bruin captivates audiences with original compositions and improvisations.

Bitterbeck is a semi-acoustic folk / blues outfit, singing original songs with environmental themes, catchy melodies and singalong choruses. Angie Power (vocals), Cathy Grout (bass), Dave Camlin (acoustic guiitar, harmonicas), Keith Fitton (electric guitar) and Lindy Powell (cajon) combine songs of hope with catchy rhythms and close harmonies for uplifting moments of energy and light.

June 7th: Ian O'Regan / Quickbeam

Originally from Irleand, Ian O'Regan has been resident in west Cumbria for a few years, building a local reputation for his unique blend of virtuosic guitar skills, sweet vocal delivery and inventive (and often hilarious) original songs.

A cappella quiartet Quickbeam are leading lights of the west Cumbrian folk scene, with their unique witty take on vocal music. Abi Driver, Alison Scott, Arwen Heaton and Jessie Binns create moments of sheer delight and rare beauty with their intrictae harmonies, often with unusual and intriguing props!

September 6th: Anne-Marie Sanderson / Tryckster Acoustic

Anne-Marie Sanderson is a prolific and inspiring singer / song-writer steadily building a following for her warm and sensitive delivery of original songs exploring the complexities of modern life. Anne-Marie’s songwriting is both thought-provoking and uplifting, combining deft guitar work with imaginative melodies, making for a compelling live proposition.

West Cumbrian folk stalwarts Tryckster have been entertaining audiences for over twenty years with their lively blend of raucous folk tunes and politically conscious songs of hope and social justice. This stripped-back acoustic version of the band will be performing material from their new album, bring your dancing shoes!

October 4th: Pete Garnett / Shanty Lads

Accordion virtuoso Pete Garnett - formerly of Scottish Klezmer / Balkan band Moishe's Bagel - is a remarkable musician, drawing on global folk traditions to create a captivating set of tunes from around the world, all played with dextrous skill and an eminently danceable vibe.

The Shanty Lads are west Cumbria's answer to Fishermen's Friends, a boisterous shanty group with boundless energy and humourous banter. Their rousing brand of singing is entertaining and powerfully accessible, and bound to have the whole cafe united in song.