Moseley Folk Festival Hits 20 Years of Music, Magic, and Midlands Vibes!

The Moseley Folk and Arts Festival in Birmingham is marking its 20th anniversary this year, making it a significant event for music fans in the Midlands. Since its beginning in 2006, the festival has become a staple in the local music scene, drawing crowds to the scenic Moseley Park. The park, with its lush greenery and peaceful setting, provides a unique backdrop for the festival, making it feel like a countryside event even though it is right in the heart of the city. This year, the festival features headliners such as Kingfishr, Super Furry Animals, and The Dead South, all of whom are expected to deliver memorable performances.

One of the local bands, The Destroyers, has a special connection to the festival. Max Gittings, a member of the group, describes the festival as having a cosy and welcoming vibe. The Destroyers first played at the festival during its early years, and Max recalls how exciting it was for the band to be invited. Their energetic 'megafolk' style was well received by the audience, and the festival became an important part of their musical journey. Over the years, The Destroyers have performed at the festival several times, and they are set to take the stage again for the festival's twentieth edition. Max shares that playing at Moseley Folk brings back fond memories, especially gathering with the band backstage by the lake before performing for an enthusiastic crowd.

The festival has grown significantly since its early days. What started with around 1,000 attendees now expects to welcome about 4,000 people. According to organiser John Fell, the festival has evolved by adding more stages, workshops, and family-friendly areas. The food scene in Birmingham has also become a big part of the festival, with many local vendors offering a variety of dishes. While ticket prices have increased, with weekend passes costing £182 and day tickets at £69, John Fell believes the festival offers great value for the experience. He is proud that the event is run by local people and supports Birmingham artists and businesses. The festival now includes not only music but also comedy, poetry, and wellness activities. Despite the challenges of running a boutique-style festival, John Fell is confident about the future, saying that live music will always attract people who want to enjoy themselves and experience something special. This year, between 60 and 70 acts will perform, showing how much the festival has grown and how important it is to the community.