Folk music is finding fresh renaissance at Lighthouse Poole, as younger audiences join established fans to experience its authentic sounds and welcoming community. With mainstream pop now created by algorithms and software, Gen Z listeners are seeking something real and embracing live performances that showcase genuine talent, storytelling, and cultural connection. As John Blakeley, Lighthouse’s music programmer, explains, folk is a broad church that invites newcomers to explore its varied traditions and modern influences.
This season, Lighthouse Poole presents a compelling line-up of folk-inspired performances. Owen Spafford and Louis Campbell (19th September) bring a striking blend of folk, jazz, and classical stylings with their album “Tomorrow Held”. Legends like Fisherman’s Friends (5th October) and Martin Simpson (15th October) offer deep connections to folk’s roots, while Scott Matthews (23rd October) and Ellie Gowers (7th November) showcase the genre’s ongoing evolution and creativity. Audiences can also look forward to the delicate European folk traditions of Hedera (17th January) and the renowned artistry of Daoirí Farrell (28th March), one of the leading voices in modern Irish folk. Alongside innovative acts such as Steve Knightley’s Winter Yards Band and Moscow Drug Club, Lighthouse Poole remains a hotspot for anyone eager to experience folk’s renewed energy and enduring appeal.
For details and tickets, visit the Lighthouse Poole website.
