Jon Boden Solo

Jon Boden is one of the most influential and prolific figures in contemporary English folk music — a singer, multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger and storyteller whose career spans over two decades and whose work continually pushes the boundaries of tradition.

Boden's early career in the folk world began with collaborations and session work, including playing with Eliza Carthy's Ratcatchers, gaining valuable experience on the roots music circuit.

In 1999–2000 he met concertina player John Spiers in a pub in Oxford, and the two quickly formed the duo Spiers & Boden. Their sound — blending fiddle, melodeon, stomp box, guitar and traditional song — rapidly drew attention on the folk club and festival circuit.

While on the road as a duo, Boden and Spiers conceived the idea of a larger ensemble — and in 2004 formed Bellowhead, a groundbreaking eleven-piece "folk big band" designed to bring traditional material to bigger stages and broader audiences. Boden became the lead singer and principal arranger, responsible for shaping much of the group's bold, complex sound. Bellowhead soon became one of the most successful and dynamic live acts in British folk history.

Boden's solo recording career began with Painted Lady (2006), later re-released with bonus material. In 2009 he unveiled Songs from the Floodplain, a thematic album portraying a post-apocalyptic Britain through traditional song and his own compositions — launching his long-running project The Remnant Kings to bring this visionary music to life on stage.

We’re delighted that Jon Boden is part of Ely Arts Festival, bringing a career that spans duo folk clubs, world-class big band folk, theatrical composition, ambitious concept albums and ongoing innovation in communal music-making. Don’t miss this rare chance to witness a towering figure in folk history.

Supported by: 

Cliff Ward and Prue (Cliff n Prue) - a brother and sister folk duo from Ely whose musical partnership has been shaped by a lifetime of share songs, stages and stories. 

Lizzy Hardingham - Folk infused singer songwriter Lizzy Hardingham sings songs that drive straight to the heart, giving audiences a chance for genuine connection and empathy. Hardingham is paving her way as a powerhouse performer with beautifully delivered songs, her wonderful voice grabbing the listener from the very first note and holding on until the last. Think Christine Collister, Joni Mitchell, Sandy Denny and KT Tunstall all wrapped into one.