CONGRATULATIONS to Thornbury Arts Festival for bringing such a talented, passionate and inspiring performer to our town. Seth Lakeman can now add Thornbury to his CV alongside the Albert Hall, BBC radio and sell-out festivals throughout Europe.

His one-man sell-out show was a tour de force of powerful and emotive singing, accompanied by his trademark fiddle and guitar. We were also treated to pizzicato viola, guitar, bazouka, drones and electric bass drum, with each and every backing providing phenomenal, rhythmic drive.

We journeyed through the West Country in songs of lost trades, white hares, D-day landings, trains, anvils, love and death at sea, all penned and sung from the heart. This was a performance with astounding levels of energy and commitment.

Supporting act Emily Teague from Thornbury was a perfect complement - her rich voice and creative lyrics were perfectly balanced by instrumentalist Jacob Morrison and the pair were clearly delighted to be performing on home ground. It’s fantastic that the festival attracted such a big name and fabulous to see a noticeably younger-than-usual audience having a great night out.