The electrifying sound of 6 piece (un)traditional folk band Bonfire Radicals is both intensely creative and irresistibly fun. Expect the unexpected, with global grooves, instrumental fireworks, rich vocal harmonies and delicate a cappella emerging from a melting pot of original and traditional tunes from the British Isles to the Balkans. Emotive vocals, textural washes, intricate woodwind and fierce fiddle are woven together over a pulsating backdrop of guitar, bass and drums. Bonfire Radicals’ music dares their audiences not to dance.

The band have built up a strong fan base following their intense high-energy live performances across the UK including Cheltenham Jazz Festival, Beardy Folk Festival, Moseley Folk & Arts Festival, Purbeck Valley Folk Festival, selling out Birmingham’s legendary Hare & Hounds and Kitchen Garden Cafe, and airplay on BBC Radio 3.

"Boldly raucous … Quite staggeringly special.” - Fatea Magazine

"Birmingham's finest progressive folk band". – Tradfolk

"Raucous and eclectic... sheer merriment bundled into a gorgeous set of ideas and influences - Songlines ★★★★

"This is tradition woven into an uninhibited gathering of inspired originality". – FolkWords

"Birmingham's best kept musical secret. Vibrant and exciting, a musical blend of folk traditions full of originality and virtuosity. Our audience loved them and buzzed with excitement - if you’ve not seen Bonfires yet, get along to a gig as quickly as you can” - Brett Rehling - Kitchen Garden Cafe

"We loved it! It was a wonderful gig - such great music: diverse, full of energy, poignant in places, full of virtuosity and musicality... Can't wait for the next opportunity to hear you!" - Audience Member

Michelle Holloway - recorders, lead vocal

Katie Stevens - clarinet, kaval, whistle, backing vocals

Sarah Farmer - fiddle, viola

Emma Reading - electric guitar

Pete Churchill - electric bass

Ilias Lintzos - drums