Matthew Bannister
@matthewbannister.bsky.social
Broadcaster. Host of Last Word on BBC Radio 4 and my own multi award winning Folk on Foot podcast (@folkonfoot.com). Posts all personal.
Pinned
🆕 New episode out now: join us round the campfire in Devon with @alexmerryart.bsky.social, Ben Edge, Charlie Cooper, Sam Lee and Zakia Sewell discussing why folk music and customs are fascinating a new generation - and why that matters.
🎧 Listen here: pod.fo/e/379be9
With The Ffern Folk Guild.
🎧 Listen here: pod.fo/e/379be9
With The Ffern Folk Guild.
A fascinating conversation with some lovely people. Have a listen!
Now on stage @cecilsharphouse.bsky.social the brilliant songs of Chris Wood. #IndoorFestivalofFolk
February 7, 2026 at 7:42 PM
Now on stage @cecilsharphouse.bsky.social the brilliant songs of Chris Wood. #IndoorFestivalofFolk
Moving and insightful conversation with Simon Nicol of Fairport Convention at Indoor Festival of Folk @cecilsharphouse.bsky.social
February 7, 2026 at 7:34 PM
Moving and insightful conversation with Simon Nicol of Fairport Convention at Indoor Festival of Folk @cecilsharphouse.bsky.social
The wonderful Ellie Gowers getting the Indoor Festival of Folk @cecilsharphouse.bsky.social off to a sparkling start.
February 7, 2026 at 1:27 PM
The wonderful Ellie Gowers getting the Indoor Festival of Folk @cecilsharphouse.bsky.social off to a sparkling start.
Reposted by Matthew Bannister
New in this month’s Official Folk Albums Chart is “Eternal Birth” from the Ranagri flautist @elizamarshall.bsky.social. The album celebrates the cycle of life - and our relationship with nature.
▶️ Watch the full Chart Show here: youtu.be/UxtdKN4OOxk
▶️ Watch the full Chart Show here: youtu.be/UxtdKN4OOxk
February 5, 2026 at 6:06 PM
New in this month’s Official Folk Albums Chart is “Eternal Birth” from the Ranagri flautist @elizamarshall.bsky.social. The album celebrates the cycle of life - and our relationship with nature.
▶️ Watch the full Chart Show here: youtu.be/UxtdKN4OOxk
▶️ Watch the full Chart Show here: youtu.be/UxtdKN4OOxk
Reposted by Matthew Bannister
And we're off! Join us on YouTube now for this month's Chart Show, featuring music from @elizamarshall.bsky.social, @lisaknappmusic.bsky.social & @gerrydiver.bsky.social, @martynjosephwales.bsky.social, Nathan Evans & SAINT PHNX and more.
▶️ Tune in here: youtu.be/UxtdKN4OOxk
▶️ Tune in here: youtu.be/UxtdKN4OOxk
Official Folk Albums Chart Show—3rd February 2026
YouTube video by Folk On Foot
youtu.be
February 3, 2026 at 7:03 PM
And we're off! Join us on YouTube now for this month's Chart Show, featuring music from @elizamarshall.bsky.social, @lisaknappmusic.bsky.social & @gerrydiver.bsky.social, @martynjosephwales.bsky.social, Nathan Evans & SAINT PHNX and more.
▶️ Tune in here: youtu.be/UxtdKN4OOxk
▶️ Tune in here: youtu.be/UxtdKN4OOxk
Here we come a-wassailing at @cecilsharphouse.bsky.social with @jimcausley.bsky.social - a fine crop of apples is guaranteed come the autumn!
January 28, 2026 at 10:33 PM
Here we come a-wassailing at @cecilsharphouse.bsky.social with @jimcausley.bsky.social - a fine crop of apples is guaranteed come the autumn!
Reposted by Matthew Bannister
Behind almost every door in the village of Pathhead, Midlothian lies an extraordinary musical talent. Join us to re-live the joy of opening those doors and hearing the music inside in this classic episode from 2022.
🎧 Listen now: pod.fo/e/38063d
@laumusic.bsky.social @corrinahewat.bsky.social
🎧 Listen now: pod.fo/e/38063d
@laumusic.bsky.social @corrinahewat.bsky.social
January 26, 2026 at 9:28 AM
Behind almost every door in the village of Pathhead, Midlothian lies an extraordinary musical talent. Join us to re-live the joy of opening those doors and hearing the music inside in this classic episode from 2022.
🎧 Listen now: pod.fo/e/38063d
@laumusic.bsky.social @corrinahewat.bsky.social
🎧 Listen now: pod.fo/e/38063d
@laumusic.bsky.social @corrinahewat.bsky.social
Reposted by Matthew Bannister
As we sit by a campfire in Devon, Sam Lee shares his love of the Padstow 'Obby 'Oss Mayday tradition in our new episode, out now.
🎧 Listen here: pod.fo/e/379be9
With The Ffern Folk Guild.
🎧 Listen here: pod.fo/e/379be9
With The Ffern Folk Guild.
January 24, 2026 at 9:47 AM
As we sit by a campfire in Devon, Sam Lee shares his love of the Padstow 'Obby 'Oss Mayday tradition in our new episode, out now.
🎧 Listen here: pod.fo/e/379be9
With The Ffern Folk Guild.
🎧 Listen here: pod.fo/e/379be9
With The Ffern Folk Guild.
Reposted by Matthew Bannister
👀 Ever seen a giant?
Artist and Boss Morris dancer @alexmerryart.bsky.social explains that there are more around than you might think, and how deeply the tradition of giant-making is rooted in our history.
🎧 Hear more in our new episode, out now: pod.fo/e/379be9
Artist and Boss Morris dancer @alexmerryart.bsky.social explains that there are more around than you might think, and how deeply the tradition of giant-making is rooted in our history.
🎧 Hear more in our new episode, out now: pod.fo/e/379be9
January 22, 2026 at 5:10 PM
👀 Ever seen a giant?
Artist and Boss Morris dancer @alexmerryart.bsky.social explains that there are more around than you might think, and how deeply the tradition of giant-making is rooted in our history.
🎧 Hear more in our new episode, out now: pod.fo/e/379be9
Artist and Boss Morris dancer @alexmerryart.bsky.social explains that there are more around than you might think, and how deeply the tradition of giant-making is rooted in our history.
🎧 Hear more in our new episode, out now: pod.fo/e/379be9
Reposted by Matthew Bannister
In our new episode, out now, artist Ben Edge shares his fascination with the traditions of the Abbots Bromley Horn Dance.
🎧 Listen here: pod.fo/e/379be9
With The Ffern Folk Guild.
🎧 Listen here: pod.fo/e/379be9
With The Ffern Folk Guild.
January 20, 2026 at 6:12 PM
In our new episode, out now, artist Ben Edge shares his fascination with the traditions of the Abbots Bromley Horn Dance.
🎧 Listen here: pod.fo/e/379be9
With The Ffern Folk Guild.
🎧 Listen here: pod.fo/e/379be9
With The Ffern Folk Guild.
Reposted by Matthew Bannister
In our new episode - out now - Charlie Cooper describes his close encounter with the flaming tar barrels of Ottery St Mary.
🎧 Find out more here: pod.fo/e/379be9
With The Ffern Folk Guild.
🎧 Find out more here: pod.fo/e/379be9
With The Ffern Folk Guild.
January 18, 2026 at 9:29 AM
In our new episode - out now - Charlie Cooper describes his close encounter with the flaming tar barrels of Ottery St Mary.
🎧 Find out more here: pod.fo/e/379be9
With The Ffern Folk Guild.
🎧 Find out more here: pod.fo/e/379be9
With The Ffern Folk Guild.
Reposted by Matthew Bannister
With over 80% of tickets sold for the Indoor Festival of Folk, book now to avoid missing out!
If you’re missing sunny summer folk festivals, this is the perfect tonic for the winter blues; a stellar line-up of the country's finest folk artists all in our cosy London venue.
Sat 7 Feb bit.ly/4qC4y0c
If you’re missing sunny summer folk festivals, this is the perfect tonic for the winter blues; a stellar line-up of the country's finest folk artists all in our cosy London venue.
Sat 7 Feb bit.ly/4qC4y0c
January 16, 2026 at 5:18 PM
With over 80% of tickets sold for the Indoor Festival of Folk, book now to avoid missing out!
If you’re missing sunny summer folk festivals, this is the perfect tonic for the winter blues; a stellar line-up of the country's finest folk artists all in our cosy London venue.
Sat 7 Feb bit.ly/4qC4y0c
If you’re missing sunny summer folk festivals, this is the perfect tonic for the winter blues; a stellar line-up of the country's finest folk artists all in our cosy London venue.
Sat 7 Feb bit.ly/4qC4y0c
A fascinating conversation with some lovely people. Have a listen!
🆕 New episode out now: join us round the campfire in Devon with @alexmerryart.bsky.social, Ben Edge, Charlie Cooper, Sam Lee and Zakia Sewell discussing why folk music and customs are fascinating a new generation - and why that matters.
🎧 Listen here: pod.fo/e/379be9
With The Ffern Folk Guild.
🎧 Listen here: pod.fo/e/379be9
With The Ffern Folk Guild.
January 16, 2026 at 9:18 AM
A fascinating conversation with some lovely people. Have a listen!
Reposted by Matthew Bannister
Big announcement from Matthew: how to get exclusive tickets to the Folk Album of the Year Award Show at Rochdale Town Hall on 17th March.
👉 Sign up as a Folk on Foot member here to be in the draw: folkonfoot.com/supportus
In partnership with @soundrootsuk.bsky.social.
👉 Sign up as a Folk on Foot member here to be in the draw: folkonfoot.com/supportus
In partnership with @soundrootsuk.bsky.social.
January 7, 2026 at 6:17 PM
Big announcement from Matthew: how to get exclusive tickets to the Folk Album of the Year Award Show at Rochdale Town Hall on 17th March.
👉 Sign up as a Folk on Foot member here to be in the draw: folkonfoot.com/supportus
In partnership with @soundrootsuk.bsky.social.
👉 Sign up as a Folk on Foot member here to be in the draw: folkonfoot.com/supportus
In partnership with @soundrootsuk.bsky.social.
Reposted by Matthew Bannister
It's almost time! Join us on YouTube from 7pm GMT for this month's Chart Show, featuring music from @themagpiearc.bsky.social, @katerusby.bsky.social, @lauracannellmusic.bsky.social, St. Agnes Fountain, Skinny Lister and Michael McGovern.
▶️ Watch here: youtu.be/Fe3ae42KL8A
▶️ Watch here: youtu.be/Fe3ae42KL8A
Official Folk Albums Chart Show—6th January 2026
YouTube video by Folk On Foot
youtu.be
January 6, 2026 at 6:39 PM
It's almost time! Join us on YouTube from 7pm GMT for this month's Chart Show, featuring music from @themagpiearc.bsky.social, @katerusby.bsky.social, @lauracannellmusic.bsky.social, St. Agnes Fountain, Skinny Lister and Michael McGovern.
▶️ Watch here: youtu.be/Fe3ae42KL8A
▶️ Watch here: youtu.be/Fe3ae42KL8A
See you tonight!
On this month’s Chart Show, Matthew reveals how you can win exclusive tickets to the Folk Album of the Year Award gig on 17th March. Plus, there's music from The Magpie Arc, Kate Rusby, Laura Cannell, St. Agnes Fountain, Skinny Lister and Michael McGovern.
Watch from 7pm GMT: youtu.be/Fe3ae42KL8A
Watch from 7pm GMT: youtu.be/Fe3ae42KL8A
January 6, 2026 at 9:43 AM
See you tonight!
Reposted by Matthew Bannister
6️⃣ On the sixth day of Christmas Folk on Foot gave to me: @jonboden.bsky.social, Bella Hardy and the Melrose Quartet, all six singing Sheffield Carols.
Listen to the episode: pod.fo/e/12995
Listen to the episode: pod.fo/e/12995
December 30, 2025 at 10:34 AM
6️⃣ On the sixth day of Christmas Folk on Foot gave to me: @jonboden.bsky.social, Bella Hardy and the Melrose Quartet, all six singing Sheffield Carols.
Listen to the episode: pod.fo/e/12995
Listen to the episode: pod.fo/e/12995
Reposted by Matthew Bannister
5️⃣ On the fifth day of Christmas Folk on Foot gave to me: the five brilliant musicians of Freedom to Roam in the Malvern Hills
Listen to the full episode: pod.fo/e/16612d
@elizamarshall.bsky.social
Listen to the full episode: pod.fo/e/16612d
@elizamarshall.bsky.social
December 29, 2025 at 11:56 AM
5️⃣ On the fifth day of Christmas Folk on Foot gave to me: the five brilliant musicians of Freedom to Roam in the Malvern Hills
Listen to the full episode: pod.fo/e/16612d
@elizamarshall.bsky.social
Listen to the full episode: pod.fo/e/16612d
@elizamarshall.bsky.social
Reposted by Matthew Bannister
4️⃣ On the fourth day of Christmas Folk on Foot gave to me – the four calling birds of Goblin Band in the City of London
Listen to the episode: pod.fo/e/2d616a
Listen to the episode: pod.fo/e/2d616a
December 28, 2025 at 2:53 PM
4️⃣ On the fourth day of Christmas Folk on Foot gave to me – the four calling birds of Goblin Band in the City of London
Listen to the episode: pod.fo/e/2d616a
Listen to the episode: pod.fo/e/2d616a
Reposted by Matthew Bannister
@matthewbannister.bsky.social you may like to know that Salut! Folk has published the first of three pieces showcasing the Folk Album of the Year nominees
@nextwavef.bsky.social
@soundrootsuk.bsky.social
@folkonfoot.com
salutfolk.com/2025/12/27/2...
@nextwavef.bsky.social
@soundrootsuk.bsky.social
@folkonfoot.com
salutfolk.com/2025/12/27/2...
Listening to the 2025 Folk Albums of the year contenders (Part 1) - Salut! Folk
The 2025 Folk Albums of the Years Awards are a new venture to showcase the best new folk music from Britain and Ireland. We’re going to showcase the nine records on the shortlist, starting with Cynefi...
salutfolk.com
December 27, 2025 at 3:43 PM
@matthewbannister.bsky.social you may like to know that Salut! Folk has published the first of three pieces showcasing the Folk Album of the Year nominees
@nextwavef.bsky.social
@soundrootsuk.bsky.social
@folkonfoot.com
salutfolk.com/2025/12/27/2...
@nextwavef.bsky.social
@soundrootsuk.bsky.social
@folkonfoot.com
salutfolk.com/2025/12/27/2...
Reposted by Matthew Bannister
2️⃣ On the second day of Christmas Folk on Foot gave to me - two “hazard bears” from the @lunatraktors.bsky.social at Bethlem Royal Hospital
Listen to the episode: pod.fo/e/28283c
Listen to the episode: pod.fo/e/28283c
December 26, 2025 at 12:05 PM
2️⃣ On the second day of Christmas Folk on Foot gave to me - two “hazard bears” from the @lunatraktors.bsky.social at Bethlem Royal Hospital
Listen to the episode: pod.fo/e/28283c
Listen to the episode: pod.fo/e/28283c
Reposted by Matthew Bannister
Merry Christmas from all of us at Folk on Foot!
1️⃣ On the first day of Christmas, Folk on Foot gave to me - a baggy cloth cat from Sandra Kerr (Bagpuss!).
Listen to the episode: pod.fo/e/214afa
1️⃣ On the first day of Christmas, Folk on Foot gave to me - a baggy cloth cat from Sandra Kerr (Bagpuss!).
Listen to the episode: pod.fo/e/214afa
December 25, 2025 at 3:40 PM
Merry Christmas from all of us at Folk on Foot!
1️⃣ On the first day of Christmas, Folk on Foot gave to me - a baggy cloth cat from Sandra Kerr (Bagpuss!).
Listen to the episode: pod.fo/e/214afa
1️⃣ On the first day of Christmas, Folk on Foot gave to me - a baggy cloth cat from Sandra Kerr (Bagpuss!).
Listen to the episode: pod.fo/e/214afa
Reposted by Matthew Bannister
Step into the Irish Christmas spirit, as Caitríona O’Leary shares the traditional carols of Wexford in this classic episode of Folk on Foot from 2022.
🎧 Listen here: pod.fo/e/36afec
🎧 Listen here: pod.fo/e/36afec
December 22, 2025 at 9:05 AM
Step into the Irish Christmas spirit, as Caitríona O’Leary shares the traditional carols of Wexford in this classic episode of Folk on Foot from 2022.
🎧 Listen here: pod.fo/e/36afec
🎧 Listen here: pod.fo/e/36afec
Reposted by Matthew Bannister
On the way to a ‘Lefty Christmas’ gig with Grace Petrie, @maddiemorris.bsky.social stops off in Marsden to sing a song of compassion for those who don’t have contact with family and friends at Christmas. Hear more in our Winterfolk in West Yorkshire episode, out now.
🎧 Listen here: pod.fo/e/366708
🎧 Listen here: pod.fo/e/366708
December 21, 2025 at 10:01 AM
On the way to a ‘Lefty Christmas’ gig with Grace Petrie, @maddiemorris.bsky.social stops off in Marsden to sing a song of compassion for those who don’t have contact with family and friends at Christmas. Hear more in our Winterfolk in West Yorkshire episode, out now.
🎧 Listen here: pod.fo/e/366708
🎧 Listen here: pod.fo/e/366708
Ho,ho,ho……..
🎄 As we record “Silent Night” with Katie Spencer sitting by her Christmas tree, there’s a knock at the door. Who could it be? Find out more in our Winterfolk in West Yorkshire episode - out now.
🎧 Listen here: pod.fo/e/366708
🎧 Listen here: pod.fo/e/366708
December 20, 2025 at 10:04 AM
Ho,ho,ho……..