Music
Frenemies: Eliza Carthy & The Restitution
“The reigning queen of folk in England” – The Arts Desk
11 Mar 2027
Describing herself simply as a “modern English musician”, Eliza Carthy is one of the most recognisable faces of the English folk revival, and over her illustrious 35-year career, remains one of the most original and engaging performers of her generation.
She has received an MBE; numerous BBC R2 Folk Awards; two Mercury Prize nominations; was the first English traditional musician to be nominated for a BBC R3 Award for World Music, and in 2021 became President of the English Folk Dance & Song Society.
Born into a formidable musical dynasty, her mother Norma was one of The Watersons and her father Martin Carthy is a hugely influential singer and guitarist, the incredible range of traditional and contemporary musicians who were part of the extended Waterson/Carthy world helped her develop her own unique approach to music.
Launching head-on into the UK folk scene in the early 90s, she quickly became one of its great innovators. Championed from an early age by the likes of John Peel, Andy Kershaw & Billy Bragg, Eliza has rarely stood still artistically.
From the purest unaccompanied traditional songs to original music incorporating myriad influences, she has moved through English folk music like a force of nature, both stirring it up & putting it back on the map, and as a member of big bands The Imagined Village, and the musical force-of-nature that was The Wayward Band she has headlined main stages at festivals around the world.
With a wealth of musical & life experience under her belt, Eliza’s talent has matured and is flourishing. She continues to bring new audiences to English folk through well-judged recordings, performances, and collaborations with the likes of Paul Weller, Jools Holland, Patrick Wolf, and Kae Tempest.
2026 sees the release of long-awaited new music, and Eliza Carthy & the Restitution are bringing their acclaimed new album to a town near you.
“The reigning queen of folk in England” The Arts Desk
“The Restitution blew everyone away with an uncompromising and powerful set as fiery as Eliza’s flame red dress” Songlines | Cambridge Folk Festival
“A flamboyant, impassioned, exhilarating work” MOJO
“Visionary masterpiece… a career milestone” RnR Magazine
Useful Information:
Venue: Barrow Town Hall Banqueting Hall
Start Date: 11 Mar 2027
End Date: 11 Mar 2027
Full Price: £25
