TradFest: Kate Rusby

Forever proud to call herself a folk singer, Kate’s vocals never fail to connect the heart of a song to that of her audience. The crossover appeal Kate enjoys is unprecedented for a folk singer and has been achieved without resort to compromise. Her 2020 cover album Hand Me Down was her highest-charting album to date.

As early as 1999, aged just 26, Kate was named as one of the Top Ten Folk Voices of the Century. Everything she has done since has confirmed that honour. From being a 1999 Mercury Prize Winner – almost unheard of for a folk singer both then and now – to her latest albums ‘Life In A Paper Boat’, ‘Philosophers Poets and Kings’, ‘Holly Head’ and ‘Hand Me Down’ Kate has stayed true to her folk and acoustic roots.

Kate’s Yorkshire roots contribute to her wonderful and warm sense of humour whilst also providing the rich vein of South Yorkshire carols which together, with the passion she has for Christmas, adds the magic to her annual and hugely popular Christmas tour hailed as ‘The Start of Christmas’ for many people.

2022 will be a special year for Kate as it marks 30 years touring as a professional folk singer with a back catalogue of over 20 albums and collaborations.