8pm - The Legion: Mark Radcliffe and The Family Mahone
Please note this show is now SOLD OUT
Playing not only Irish drinking songs but also English drinking songs and Scottish drinking songs, a whole range of musical idioms as you'd expect from a whole range of musical idiots, the members of the Family Mahone have also pursued other careers.

Mark Radcliffe (aka DJ) has become a well known if little respected presenter on BBC Radio 2 where he is assisted by Christy, and Charlie is also a star of the mixing desk and microphone with the aforementioned Corporation. The Boy Lard, Mark and Christy also occasionally make up the legendary Shirehorses.

In addition Doc and Christy often perform with that little grey haired geezer with the funny jumper as Full House. Donal meanwhile continues to be the best undiscovered action painter in Wincham whilst the ever resourceful Rusty is a flourishing entrepreneur in the hidden byways of Chester and the internet, and can be easily recognised by his Jethro Tull style cod-piece.

• www.thefamilymahone.co.uk

Please note this show is now SOLD OUT

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8pm - Marquee Stage: Tommy Kirkpatrick & the Beautiful Noise
Rocky, bluesy, jazzy, moody and talented; that’s the Tommy we know and love!

Think Jack Johnson with attitude, think Damien Rice with the musicianship of Ben Folds.

Mix with The Beautiful Noise – bringing a level of fun and spontaneity rarely seen in live performance.

And still, add to this the utterly involving and mesmerising experience of watching Tom Kirkpatrick. One of those rare finds – a singer songwriter with a genuine sincerity, matched only by his talent and passion of performing, for you.

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8pm – Folk Club Stage, Boars Head: Northwich Folk Club hosts - Jonathan Kelly

"Jonathan Kelly, the man who wrote the Ballad Of Cursed Anna!...He's dead isn't he?" that's the comment you usually hear when you mention his name, well no he's not! he's alive and well and has agreed to play a few concerts after requests from his many fans and we are pleased to announce that we have managed to obtain his services for the festival.

Jonathan who recorded the legendary albums "Twice Around The Houses" and "Wait Until They Change The Backdrop" retired disenchanted with the music scene in 1975. His performances are legendary and many famous artists such as Eric Clapton, Gary Moore and the Sutherland brothers worked on his albums, So book a ticket now and don't miss your chance to see this great artist perform all his hits as well as some stunning new compositions!

• www.jonathankelly.co.uk

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9.45pm - Marquee Stage: The Dylan Project
Take four of Britain's most talented folkrock musicians and a unique singer, add the repertoire of a genius, and you've got the recipe for a dream band. The musicians in question are Gerry Conway (drums and percussion), Simon Nicol (guitars), Dave Pegg (bass), PJ Wright (slide and electric guitars, pedal steel) and the singer is Steve Gibbons. As The Dylan Project, they present an exhilarating tribute to the work of arguably the greatest postwar songwriter in the English language – Bob Dylan.

Don't be misled by the word 'tribute'. Although the phrase "tribute band" can mean a slavish facsimile or a big-name cash-in, The Dylan Project is far more than a mere copycat act. The members bring their own distinctive take on the music, Steve Gibbons interprets the lyrics with stylish individuality and, above all, respect for a master writer and performer shines through every word, every note. As Mojo's reviewer said: "The Dylan Project is a tribute in the best possible sense. Touching and deftly handled, it makes you marvel, once again, at the scope and majesty of this singular writer's work."

There is so much to relish in the Dylan Project. For a start there's the laconic and charismatic Steve Gibbons, sounding uncannily like Dylan while retaining his own inimitable vocal style. As well as Steve's homage to Dylan himself, the Project's musicians are equally fine interpreters of the virtuosity of The Band. There's PJ Wright’s scintillating slide and haunting pedal steel; Simon Nicol adding compelling rhythm guitar and fine backing vocals; Dave Pegg bringing his beautifully subtle and powerful bass lines, and Gerry Conway holding the whole groove with a tour de force on drums and percussion.

• www.dylanproject.co.uk

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The Middlewich Folk & Boat Festival 2006