This from Alan Castle
Figure-head of English folk music Martin Carthy replaces his daughter Eliza Carthy



We are very sad to announce that Eliza Carthy will be unable to perform as billed on Friday 14th November at Norton Knatchbull School as a part of the Equator series. Eliza has had to cancel her whole tour due to severe throat problems. A statement from Eliza explaining the situation is below:



"After much consideration and soul-searching I sincerely regret to announce that I am unable to finish my November tour. I've been suffering from difficulties with singing and speaking caused by a cyst in my throat and for the last couple of months have been attending Ear, Nose and Throat clinics both on the NHS and last week in Harley Street. I have begun voice therapy and physiotherapy but have been told that the cyst is being exacerbated by water retention and swelling caused by my pregnancy, and while the normal treatment for this includes anti-inflammatory drugs this is not possible at the moment and the only thing that will drastically improve my vocal health is to have my child and rest, and see the specialists again in the Spring. The physical effort of trying to sing past this obstruction is just too much for me at the moment and what I am able to produce as a sound is alarming and inconsistent and leaves me exhausted and in pain after every show. I am assured that I will return to full vocal health after my daughter is born, and would love to have the opportunity to honour my commitments then. My apologies to everyone. Eliza"



We are very pleased that Martin Carthy, Eliza's father, will be performing in place of Eliza on Friday 14th November at Norton Knatchbull School. Martin is a well-known figure on the folk music scene who for more than 40 years has been one of folk music's greatest innovators, one of its best loved, most enthusiastic and, at times, most quietly controversial of figures. His skill, stage presence and natural charm have won him many admirers, not only from within the folk scene, but also far beyond it. Whether in the folk clubs (which he continues to champion), on the concert stage or making TV appearances (he was the subject of the acclaimed 'Originals' music documentary strand on BBC 2) - there are few roles that Martin Carthy hasn't played. He's a ballad singer, a ground-breaking acoustic and electric-guitarist and an authoritative interpreter of newly composed material. He always prefers to follow an insatiable musical curiosity rather than cash in on his unrivalled position. Perhaps, most significant of all, are his settings of traditional songs with guitar, which have influenced a generation of artists, including Bob Dylan and Paul Simon, on both sides of the Atlantic.Martin Carthy was awarded the MBE for services to English Music and won Singer of the Year and Best Traditional Track at the BBC Radio 2 Awards 2005.



'Arguably the greatest English folk song performer, writer, collector and editor of them all' Q Magazine (2004)



Martin will be supported by The Buckthorn Band.



Tickets that have already been purchased for the Eliza Carthy event can be used for entry to see Martin Carthy.

A full refund is available if preferred via the route of booking (Ashford Tourist Information Centre or to email shivanova@aol.com if booked via the ShivaNova website).

Tickets are also still on sale for this event online via our website or from the Ashford Tourist Information Centre on 01233 629165 or visit 18 The Churchyard, Ashford, Kent TN23 1QG.

For further information please visit www.shivanova.com or email queries to projects@shivanova.co.uk.



Again, we are sorry to bring you such bad news about Eliza and a change in the billing, but hope to still see you at the event on 14th November in Ashford.







Alan Castle



Trustee and festival director

Tenterden Folk Festival

Tenterden Folk Day Trust (Registered charity No. 1038663)

Promoting folk song, music and dance

E: info@tenterdenfolkfestival.org.uk

W: www.tenterdenfolkfestival.org.uk



Folk Spots

E: alan@folkspots.co.uk


W: www.folkspots.co.uk