Ferocious Dog + Hands Off Gretel

Holmfirth Festival of Folk

2 of the UK's finest new bands

Ferocious Dog

“Ferocious Dog are the new noise on the block – and are surprising everyone with their
rapid ascent. There is no way they’re following any hipster templates – fronted by a big
burly man with a mohican who sings impassioned political songs of broken Britain whilst
his band seethes like a punky Levellers – they are the music business’s worst nightmare –
a great band who are going to make it without anyone’s permission”. (John Robb, Louder
Than War, Glastonbury, 5th July 2016).

Ferocious Dogs 3rd studio album, The Red Album, is released on November 10th 2017 and
is already receiving rave reviews. The Enemy Within tour will feature tunes from this album
as well as old favourites from previous releases.
2016 was a defining year for Ferocious Dog. From playing Billy Bragg’s Left Field stage at
Glastonbury in front of a massive crowd, to sharing the stage with The Levellers on their
sold out European and UK tour in November and December and many sold out shows inbetween.
Ferocious Dog left the audience under no doubt that they had witnessed a band
that has the talent and passion to go on to dominate the folk/punk music scene.
With European and UK tours completed, and slots at some of the UK’s and European
favourite festivals, 2017 has been another exciting year so far in the ascent of this
exceptional

Ferocious Dog are a full-on six-piece band that encompass folk infused with rock, reggae
and Celtic vibrations. The combination of instruments creates a palette of sound that offers
infinite variations: going in hard to get the audience up and moving, or slipping into
melodic passages and dub-like fusions. The songs are deeply personal and their fans can
really identify with the words. Dan Booth, on fiddle, and John Leonard, playing just about
everything with strings, bring a huge amount of intricacy to the breakneck pace of their
songs. Les Carter (ex Carter USM) on guitar and the rhythm section of Alex Smith and
John Alexander hold things together brilliantly, and with Ken Bonsall’s lyrics and sheer
likability, you have a whole greater than the sum of its parts. Ferocious Dog are well
known and popular for their high octane live performances.
In November 2015, the band sold out Rock City in Nottingham in advance – a historic
moment, the first time in the 35 year history of this auspicious venue an unsigned band
has achieved this feat.
The role of the infamous Hell Hounds must not be underestimated - an ever-growing
legion of fans who follow the band up and down the country. They form Totem poles of
people, in the mosh pit. They bring energy and passion to the gig whilst always welcoming
the less initiated members of the crowd to join in and swell their ranks – everyone has a
ball.
“Without doubt Ferocious Dog are one of the best bands on the UK folk punk circuit as
they brought Rock City to life with their stomping, energetic sound. Not only are they one
of the most hardworking bands around, but as their fans will testify, they are also one of
the most approachable”. Nottingham Post. Kevin Cooper


+ very special guests Hands off Gretel

Hands Off Gretel are a 3 piece Alternative Rock/ New Wave Grunge band from South Yorkshire, UK. Launched February 2015 by Singer/Songwriter Lauren Tate and guitarist Seán Bon. Hands Off Gretel have since been described as "One of the most exciting new bands" in the 'Bands To Watch' feature in the US's Alternative Press Magazine. Back in September 2016 the band launched their first 13 track studio album 'Burn The Beauty Queen' after running a very successful crowdfunded backed entirely by their online fanbase.

"In an age of beige bands and nonchalant attitude to music, Hands Off Gretel come kicking and screaming like it's the early '90s and to be honest they are a breath of fresh air. " - Uber Rock  

Described by critics as a new wave of 90's nostalgia, influenced by late 80's/ early 90's Feminist 'Riot Grrrl' bands like 'Bikini Kill' and 'Hole', Hands Off Gretel have been inundated with album and live reviews, all of which have raved about this exciting young band. Hands Off Gretel, described as 'the best Alternative Rock band to come out of the UK in years' -Louder Than War. Between 2016-2017 the band played Whitby Goth Festival, Camden Rocks Festival, The Isle Of Wight Festival, Rebellion Punk Festival, Download Festival & supported rising 'Ugly Pop' band Skating Polly from the USA on their first UK tour. Album Tracks featured on the iconic Rodney Beingenheimer's radio show 'Rodney On The Roq' in the USA, with radio play on Kerrang! hosted by Johnny Doom, Airplay in Japan on the InterFM897 radio, Team Rock Radio, BBC Introducing Radio, and many more radio shows across the world. 

This event is for over 14s only - No refunds will be issued for under 14s