2024 performers
We love music and dance! From samba to Morris dancing, barbershop quartets to pop, LostFest has something for everyone. There will be entertainment in all venues and on every street corner to keep toes tapping.
We have a real mix of old favourites as well as sparkling new talent in what is arguably the most exciting and comprehensive annual busking event in Cornwall.
We are always on the lookout for new talent, so if you would like to be part of LostFest, please let us know.
The entertainment kicks off around 11am as Bart’s Beats, Lostwithiel’s fledgling resident samba band, drum their way down Fore Street. See the programme of events throughout the day and read details of bands on the main stage.
The 802
The 802, who were a big hit at LostFest last year are back by popular demand playing both the main stage and around Lostwithiel. Luca Crosta and Alfie Reeves used to take the 8.02 train to school but have been friends from the age of three. The 802 perform with the deepest sense of connection in their friendship which, through their music, allows them to express raw emotions and connect with their audience in a unique and profound way. The 802 will take you on a journey through a variety of seamlessly blended genres.
Amelia Loveday
Amelia Loveday is an up-and-coming solo artist who plays her own raw and relatable songs about life, love and everything in between.
Bagas Crowd
(Fiddle group in Cornish), a community group set up in 2001 by fiddle teacher and workshop leader Frances Bennett who gathered together students of all ages and abilities to learn, play, arrange and perform Cornish folk music. We began meeting in the local church hall when we became too numerous to fit into Frances’ front room! Over the years we have performed all over Cornwall, marking the Cornish feast and festival calendar including playing for nos lowens. We have also played in Scotland and Brittany.
Bart's Beats
Opening LostFest at 11am, Bart’s Beats, Lostwithiel’s fledgling resident samba band, will be drumming their way down Fore Street. Bart’s Beats are delighted to be part of LostFest in this, their first samba year.
The Black Company
The Black Company portray a household of mercenary soldiers during the Wars Of The Roses period 1455 -1487 with battle displays and an encampment.
Canoryon Lowen
Canoryon Lowen is a choir based in St Neot in South East Cornwall, with its 30 plus members drawn from Cornwall and Devon. Its reputation is based on the variety of its repertoire, which ranges from Byrd to Brubeck, Faure to Freddie Mercury. A distinct feature of the choir’s history has included original large scale works and numerous arrangements by the choir’s founding musical director, Cornish Bard Nick Hart.
Catseye Morris
Based in South East Cornwall. We started in 2004 as a border side but then dropped the tatters and border from our title in order to celebrate all Morris influences, taking inspiration from border, Cotswold, molly and Cornish dance. We are a creative side that sets ourselves apart from others with a unique style, striving for accuracy and theatrics in all our dances.
The Claze
Wadebridge based indie rock band playing many of their original tracks contained on two studio albums and fresh tracks coming soon on the bands 3rd album. The band have been together for 15 years and combine storytelling lyrics with fresh up-tempo guitar and keys led tunes.
Dave Eastoe
Dave Eastoe is a highly experienced guitarist and composer.
Dew Barf
A small band with a big sound playing Bluegrass to Trance with 70’s rock covers.
Gumbo Flyers
Who play the main stage, have thrilled crowds from Newquay to Norway with their high energy stomps from the swamps. Acclaimed by Time Out as “the best urban zydeco band in Europe.’’
Ilow Splann
Ilow Splann are a duo playing Cornish folk tunes, original tunes and early music. Maggie Willmott plays violin, keyboards, recorder and bodhran whilst Carlton Crouch plays guitar and recorders. Primarily Ilow Splann play in South East Cornwall but have also played at Trevithick Day in Cambourne and played as part of the Cornwall contingent at "Lorient Festival Interceltique". Ilow Splann have played at Lostfest for a number of years.
Jenna Bennett
Plymouth based singer/songwriter, Jenna will be performing a number of her own songs at LostFest. Her music is influenced by the likes of Ani Difranco, Gomez, Alanis Morrisette and Wallis Bird, performed skillfully on guitar with an impressive vocal repertoire. Jenna’s connection and banter with the crowd is truly unmatchable so you can expect a few laughs in there too.
Joe May
Joe May is a 12-year-old self-taught guitarist. He’s penned a couple of his own songs plus performs covers of folk punk and rock. He’s hugely inspired by artists such as the Levellers, the Pogues, Gaz Brookfield and Nick Parker.
Kana Lostwithiel
Community choir in Lostwithiel.
Kate Mooney's School of Dance
We are delighted to welcome Kate Mooney's School of Dance, a local Dance and Performing Arts school based at Lostwithiel Community Centre. The school offers classes in ballet, tap and jazz dance, street fusion, drama and singing and performing arts. The school is a British Ballet Organisation School where children can take dance exams in different genres. With the help of Lostwithiel Town Council, and the amazing fundraising efforts of parents and children, the school raised enough funds to purchase a maypole. This year Kate Mooney School of Dance brings Maypole dancing to LostFest!
Keltique
Keltique are a ladies choir from Looe and the surrounding areas. We have been singing for well over twenty years. We sing contemporary music including songs from musicals, and songs from yesteryear as well as up to date music from the charts.
Levow Kernow
Well-known mixed voice choir based in St Neot, whose members are drawn from across South East Cornwall.
Established in 2015, the choir performs a fun and vibrant repertoire with contemporary favourites like Chilcott and Lauridsen, standards by Billy Joel and The Beatles, as well as world music such as African folksongs and Slavonic music. Since its inception, the choir has helped to raise many thousands for many local causes and various charities, and is dedicated to supporting gifted young musicians and the local community.
Liam Kinsley
Is a teen singer songwriter who plays indie, folk and pop rock music and a bit of country.
Luca Mo
22 yr old singer/songwriter and producer from London making music in his bedroom blending old school influences with sing along Alt-Pop vibes. Luca Mo released his debut self-produced EP “Meant To Be” at the end of 2023 and played a Boileroom headliner showcasing his best work newly released music for the first time in January 2024. When asked he described his music as a place of inclusivity for you to laugh, dance and cry to all at once!
Mark Barnwell
Mark Barnwell is a dynamic Spanish guitarist, performing in the UK and overseas for over 40 years – his unique style effortlessly blends the melodic elements of classical guitar with the fire and excitement of World Music and Flamenco.
Martha Woods
Fresh from Newcastle University’s Folk and Traditional Music Degree, Lostwithiel’s own Martha Woods will perform an upbeat set of original songs and tunes, combining folk-inspired fiddle and vocals with electronic backing.
Olympia Vitalis
West-London-based soul singer, building her name through her unique vocal style and distinctive songwriting. Having sung in a gospel choir for seven years, Olympia has developed her sound by drawing inspiration from improvisation and jazz vocal techniques. This unique voice is channelled into her lyrics, focusing on subjects that are close to her heart and revolving around social, cultural and personal issues. Often poking fun at the fact that she doesn’t write many love songs, Olympia prefers to talk about powerful issues, told in subtle ways using her distinctive vocals and multi-instrumental talents. Olympia recently opened for acclaimed jazz artist Kiefer on tour across the UK. Performing to audiences across Manchester, Bristol, and Glasgow, and closing with an impressive show at London’s Islington Assembly Hall.
Olympia will be performing on the main stage.
Press Gang
The Press Gang are a group of nine singers and musicians who perform foot-stomping shanties, melodic songs of the sea and songs of their beloved Kernow.
Well established and revered by audiences near and far, they are known for reworking traditional shanties into their own harmonious, energetic style and mixing Cornish tradition with raucous entertainment.
Come, stomp your feet, clap your hands and let them immerse you in the captivating melodies of the sea and Cornwall.
Renaissance Historical Dance Society
Established in 1994, we are a Plymouth, Devon based historical dance group specialising in the performance of 15th, 16th, 17th and 19th century court and country dances from England and the Continent, together with crafts and social activities.
Our repertoire of dance and display is carefully researched and people in the group have skills ranging from historical dress making to storytelling.
Rick Borrie
Rick Borrie and Bongo play songs about cheese, wildebeests, sheds and other obscure subjects. Many from the Corny Pastiche album. We use looping techniques and sounds on guitar, horn and percussion to create a full, lively sound in a variety of different musical genres.
Spot the Dog
Spot the Dog are a five piece blues, folk, and bluegrass band with their own songs as well as favourites from the great British and American songbooks, we are looking forward to another great Lostfest!
Stuns’ls Shanty
Stuns’ls Shanty Group are made up of Cornish Pilot Gig Rowers from and around the St Austell Bay area, Truro and Port Issac, who love singing after racing events. Recently they celebrated 10 years of performing at the St Austell Market House. They have performed acapella style Sea Shanties and popular Cornish Pub songs throughout the UK, as well as Holland and Germany and perform in the Mevagissey Sea Shanty Festival, held in October of each year.
Tin Taxi
An acoustic duo have been singing and playing in many folk clubs, open mics and festivals up and down the country for twelve years. We play Americana, plus contemporary and traditional folk, usually on guitar, mandolin and harmonica. But we occasionally bring out an 8 string ukelele, and sometimes a few other instruments.
Tywardreath Morris
A mixed Morris side formed in 2010 dancing mainly traditional Cotswold style Morris but including a few Border style dances.
Wicked Lollipops
Wicked Lollipops are a 5 piece electric band playing an eclectic mix of 60s and 70s rock and Country.
