Scratch Band Membership
Anyone under the age of 21 is entitled to apply for scratch band membership but be sure to apply early, we already have quite a few lined up! All applicants attending the festival will come away with a sponsorship prize and will be invited to stay in our Scratch Band Village.
The Scratch Band Village is the centre of our festival site, a safeguarded community arranged round a communal picking area including a practise marquee, everyone gets to join in the fun!
Saturday Night Gala
Five of the finest young bluegrass and old time musicians in the UK lead five bands for your delictation and delight, a one off performance from the five great musicians below, fabulous comperes and an awards show to cap it all off! What better way to spend American Independence Day? They stole it from us and now it's time to steal if back! SHOW OF THE YEAR!
Stu Williams
Banjo & Guitar
One of the most important and influential bluegrass and old time teachers in the UK. Stu sits on the BBMA board with a special interest in attracting, supporting and teaching youngsters in their journey through bluegrass and old time. So enthusiastic he's offered his services for free. But we don't think that will be necessary! Without Stu's support and enthusiasm the Saturday Night Gala might never have existed!
Mandolin & Fiddle
Pepi Emmerich
Mandolin & Fiddle
We're so buzzed that one of our Scratch Band Leaders will be the multi-talented Pepi Emmerich! Pepi is one half of Rain of Animals with Theo (see bio) a great band which grew from their love of all things mandolin, fiddle, guitar, harmony vocals, bluegrass and old-time.
Pepi is up there when it comes to the most wicked of mandolin players based on these shores, man, we wish we could be in her band!
Mandolin & Fiddle
Theo Barnard
Guitar & Double Bass
Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles.
Mandolin & Fiddle
Jack Foster
Guitar & Banjo
Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles.
Mandolin & Fiddle
Youth Fund
40% of ticket sales at Rainford Junction go to our fund to sponsor youngsters on their journey through bluegrass and old time music. All applicants for Scratch Bands are treated with priority and all applicants attending the festival go away with a sponsorship award.