testimonials from the acts
Below is what the artists who have played the Holywell Rooms have said about this unique and special building having played a gig here. We at Oxford Music and Folk are very grateful for all the kind words they have to say, and have allowed us to use them on the website. We really appreciate everything that they bring to the Holywell Music Room.
“I loved playing Holywell Music Room. The room sounds amazing and the crowd were friendly and engaged. Geoff and his team made us feel very welcome and did everything to look after us and make us feel comfortable. When can I come back ?”
Findlay Napier
Findlay Napier
"I love playing the Holywell room. It’s one of my favourite venues in Britain. Wonderful natural acoustics and a real community feeling. It’s an absolute joy".
Teddy Thompson
Teddy Thompson
"Another lovely Holywell Music & Folk experience! Thank you Geoff and the team for making us feel so welcome, keeping us far too well fed and providing a lovely audience and a beautiful setting."
A Winter Union
A Winter Union
"One of the highlights of the live folk circuit. My first gig in Oxford was such a fantastic experience. Big thanks to Geoff and the Holywell Music and Folk team for making the band and I feel truly welcome. Hope to play Oxford again the very near future. Thanks a million! Emily X"
Emily Mae Winters
Emily Mae Winters
‘It is such a pleasure to play and sing into this incredible room - it always feels like such a privilege and Geoff and his team make it even more of an enjoyable experience. I’m lucky enough to have been both a performer and audience member at The Holywell and it never disappoints with it’s beautiful acoustic, embedded history and ambience.’
Megan Henwood
Megan Henwood
"We had an absolutely cracking concert at Holywell Music and Folk back in October: a beautiful venue and a really lovely atmosphere. Geoff and his team work tirelessly to make every concert a success, and we're hugely grateful to have the opportunity to come and share our music with such lovely people in the heart of Oxford."
Jon and Jay - Ninebarrow
Jon and Jay - Ninebarrow
“Stunning venue, stunning people and a real gem of a club for the folk world!”
The Willows
The Willows
"The moment I walked into Holywell Music & Folk last night and saw that fantastic space with Geoff, Robin and Katie making everything right, I just knew it was going to be a great night. Some venues have their own special ambience and The Hollywell Music Room is oozing with it. It was good to see some familiar faces, people who have been so supportive over the last few years and to feel their presence and to have a perfect reason to play them some of my favourite songs (which are on the the new Stockfish retrospective album). All in all this was a very special night, thanks to Geoff and Katie for making it happen, to the whole HM&F team, to Edd Donovan for opening the night with his excellent songs, to everyone who came along and sang along and clapped and cheered for so long, and to everyone who bought the new CD. I'm proud to be a patron of this visionary venture."
“An acoustic made for sharing songs! It was a joy to have the audience joining in and throwing their voices out into this incredible space. Geoff’s enthusiasm, Robin’s sensitive sound treatment and the team’s support created a special, intimate setting for live music. It was a privilege to share No Petticoats Here and to be part of Holywell Music and Folk’s inaugural programme of music in Oxford.”
Louise Jordan
Louise Jordan
'Every now and then a venue is so magnificent that it stands out as a privilege to perform at. This is one of those - a stunning acoustic and a beautiful setting. Add to this one of the nicest promoters in the business who has such enthusiasm and passion for the music and you've got a very special gig'.
Dan Walsh
Dan Walsh
"In the studio, a great engineer and a fantastic producer can lift your music to another level, setting your ideas free and acting as guide and interpreter to share your work with your audience.
In live performance the venue along with a tight-knit team can work the same magic. If the synergy of soundman and stunning natural acoustic is some sort of dark art, then Holywell is the Hogwarts of music halls. Facilitating these great gigs is the Dumbledore-esque Geoff who oversees the most wonderful faculty of musical wizards including soundman Robin.
Performers and audience alike cannot escape Geoff's charm and enthusiasm, and once tempted inside, the venue simply speaks for itself".
Chris, David and Lee of Kadia
In live performance the venue along with a tight-knit team can work the same magic. If the synergy of soundman and stunning natural acoustic is some sort of dark art, then Holywell is the Hogwarts of music halls. Facilitating these great gigs is the Dumbledore-esque Geoff who oversees the most wonderful faculty of musical wizards including soundman Robin.
Performers and audience alike cannot escape Geoff's charm and enthusiasm, and once tempted inside, the venue simply speaks for itself".
Chris, David and Lee of Kadia
"Holywell Music Room is a true delight of a venue to sing in. What Holywell Music and Folk have created is a quality concert programme bringing wonderful music to Oxford. It was extremely special and one of my favourite gigs of the tour!”
IONA FYFE
IONA FYFE
"I've just played the best gig of my life"
KITTY MACFARLANE at Holywell Music & Folk March 2018
KITTY MACFARLANE at Holywell Music & Folk March 2018
Live music, shared with love, brings magic into the least expected spaces. However, there are some venues, some spaces, where you can really recharge your "magic batteries" to the max. Holywell Music Room, imposing yet surprisingly intimate, full of history and heritage, blessed with wonderful acoustics, is one of them. It's like a beautiful instrument that seems to play itself. Performing there is effortless and uplifting. Enjoying music there is spiritual. The team behind the new folk and acoustic series are equally special - so welcoming and passionate about music. I wish this wonderful new venture every success and hope that the people of Oxford, and beyond, will keep supporting it and together we can create something legendary for years to come!" DARIA KULESH
"Playing at the Holywell was everything we could have asked for from our first gig back in our hometown since last spring. The audience was fantastic, the room was beautiful and we really enjoyed ourselves. Thanks to Holywell Music and Folk for putting it on and to everyone who came along to watch, sing along and join in the peacock impressions!" XOGARA
Teddy Thompson said, "It was my pleasure. A special night in a special venue with a very special friend"."Good luck with the series and I look forward to coming back".