Pons Aelius

Pons Aelius are a six-piece progressive instrumental folk band formed in Newcastle upon Tyne, where six young musicians first crossed paths and began sharing tunes. What started as a mutual love of traditional music quickly grew into a powerful and distinctive collective sound.Blending influences from across the folk spectrum, Pons Aelius have built a reputation for fearless musicianship, rich arrangements and an electrifying live show. They have toured extensively throughout the UK and Europe, bringing their high-energy performances to major stages including Celtic Connections, Towersey Festival and Purbeck Valley Folk Festival.Now in their 11th year together, Pons Aelius are taking their music to new places with the arrival of Heather Ferrier on accordion. With her unique approach to arrangement, harmony and composition, Ferrier's playing adds a new dimension to the group's sound whilst retaining all of the energy and vibrancy with which they made their name. Together, they create a sound that moves effortlessly between subtle, atmospheric textures and driving, full-throttle intensity bringing dancers onto the floor wherever they go with plenty for the listening audience.
"A colossal sound-world, drawing influences from far and wide, yet managing to unite them under one roof." - Alex Gallagher, Folk Radio UK
"...a band that is taking tradition to places it never thought to go, and in the process making invention and innovation bywords for their music. ... which results in an album that's intricate, expansive and wholly engaging." - Tim Carroll, FolkWords
'Really good stuff' - Mark Radcliffe, BBC R2 Folk Show
Jordan Aikin - Bagpipes/Whistles - Heather Ferrier - Accordion -Sam Partridge - Flute - Tom Kimber - Tenor Banjo and Mandolin
Callum Younger - Bodhran/Percussion - Alasdair Paul - Guitar/Bouzouki