The vibrant Grayshott Folk Club is set to host an exceptional evening of music, featuring the award-winning Scottish songstress Ainsley Hamill. This highly anticipated performance is scheduled for Friday, February 20, 2026, at the Grayshott Village Hall. Hamill will be accompanied by two of the folk scene's most talented young musicians, Sam Kelly and Toby Shaer, promising a night of rich musical storytelling.
A Distinctive Voice in Folk Music
Often described as a blend of Heather Small and Julie Fowlis, Ainsley Hamill has established herself as one of the UK's most distinctive and versatile singers. Hailing from Scotland's West Coast, she is celebrated for her remarkable vocal ability, emotive style, and authentic storytelling. Her career seamlessly merges traditional Scottish folk influences with a contemporary sensibility, creating a sound that is both timeless and fresh.
The "Fable" Album and Musical Journey
In early 2025, Hamill released her critically acclaimed third studio album, "Fable," which was produced by her fellow performer Sam Kelly. The album draws deep inspiration from Scottish folklore and myth, weaving together Gaelic and Scots language with original compositions. Recorded in Glasgow, "Fable" features rich instrumentation from musicians including Alistair Iain Paterson, Toby Shaer, Signy Jakobsdottir, and Euan Burton. It explores Scotland's legendary landscapes, bringing ancient stories into a modern musical setting.
Her previous album, "Not Just Ship Land" from 2021, was named The Guardian's Album of the Month. That work marked a shift towards more introspective and thematic songwriting, celebrating the unsung heroes of Govan and Glasgow with a strong focus on feminist and equality themes.
Accolades and International Recognition
Ainsley Hamill's talent has been recognised with numerous accolades. She has been a finalist for the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year and a nominee for Gaelic Singer of the Year at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards. Her album "Fable" was nominated for Album of the Year 2025 at the same awards. Hamill has represented Scotland on major international stages, including performances at World Expo events in Dubai and Osaka, as well as at Eurovision in Gothenburg.
Her festival appearances are equally impressive, spanning a decade of performances at Celtic Connections, alongside shows at Glastonbury, Tønder Festival, and The Festival InterCeltique de Lorient.
Roots and Collaborations
Educated at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Hamill maintains a deep connection to Gaelic song and Scottish storytelling traditions. She first gained prominence with the folk band Barluath and, alongside her solo work, performs with the group Fourth Moon. Her performances are often enhanced by her signature step dancing.
Featured Accompanists: Sam Kelly and Toby Shaer
For this Grayshott concert, Hamill will be joined by two highly respected figures in the folk world. Sam Kelly is a BBC Radio 2 Folk Award-winning singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, who also produced Hamill's "Fable" album. He has previously performed at the Grayshott Folk Club with his long-term duo partner, Jamie Francis.
Toby Shaer is a sought-after multi-instrumentalist who has worked with artists like Cara Dillon and Sam Kelly and The Lost Boys. He is a familiar face at Grayshott Folk Club, having performed several times, most often with Honey & The Bear and also with Heidi Talbot. Listeners may have heard him recently accompanying Heidi Talbot as the studio guest on the BBC Radio 2 Folk Show in December 2025.
Together, this trio creates a powerful and captivating sound, blending traditional and contemporary folk music with stunning harmonies and masterful instrumental skill. Audiences can get a preview of their collaborative energy from a live stream originally broadcast from the University of Leeds on February 28, 2025.
Event Details and Ticket Information
Date: Friday, February 20, 2026
Time: 7.30pm
Venue: Grayshott Village Hall, Headley Road, Grayshott, Nr. Hindhead, Surrey, GU26 6TZ
Tickets: Priced at £20. They are available in person from Grayshott Post Office. For phone reservations, contact Des O'Byrne on: 01428 607096. Tickets are also available online from Ents 24.
