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Matthew Bannister

@matthewbannister.bsky.social
489 followers 141 following 132 posts

Broadcaster. Host of Last Word on BBC Radio 4 and my own multi award winning Folk on Foot podcast (@folkonfoot.com). Posts all personal.

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Reposted by Matthew Bannister
Folk on Foot @folkonfoot.com · 28/09/2026
Nancy Kerr recalls her time living on a barge on the Kennet and Avon Canal, as we revisit this classic episode of Folk on Foot from 2019. 🎧 Listen here: pod.fo/e/65ee99 @nancyannfolk.bsky.social
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Matthew Bannister @matthewbannister.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
The great Martin Simpson on scintillating form as he launched his latest album “Some Kind of Jubilee” @kingsplacelondon.bsky.social last night.
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Folk on Foot @folkonfoot.com · 26/09/2026
What happened when a little boy came face to face with a beached whale? In our new episode, @stornowayband.bsky.social sing the song inspired by this encounter in the beautiful location where it happened. 🎧 Listen here: pod.fo/e/626116
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Folk on Foot @folkonfoot.com · 24/09/2026
Not even a steep climb up from the beach can stop Oli Steadman of @stornowayband.bsky.social from laying down some powerful bass. 🎧 Find out more as you listen to our new episode on the Gower Peninsula: pod.fo/e/626116
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Folk on Foot @folkonfoot.com · 22/09/2026
A great melodica solo from Jon Ouin, as Stornoway perform “Leave Your Light On” during our walk on the Gower Peninsula in South Wales. 🎧 Listen to the full episode here: pod.fo/e/626116 @stornowayband.bsky.social
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Folk on Foot @folkonfoot.com · 20/09/2026
As we walk by the largest continuous section of salt marsh in Wales, @stornowayband.bsky.social perform their song, “Between the Salt Marsh and the Sea”, introduced by lead singer and ornithologist Brian Briggs. 🎧 Hear more in our new episode, out now: pod.fo/e/626116
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Matthew Bannister @matthewbannister.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
A beautiful musical day!
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Folk on Foot @folkonfoot.com · 11/09/2026
“A Blooming Body”, the new album from Cinder Well, is at #22 in this month’s Official Folk Albums Chart. ▶️ Watch the full Chart Show here: youtu.be/FwbgCSZ7wLU @cinderwellmusic.bsky.social
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Folk on Foot @folkonfoot.com · 10/09/2026
This song, performed by Nick Parker and the False Alarms, is just one of the tracks on The Old Crow Folk Club album, which features various artists interpreting the songs of Rev Hammer. The album is new to the Official Folk Albums Chart at #4. ▶️ Hear more in the Chart Show: youtu.be/FwbgCSZ7wLU
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Folk on Foot @folkonfoot.com · 09/09/2026
This intriguing collaboration between Arun Sood and Angeline Morrison is new in the Official Folk Albums Chart at #6. ▶️ Watch the full show here: youtu.be/FwbgCSZ7wLU @arunsood.bsky.social @angelcakepie2.bsky.social
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Folk on Foot @folkonfoot.com · 08/09/2026
That's it for this month's Chart Show! Thanks to everyone who joined us - and if you missed it, you can catch up here whenever you like for the next month - youtu.be/FwbgCSZ7wLU Enjoyed the show? Please support us to make more shows like this in the future. Visit www.folkonfoot.com/support-us
youtu.be
Official Folk Albums Chart Show—8th September 2026
YouTube video by Folk On Foot
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Folk on Foot @folkonfoot.com · 08/09/2026
It's almost time! Join us from 7pm BST for the Official Folk Albums Chart Show, featuring music from Arun Sood & Angeline Morrison, Gwenifer Raymond, Cinder Well, Robyn Hitchcock, Nick Parker and the False Alarms, Joshua Burnside and Dove Ellis. ▶️ Tune in here: youtu.be/FwbgCSZ7wLU
youtu.be
Official Folk Albums Chart Show—8th September 2026
YouTube video by Folk On Foot
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Folk on Foot @folkonfoot.com · 08/09/2026
This month’s Chart Show features music from Arun Sood & Angeline Morrison, Gwenifer Raymond, Cinder Well, Robyn Hitchcock, Nick Parker and the False Alarms, Joshua Burnside and Dove Ellis. Plus, get a preview of the next episode of Folk on Foot. ▶️ Join us from 7pm BST: youtu.be/FwbgCSZ7wLU
Photo of Arun Sood and Angeline Morrison on the beach, with text that says 'Folk on Foot presents The Official Folk Albums Chart Show, compiled by Official Charts, 8th September 2026.'
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Matthew Bannister @matthewbannister.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Very moving launch of new Martin Carthy box set @cecilsharphouse.bsky.social last night - here are @jonwilksmusic.bsky.social and @elizacarthy.bsky.social performing Scarborough Fair - as Martin watches from front row.
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Folk on Foot @folkonfoot.com · 24/08/2026
In this classic episode from 2019, the great Martin Simpson takes us on a moving walk around his childhood haunts in Scunthorpe. 🎧 Listen here: pod.fo/e/56c374
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Folk on Foot @folkonfoot.com · 22/08/2026
“I spent quite a lot of time trying to fight my way through the stereotype of being a woman who plays the guitar.” Guitarist @jennbutterworth.bsky.social reflects on how women in music are spoken to – and spoken about. 🎧 Listen to the episode: pod.fo/e/54120a
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Folk on Foot @folkonfoot.com · 21/08/2026
“397 AD. You just can’t fathom it being that long ago. It’s incredible!” In our new episode - out now - guitarist @jennbutterworth.bsky.social takes us to the site of Scotland’s earliest Christian community. 🎧 Find out more here: pod.fo/e/54120a
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Folk on Foot @folkonfoot.com · 19/08/2026
On our walk in the Scottish borders, @jennbutterworth.bsky.social sings the song she wrote about endometriosis - a painful condition that affects 1 in 10 women. 🎧 Find out more in the full episode here: pod.fo/e/54120a
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Folk on Foot @folkonfoot.com · 17/08/2026
On our wild and windy walk in the Scottish borders, @jennbutterworth.bsky.social sings the Sandy Denny song, “All Our Days”. 🎧 Listen to the full episode here: pod.fo/e/54120a
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Folk on Foot @folkonfoot.com · 15/08/2026
🦦 Why is there a brass otter on a rock overlooking the sea? Find out as we walk with the brilliant guitarist @jennbutterworth.bsky.social in Dumfries and Galloway in our new episode, out now. 🎧 Listen here: pod.fo/e/54120a
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Matthew Bannister @matthewbannister.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
What a wonderful day we had! Thanks @jennbutterworth.bsky.social
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Folk on Foot @folkonfoot.com · 07/08/2026
Calling all folk artists from Britain and Ireland! Entries are now open for the Folk Album of the Year Award 2026. Thanks to our brilliant partners at @soundrootsuk.bsky.social. Find out more and enter your album at folkonfoot.com/award
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Folk on Foot @folkonfoot.com · 06/08/2026
A goddess who was turned into an owl inspired this song by Emily Portman. Her album “Dominion of Spells” is new in this month’s Official Folk Albums Chart. ▶️ Watch the full Chart Show here: youtu.be/jrAhPb0rqWk
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Folk on Foot @folkonfoot.com · 05/08/2026
The highest new entry in this month’s Official Folk Albums Chart is “Holywell” by Damien Dempsey, featuring traditional songs that “bring healing to his soul”. ▶️ Watch the full show here: youtu.be/jrAhPb0rqWk
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Folk on Foot @folkonfoot.com · 04/08/2026
It's almost time! Join us on YouTube from 7pm, as we count down this month's Official Folk Albums Chart. Plus, be one of the first to hear our exciting news about the 2026 Folk Album of the Year Award. 🏆🎶 Tune in here: youtu.be/jrAhPb0rqWk
youtu.be
Official Folk Albums Chart Show—4th August 2026
YouTube video by Folk On Foot
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Folk on Foot @folkonfoot.com · 04/08/2026
On this month’s Chart Show, Kellie While joins Matthew with news about the 2026 Folk Album of the Year Award. Plus, there's music from Sam Carter, Emily Portman, Peggy Seeger, Natalie Wildgoose, Phil Odgers and John Kettle, Fink and Damien Dempsey. ▶️ Watch from 7pm: youtu.be/jrAhPb0rqWk
Photo of Sam Carter holding a guitar, with text that says 'Folk on Foot Presents The Official Folk Albums Chart Show, compiled by Official Charts, 4th August 2026'
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Matthew Bannister @matthewbannister.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
The new Prime Minister is writing a "10-year plan" for the UK. The arts & culture MUST be part of it. I've signed @campaignforthearts.org's petition urging @andyburnham.bsky.social to revitalise the arts – to revitalise the whole nation 🌱 Join me: www.campaignforthearts.org/petitions/10-year-plan/
campaignforthearts.org
Prime Minister – put the arts in your 10-year plan for the UK | Campaign for the Arts
Sign our petition urging the UK Government to build a country where the arts are available from childhood, accessible to all and thriving everywhere.
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Campaign for the Arts @campaignforthearts.org · 25/07/2026
The new Prime Minister is writing a "10-year plan" for the UK. @andyburnham.bsky.social the arts and culture MUST be part of it. We've launched an urgent petition to make sure the arts can play their part in revitalising the nation 🌱 Add your name ✏️ www.campaignforthearts.org/petitions/10...
Image of street performer in colourful outfit on Northern high street. Heading Petition, Campaign for the Arts logo, and text Put the arts in the 10-year plan
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Folk on Foot @folkonfoot.com · 27/07/2026
In this classic episode of Folk on Foot, @caradillonsings.bsky.social and her husband and collaborator Sam Lakeman show Matthew around Dungiven in Northern Ireland, where Cara grew up. It's a fascinating episode, filled with songs and stories. 🎧 Listen here: pod.fo/e/4bf703
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Folk on Foot @folkonfoot.com · 25/07/2026
Rob Cowen’s evocative description of the Thornborough Henges, re-imagined by the artist Imogen Taylor in this lovely animation. Find out more in our latest episode here: pod.fo/e/44c958 @robcowen.bsky.social @johnnyflynnmusic.bsky.social
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Folk on Foot @folkonfoot.com · 24/07/2026
🍺 On our walk with @robcowen.bsky.social at the Thornborough Henges, @johnnyflynnmusic.bsky.social recalls a close encounter with one of his favourite poets - Edward Thomas. 🎧 Listen to the full episode here: pod.fo/e/44c958
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Folk on Foot @folkonfoot.com · 22/07/2026
Sitting in the centre of one of the ancient Thornborough Henges, @johnnyflynnmusic.bsky.social sings “Murmuration”. It’s one of many highlights of our walk with Johnny and award winning author, @robcowen.bsky.social. 🎧 Listen to the full episode here: pod.fo/e/44c958
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Folk on Foot @folkonfoot.com · 21/07/2026
On our walk with @robcowen.bsky.social at the ancient Thornborough Henges in Yorkshire, @johnnyflynnmusic.bsky.social conjures “The Ghost of O’Donahue”. 👻🎶 🎧 Listen to the full episode here: pod.fo/e/44c958
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Folk on Foot @folkonfoot.com · 19/07/2026
⭕ Why are the Thornborough Henges in Yorkshire so special? @robcowen.bsky.social explains as we walk with him and @johnnyflynnmusic.bsky.social in our new episode, out now. 🎧Listen at pod.fo/e/44c958
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Matthew Bannister @matthewbannister.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
We had a fascinating walk in these mystical places. Do have a listen..
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Matthew Bannister @matthewbannister.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
"You knock out the tiny, tiny gem of the Nottingham New Theatre, and suddenly the University itself loses its soul." Great interview with Ruth Wilson about the campaign to save Nottingham New Theatre on today’s Jeremy Vine Show. Starts at 00’31’46”. at www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
bbc.co.uk
Jeremy Vine - Security and boredom - BBC Sounds
Jeremy discusses security, theatre, motability and boredom.
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Folk on Foot @folkonfoot.com · 08/07/2026
Frankie Archer’s electrifying debut album is a new entry at #8 in this month’s Official Folk Albums Chart. ▶️ Watch the full show here: youtu.be/oUud4tKckAE
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Folk on Foot @folkonfoot.com · 07/07/2026
And we're off! Tune in on YouTube now for this month's Official Folk Albums Chart Show. youtu.be/oUud4tKckAE?...
youtu.be
Official Folk Albums Chart Show—7th July 2026
YouTube video by Folk On Foot
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Folk on Foot @folkonfoot.com · 07/07/2026
This month's Official Folk Albums Chart Show features music from Frankie Archer, Karine Polwart & Pippa Murphy, Teddy Thompson, Adam Ross, Clementine Lovell, Tide Lines, @ryanyoungfiddle.bsky.social and @lauracannellmusic.bsky.social. ▶️ Watch on YouTube from 7pm BST: www.youtube.com/@FolkOnFoot
Photo of Frankie Archer, who is wearing a red dress and a red heart-shaped mask around her face. There is text over the top which says "Folk on Foot presents The Official Folk Albums Chart Show, compiled by Official Charts, 7th July 2026"
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Matthew Bannister @matthewbannister.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
Excellent article by Richard Morrison in @thetimes about the campaign to Save Nottingham New Theatre. (Paywall may apply) Our universities are in crisis — this ruined theatre is the proof www.thetimes.com/article/430b...
thetimes.com
Our universities are in crisis — this ruined theatre is the proof
Nottingham New Theatre is filthy and derelict: its decline represents a disturbing shift in the notion of what higher education could and should be
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Folk on Foot @folkonfoot.com · 29/06/2026
Walk with @jonboden.bsky.social through the Loxley Valley, following the river to the abandoned factory that inspired the world of his Floodplain Trilogy in this classic episode from October 2018. 🎧 Listen now: pod.fo/e/43c0c0
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Folk on Foot @folkonfoot.com · 27/06/2026
🦁 On a walk around East Belfast, Joshua Burnside and Matthew Bannister end up in CS Lewis Square, chatting in the shadow of a giant sculpture of Aslan the Lion. 🎧 Find out more when you listen to the episode: pod.fo/e/4345de
Joshua and Matthew sat beneath a statue of a lion
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Folk on Foot @folkonfoot.com · 25/06/2026
In our new episode, Joshua Burnside performs the powerful title track of his album “It’s Not Going To Be Ok” - summing up the feelings many of us have about the pressures of modern life. 🎧 Listen to the episode: pod.fo/e/4345de
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Folk on Foot @folkonfoot.com · 18/06/2026
The Indoor Festival of Folk is back! Join @themagpiearc.bsky.social at Wiltshire Music Centre on 28th November for a jam-packed day with Martin Barre and Alex Hart, Chris Wood, Edgelarks and Ellie Gowers. Find out more: www.wiltshiremusic.org.uk/event/indoor...
Poster advertising the Indoor Festival of Folk, as described in the post. Day tickets are £47 plus a £3 booking fee. Visit TheMagpieArc.com or WiltshireMusic.org.uk to find out more.
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Folk on Foot @folkonfoot.com · 21/06/2026
In our new episode - out now - Joshua Burnside tells how writing songs helped him to cope with his grief, when his friend Dean Jendoubi died of a drugs overdose. 🎧 Listen here: pod.fo/e/4345de
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Matthew Bannister @matthewbannister.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
Had such a great day with Joshua. Do have a listen.
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Folk on Foot @folkonfoot.com · 02/06/2026
If you enjoyed this month's Chart Show, please support us to make more shows like this in the future. Whether you become a regular supporter or make a one-off donation, every penny helps to keep us going - thank you! www.folkonfoot.com/support-us
folkonfoot.com
Support Us | Folk on Foot
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Folk on Foot @folkonfoot.com · 02/06/2026
That's all for this month's Official Folk Albums Chart Show! Thanks to everyone who tuned in, and if you missed it, you can catch up on YouTube or listen to the podcast whenever you like for the next month. ▶️ Catch up now: youtu.be/XUyZzqyH8fM
youtu.be
Official Folk Albums Chart Show—2nd June 2026
YouTube video by Folk On Foot
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Folk on Foot @folkonfoot.com · 02/06/2026
This month’s Chart Show features music from @jimmoray.bsky.social, Natalie Wildgoose, Anna McLuckie, Lady Maisery with Jimmy Aldridge and Sid Goldsmith, Lemoncello, @thelongestjohns.bsky.social, Ladylike and @chrisbrainmusic.bsky.social. ▶️ Tune in from 7pm BST: youtu.be/XUyZzqyH8fM
Photo of Jim Moray playing a guitar, with text over the top which says 'Folk on Foot presents The Official Folk Albums Chart Show, compiled by Official Charts, 2nd June 2026'.
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