Presented by FolkAndRoots

2016 Celtic Connections Danny Kyle Award winner Bella Gaffney hails from Bradford. She writes folk inspired songs which she performs along with her own original arrangements of traditional pieces. In 2018 she was one of the first recipients of a Friends Of Towersey Festival Award for music developmental support and opportunities.

She has played at a great many folk and music festivals over the last few years, including Celtic Connections, Beverley, HebCelt, ButeFest, Dent, Shrewsbury, Otley, Southwell, BAAFest, & Filey to name just a few. 2017 saw the release of her solo album ‘Heaven Knows’ with Folkstock, to great reviews.

Bella also performs with sought-after celtic/bluegrass band The Magpies with Holly Brandon & Kate Griffin. In 2020 they released their debut album ‘Tidings’ to great reviews:

‘One of those effervescent albums you’d be happy to recommend to people who might not consider themselves folk fans’ – The Sunday Times

‘Folk with finesse’ – The Daily Mail

‘Check that album out! Really good mix of songs and instrumentals – they’re great players!’ – Mark Radcliffe, BBC Radio 2