Award-winning musical masters of improvisation The Ciderhouse Rebellion with acclaimed singer Kirsty Merryn tour their debut album.

Between stories of wreckers and smugglers, midwives and hedge-witches, snake-catchers and nightmen, the new project Cider With Kirsty reveal the hidden lives that were the historic heartbeat of the country. Originally meeting through folk legends Show Of Hands, The Ciderhouse Rebellion found that their create seascapes and laments, prayers and evocations danced perfectly with Merryn’s poignant and angelic vocals. Their prolific original songwriting led to an incredible album The Devil’s On The Mast (due for release in June of this year) recorded over a winter’s week in the depths of the Yorkshire moors.

“How is it that we, in our long history, denigrate and ignore so many of the folk who are the lifeblood of our society?” – sleeve notes from debut album The Devil’s On The Mast

The Ciderhouse Rebellion have cooked up a bit of a storm in just three years with five albums, multiple FATEA awards and sensational live sets across the country – including at The Manchester Folk Festival. Known for creating music through improvisation and instinct, honed over years of working at the highest level and a lifetime of musical study, they continue to produce prolifically and keep audiences enthralled and fully engaged. Meanwhile, the huge talent of Kirsty Merryn – celebrated for many years as a solo performer and songwriter (‘her voice a treat for the soul’ – The Guardian ☆☆☆☆), brought her own virtuoso skills and experience to the project. The end result is a dynamic, enrapturing set of uniquely magical songs.

‘Gorgeous stuff’ – BBC Radio 3

‘Compelling, exciting and utterly original’ – Phil Beer (Show of Hands)

‘Free-flowing, ambitious and fiercely creative’ – The Strad