Introducing Heather Ferrier, alt-folk accordionist, clog dancer, and composer.

Heather Ferrier completely charmed a packed Bridgwater Hall in Manchester for the opening ceremony of the thirtieth annual WOMEX in October 2024, with her disarming personality and virtuoso playing of the accordion, but when she put down the accordion and, without any music, gave a skilful exhibition of north of England clog dancing, the concert hall erupted.

With captivating musicianship and a sound that is unapologetically her own, Heather is a force to be reckoned with. An, “engaging talker and magnetic performer” (NARC magazine), the Stockport-born accordionist, clog dancer and composer is changing the perceptions of alt-folk and the accordion as an instrument, all on her own terms.

Her latest EP Engine for the Sound creates music that sets the accordion free from its stereotypes and, with an extended lineup of musicians, expresses everything Heather stands for, using powerful melodies and jazz- influenced harmony. Bold, passionate and enthralling, the EP has been played on BBC Radio 6 music, well as being favourably reviewed in local and national publications.

She is joined in the Heather Ferrier Trio by guitarist Alasdair Paul and drummer Adam Stapleford.

On stage, the trio’s sound is an explosion of groove and melody that embellishes Heather’s signature alt-folk style. Their combined medley of influences and genre-bending collaborations transcends the limits of contemporary instrumental folk music, employing Heather’s distinct compositional style to create a show with both emotive and upbeat moments.

Heather is a graduate of the prestigious English Folk Expo one year Artist Mentoring Pathway, and the Newcastle University Folk and Traditional Music BA hons degree. Past performances have included Cambridge Folk Festival, Focus Wales and Newcastle Jazz & Improvised Music Festival. She received funding from Help Musicians UK for UK touring in 2024.