Old Baby Mackerel are a high-energy bluegrass band from Bristol, bringing together banjo, fiddle, guitar, double bass and rich vocal harmonies in a live show full of blistering solos, quick-fire humour and infectious rhythm.
Recently the band completed multiple successful tours at venues across the UK and Europe, have appeared at Glastonbury, Lattitude, Shambala, as well as smaller folk festivals such as Purbeck, Priddy and Swanage. They have also headlined bluegrass festivals in Germany, Switzerland, Ireland, Northern Ireland and the UK.
As well as a partnership with bluegrass industry leaders Ear Trumpet Microphones, they have recently joined forces with the respected Allen Family Band (USA) whose fiddle player Toby Allen is joining them for the foreseeable tours.
In its Summer 2024 issue, ‘British Bluegrass News’ featured Old Baby Mackerel on the cover and published a five-page article on the group. They have toured internationally, including performances across mainland Europe and Asia and are set to close The British Country Music Festival in September 2026 with a headline set at the Empress Ballroom, Winter Gardens Blackpool.
Represented by Strada International in the UK and Rootstown Bookings in Europe, they are a high-energy act making waves on the international bluegrass, folk, americana and country scene.
Reviews
“An exhilarating performance: full of movement and energy… a festival opening of perfect proportions”
Badische Neueste Nachrichten
“Old Baby Mackerel represent the best of modern UK bluegrass. They respect tradition, yet they refuse to be confined by it… Closing the Empress Ballroom at The British Country Music Festival 2026 is a significant moment for Old Baby Mackerel. It signals recognition not only of their festival popularity but also of their role in shaping the UK bluegrass scene.”
The British Country Music Festival
“Instrumentally excellent… wonderfully humorous and relaxed.”
Newbury Today
“High-energy, foot-stomping bluegrass and three-part harmonies.”
Bristol24/7
“Their rhythmic fiddle, banjo, mandolin, guitar and double bass will set even the weariest of knees bouncing and elbows swinging”
The New Stour & Avon Magazine
Related events
- Sat 20 Feb 2027 8:00 PM
An Evening with Guy Chambers
Guy Chambers is one of the UK’s most successful living songwriters having worked with artists including Robbie Williams, Tina Turner and Kyle Minogue.
- Wed 7 Apr 2027 7:30 PM
Gigspanner Big Band
The Gigspanner Big Band are a unique force in British folk music, featuring some of the biggest names on the folk-roots scene.
- Sat 13 Feb 2027 8:00 PM
Cloud Chamber
Cloud Chamber make music which is melodic and lyrical, inhabiting a space between traditional ‘classical’ music and the neo-classical music of today.