Joe Broughton set-up the Conservatoire Folk Ensemble – this 50-piece funky orchestra – 20 years ago… and in that time it has incubated some of the leading folk artists, the very people who have gone on to create their own crazy folk-fusions and mega-bands.

The Ensemble is always changing and evolving – powered in part by the energy and passion of the young performers that are drawn from the prestigious Birmingham Conservatoire. Joe Broughton (folk fiddler with Urban Folk Quartet, Albion Band and Joss Stone) leads the band with a steady hand – drawing on influences that include folk, funk, classical, ska, reggae, jazz, hip-hop – to create a truly memorable live experience.