A FOLK concert in Worcester will see a lot of folk enjoying the applause at the end.

It will be big, and it’s likely to be uplifting, with an effect that led one critic to declare: “Truly this was the most joyous noise I have ever heard, and it reaffirmed my faith in the potential of the human race.”

Yes indeed, the UK’s biggest folk band, Joe Broughton’s Conservatoire Folk Ensemble, is back for its now legendary annual show at Worcester’s Huntingdon Hall.

This year it will feature, as a spokesman put it, “a stage-challenging 50 members, featuring a 15-piece horn section, five cello players, four percussionists and three electric guitarists, plus fiddles, flutes, clarinets, double bass, and even a harp”.

The spokesman added: “Formed in 1997 at Birmingham’s prestigious Conservatoire by fiddle player and arranger Joe Broughton (The Urban Folk Quartet, The Albion Band, Joss Stone), the Conservatoire Folk Ensemble have become known for their energetic and powerful shows, with set-lists where English and Celtic reels slide into full-on rock grooves, funk, jazz, hip-hop, ska and reggae. This is very much 21st century folk. This is ‘Power Folk’.”

“Forever changing, always unique and with an energy and power that is unrivalled, the Conservatoire Folk Ensemble has to be seen to be believed. Using players from the prestigious Birmingham Conservatoire ensures that the standard of musicianship is top drawer and under the leadership of Joe Broughton the music has the feel of a spontaneous folk orchestra and a show that doesn’t take itself too seriously. If you are a fully-fledged folk fan, a lover of any good music or just looking for a fantastic night out, we guarantee that this is the gig for you.”

In 1994 Joe went to Birmingham Conservatoire and Professor Andrew Downes invited Joe to lead the Conservatoire Folk Ensemble in 1998. The rest, as they say, is history.

The date for the diary is May 26.

Box Office: 01905 611427 / www.worcesterlive.co.uk