6pm Doors   7pm performance

Emily Portman is an award-winning singer and songwriter with a passion for traditional songs, hailed as “one of the new British folk scene’s most beguiling presences” (Uncut). She has toured widely for over 15 years as a bandleader, with The Furrow Collective, the folk chart-topping Sea Song Sessions, and in a duo with Leveret’s Rob Harbron. Emily was awarded a BBC Folk Award for Best Original Song and has released three critically acclaimed albums of original material that recast old ballads and fairytales into new shapes.

In 2026, Emily returns to the road with an inspired new live show previewing songs from her forthcoming solo album, Dominion of Spells, released in May 2026, alongside selected material from across her acclaimed catalogue.

Dominion of Spells marks a bold new chapter in Emily’s songwriting. Drawing on ballads and folktales, the album weaves lived experience with rich mythic imagery, charting a journey through dark woods at midlife in search of transformation and wonder. Shape-shifting selkies, fairy queens, foxes, and owl goddesses thread through contemporary story-songs exploring parenthood, home, burnout, grief, and the transformative power of creativity.

The new songs are brought vividly to life with a fresh live line-up featuring sought-after guitarist Louis Campbell and acclaimed cellist Lucy Revis (Before Breakfast). Together they create a richly layered yet understated sound world, with Emily’s luminous vocals, banjo, and piano at the centre, woven through crystalline harmonies, lush strings, and interweaving electric and acoustic guitars.

Audiences can expect an intimate, spellbinding performance where traditional influences meet contemporary storytelling. This preview tour offers an early glimpse into Dominion of Spells, an evening of vivid, songs steeped in mythic imagination.

“A really great listen… sonically full of interesting little details.” — Mark Radcliffe, BBC Radio 2 Folk Show

“Of all the singers and songwriters in British folk music, few have the ability to encapsulate what it means to be human in the way that Emily Portman does. Dominion of Spells is a real and vital piece of work, something to be cherished.” — Klof Mag

“Dominion of Spells showcases Emily Portman’s beautiful take on traditional stories brought into the present day, giving them a powerful modern relevance.”— At The Barrier

"Deeply emotional and absolutely authentic" —Liverpool Sound & Vision.

"Portman has a gift for melding modern times with traditional folk ideals...Portman has given food for thought as well as a terrific set of songs"- Americana UK

" the spell it casts is magical indeed" —Fatea