The UK’s Only Songwriter Festival Returns to Spitalfields

After its successful launch in 2014, and an even bigger follow-up performance last year, Upstart Crow Festival returns to Spitalfields for its third year on Sunday 2 October 2016. At the tail end of the summer’s festival season, UCF presents eight hours of original live music by up-and-coming acts at the UK’s only festival dedicated to songwriting.

Behind Upstart Crow is a collective of singer songwriters who wanted to create a festival that celebrates exceptional songwriting and magnetic performances. Hand-picked from London’s vibrant music scene and beyond, this year’s festival presents 13 acts from a variety of genres, ensuring there will be something for everyone.

This year’s bill featuring eight bands and five acoustic sets (plus additional surprises), goes to show that great songs come in many shapes and forms, and are not always performed by one person with an acoustic guitar (although we do have a few excellent examples of those, too). 

On the lineup, you may recognise familiar names like Romeo Stodart (the Magic Numbers) and Ren Harvieu. They share the bill with road-worn Swedish troubadour Benjamin Folke Thomas, Noel Gallagher-endorsed Pete Greenwood, and, one of our favourites, the soon-to-huge Benedict Benjamin, who play addictive songs with dreamy 60s pop sensibilities. Other acts include Brooke Sharkey, Adam Beattie, Emily C. Smith, The Roves, and Whom by Fire.

The festival is FREE and runs from 12-8pm under the canopy in Bishops Square, Spitalfields.