ACCORDION player Hugh Crabtree admits that it was a daft idea – getting half a dozen leading fiddle players to perform together on one stage at the same time.

But what started off as a bit of fun has become something of an institution, a powerhouse collective of some of the folk world’s top players, delivering a blistering evening’s entertainment featuring everything from traditional tunes to re-workings of rock classics.

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Now the folk-rock supergroup Feast of Fiddles are celebrating their 22nd annual tour of the UK including their first show at Bacup’s Royal Court Theatre.

“It was just a daft idea I had after the act booked for my local folk club couldn’t make it,” said Hugh. “Twenty-one years later we’re still at it.”

The band’s line-up reads like a who’s who of the fiddle, including Fairport Convention’s Chris Leslie, Phil Beer from Show of Hands, Steeleye Span’s Peter Knight and folk legend Brian McNeil. Then there’s the ‘backing band’ which includes Hugh on accordion, and Fairport’s Dave Mattacks on drums.

“I think there will be 16 in the company when we come to Bacup,” said Hugh. “We are always very keen to try out new venues.”

What started off as a one-off show has become a regular fixture in the diary for all those involved with Feast of Fiddles.

“For that first gig we met in the car park beforehand, had a quick chat to find out songs everyone knew and after a quick sound check did the show,” said Hugh. “It went so well that we started getting gig offers from other venues and we’ve been at it ever since.

“The basic point is that we all really enjoy it, there is a real camaraderie.”

With some many accomplished musicians putting a set list together could present a real challenge.

“Everyone has some input,” said Hugh, “but basically I operate a benign dictatorship.

“We do try and introduce new elements into every annual tour. Last year we started to have a spotlight on the individual players in the first half of the show with everyone coming together as the full band for the second half.

“Once the full band gets going it really is a full sound and I think that surprises people.”

Hugh is keen to stress that A Feast of Fiddles show is not just for folk lovers.

“We’ve had many instances of people who were dragged along by friends who have absolutely loved the show,” he said.

“It’s also interesting to see how many parents bring their children along who are learning the fiddle.

“It is a difficult instrument to master but when they see what can be achieved musically with it it really encourages them to continue learning.

  • Feast of Fiddles, Royal Court Theatre, Bacup, April 2. Details on 01706 874080.