It’s been a long time since we first came across Patch and the Giant whilst checking out another act at their monthly residency in Highgate. Since then they’ve played our gig, and we’ve curated theirs. Nowadays there’s a never-ending swapshop between our two gigs – each recommending one great act to the other. We’re ecstatic, then, to announce that we’re teaming up with Patch and the Giant to jointly put on a special one-off gig on a boat here in London on October 16th! That’s right. We’re doing a gig on a boat. Tamesis Dock, to be precise.

Tickets are onsale now, right here at only £4. That’s only a quid a band! Normally you have to go to Glastonbury to get a deal like that, and even then you only see about a fifth of the acts. We’re gathering all ours together in one easy location for you! And – because we can’t emphasise enough just excited we are about this: IT’S ON A BOAT!

There’s nothing more fun than live music on a giant floating metal building, and that’s precisely why we’ve filled the line-up out with some of the liveliest bands around. Providing support for Patch and the Giant are Keston Cobblers Club, Freddie and the Hoares and Worry Dolls! As a quick run-down for the uninitiated:

Patch and the Giant are one of London’s biggest folk bands – in a very literal sense. Their eight piece line-up involves a string trio, a one-girl brass section, the happiest man in England and, completely unrelated, the loudest. And that’s not even all members accounted for! You’ll struggle to find a band that has more fun onstage together, and whilst normally found locked away in the Boogaloo pub, they’ll be unleashing a raucous folk set* on Tamesis Dock this October.

Keston Cobblers Club boast several things: bright modern folk with a touch of the traditional, a penchant for gorgeous harmonies, and a line-up in which every member can play the accordion. They’ve just released their debut album ‘One, For Words’, which makes a point of showcasing all the points in a handy audio format.

Freddie and the Hoares were last spotted tearing up a gig venue near you with their energetic music. There’ll be no tearing here, because we’re in a boat. And that just doesn’t make for good boating. But we can promise you this: they’ll be as energetic as they can be, without sinking the Tamesis. We hope.

Worry Dolls are one of Folkroom’s oldest friends, and just right to open up the Folkboat Fete. Compared to the rest of the line-up, they’re a relatively quiet duo – but you won’t be thinking that as they throw out footstomping tunes about murdered husbands and infatuations with West End drag queens.

You might be able to tell – this gig has us worked up like a child going to Disneyland. On Christmas Day. With his favourite popstar. By helicopter. Hopefully such a great line-up will excite you to – if you want to come along the gig is October 16th, with doors at 7:30 and music from 8. Tickets are available here for the silly-cheap price of £4 each. Ace.