A NIGHT of folk music is coming to a historic Essex venue.

Cardinal Green is a collective of five highly-talented musicians with eclectic musical backgrounds.

Based in the east of England, the band deliver their own original music, and upbeat, joyous renditions of traditional and well-known songs, always with a nod to the unexpected.

Now, the group is coming to Hedingham Castle.

Formed during the first Covid-19 lockdown, Cardinal Green is a band hard to define. Founding member Chris Bullen describes its music as, “roughly, ‘what did I just hear?’”

Chris’s idea was to pull together a “ragtag collection of musicians” from a range of backgrounds, mixing their influences and instruments to craft new interpretations of classic songs from all genres, as well as brand-new creations which would delight and surprise audiences.

The first line-up featured Chris on guitar and bass, Ian Pease on melodeon and percussion, Suzy Cramer on banjo, mandola and guitar, Daniel O’Toole on guitar, mandolin and bass, and Moose Rosser’s rich, distinctive vocals.

Following months of virtual rehearsals and swapping recordings, when the country started opening up again, Cardinal Green was ready to perform, and was soon thrilling crowds in pubs, folk clubs and festivals around East Anglia.

However, towards the end of 2022, Daniel moved abroad and Suzy reluctantly withdrew from the band to focus on other musical projects.

For a while, it seemed the Cardinal Green story might be over - until a couple of chance meetings led to singer, songwriter, poet and actor Tony Winn agreeing to bring his voice, banjo and guitar to the group.

He suggested the addition of Helen Mulley on flute and vocals and suddenly Cardinal Green was back up to strength, now with a hint of Americana woven into the folk, rock and prog strands of the original sound.

The new line-up played its debut gig at a coronation event in Hundon - and next on the calendar is a two-set show in the Tapestry Room at Hedingham Castle today, May 18, from 7pm to 11pm.

Helen said: “It’s always a joy playing with talented musicians, and the experience that’s represented when Cardinal Green is on stage is really quite extraordinary.

“Add in one of the most atmospheric venues in the county and this is definitely going to be a show to remember.”

Tickets can be purchased at hedinghamcastle.co.uk/events.