The downstairs room at The Royal Oak is a haven far removed from the mayhem of the rest of the Fringe. With David Ferrard’s soothing voice and enchanting guitar-plucking, this hour of music provides a perfect escape for wearier or overwhelmed festival visitors, and true fans of folk for whom there is a diverse offering including Jacobite songs, freedom songs from the slave trade in America and samples of Ferrard’s own music. However, in this intimate setting, the group sing-along that is encouraged in every chorus creates an atmosphere that some may find corny. Parents, perhaps one to avoid bringing your children to, unless you enjoy seeing them squirm in embarrassment as you sing-along to songs about wee bonnie lassies.

The Royal Oak, 5 – 26 Aug, 6.30pm (7.30pm), £5.00 – £7.00, fpp219.
tw rating 3/5
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