Until comparatively recent times, the LBTGQIT+ presence in the folk community has maintained a fairly low profile. Not any more.

Goblin Band, one of the most acclaimed acts on the scene today (their fans include Martin Carthy, for whom they opened at the Harbour Hotel on Saturday) are very out and very proud. Describing themselves as 'a collection of queer musicians inspired as much by medieval and early music as they are by the folk traditions of Britain and abroad', they met through informal after-hours sessions at a London folk instrument shop, organised by a group of 'queer folk, obsessive friends and shop employees'.

This phenomenally talented, high-energy band of multi-instrumentalists has a flexible lineup; appearing at the Cellar Bar were Rowan Gatherer (vocals, hurdy gurdy, recorder), Sonny Brazil (vocals, accordion, recorder), Gwenna Harman (vocals, percussion, recorder) and Alice Beadle (vocals, violin, recorder). Their striking appearance (they look as if they have wandered out of the pages of a dystopian Tolkien book) and eccentric presentation are simultaneously provocative and endearing; they throw down challenges, invite questions, warm hearts.

The Goblins say they aim to interpret folk song in relation to the political upheavals of past and present, creating a space for new audiences to experience traditional music in a manner 'both riotously joyful and deeply sincere'. They also like to catch the audience off-balance. A quirky, high-octane rendition of “Rosin the Bow” was followed by a poignant “Willie's Lady”, then a delicate recorder quartet led into a fast, impassioned performance of “The Brisk Lad” featuring Gatherer's powerful vocal at full throttle.

Then a change of pace for Harman's pure vocal on “Bitter Withy”, followed by a curious series of popping and gurgling noises that introduced an exuberant version of “Country Life” with a lyrical violin solo from Beadle. Next, we heard Brazil's accordion virtuosity and rich, emotion-laden voice on “The Hard-Working Boater” before a full-on sing-along “Widecombe Fair” and an encore of “The Prickle Holly Bush” showcasing the band's magnificent vocal harmonies closed this exhilarating set.

A truly memorable afternoon, and one of the stand-out performances of the 2024 festival.