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FESTIVAL OF WESSEX 2026 • 39 Leonian Dream Based in Axminster, Leonian Dream are a rising force in the UK’s indie and modern rock scene. Blending atmospheric textures with driving guitar work and emotive vocals, the band crafts a sound that bridges the raw energy of alternative rock with the shimmering depth of modern indie influences. Formed around the presence of lead singer Leonie and guitarist Thom, the line-up features Bran on bass, Toby on drums, and Ben on keyboards. Their music draws inspiration from artists such as Wolf Alice and Annie Hamilton, resulting in a sound that feels both intimate and cinematic - powerful yet melodic. 17 July: Bridport Arts Centre, 9 South Street, BRIDPORT, DT6 3NR. 7pm. 01308 424204 / bridport-arts.com . Snowgoose + Jayefel Snowgoose are the critically acclaimed indie folk duo led by Jim McCulloch (The Soup Dragons, Isobel Campbell and BMX Bandits) and vocalist Anna Sheard, who together craft intricate, melody-rich songs inspired by the golden age of British folk. 18 June: St Peter & St Paul's Church, SHEPTON MALLET, BA4 5BW. 7pm. £10 / £7. buytheamulet.org.uk. Would-Be-Goods + Railcard The Would-Be-Goods, with their elegant and evocative guitar pop, are promoting their new album, Tears Before Bedtime . Jessica Griffin, enigmatic star of ‘80s cult label él, is at the helm, with guitarist Peter Momtchiloff (Talulah Gosh, Heavenly), Debbie Green, drummer and darling of the London nineties garage scene (Headcoatees), and Andy Warren, legendary bassist of Adam and the Ants and The Monochrome Set. Railcard present a joyous potpourri of retro yet refreshing songcraft. Combining the talents of Rachel Love (vocals, guitar and formerly of Dolly Mixture), Peter Momtchiloff (bass and currently of Heavenly and Would-Be-Goods), Ian Button (vocals, drums, guitar and of Papernut Cambridge, The Penrose Web, ad infinitum) and Allison Thomson (trumpet and keyboards), fans of Dolly Mixture will, of course, love this, but so will those who've listened to any of the countless indie acts in the years since who've name- checked Dolly Mixture as a big influence. 25 September: The Thunderbolt, BRISTOL, BS4 3ED. 7.30pm. £13. 0117 373 8947 / the thunderbolt.net . Nasty Fishmonger + Pussyliquor Nasty Fishmonger is a fist-raising, fearsome fivesome of folk-punk from Bristol whilst Pussyliquor is a rambunctious 5-piece hailing from the south coast. 21 July: Bridport Arts Centre, 9 South Street, BRIDPORT, DT6 3NR. 8.30pm. 01308 424204 / bridport-arts.com . This is The Kit This Is The Kit - the musical project of acclaimed songwriter Kate Stables - brings her mesmerising blend of indie-folk, subtle grooves and poetic lyricism to Lighthouse Poole this September. Known for her warm, magnetic stage presence and music that gently disarms while quietly devastating, This Is The Kit has become one of the most respected and influential voices in modern folk and alternative music. Her sound - grounded in banjo, guitar, looping rhythms and tender, perceptive writing - has earned her a loyal global following and praise from artists including The National, Sharon Van Etten and Bon Iver. THIS IS THE KIT + SEAMUS FOGERTY 3 September: Lighthouse, 21 Kingland Road, POOLE, BH15 1UG. 7.45pm. 01202 280000 / lighthousepoole.co.uk.