Emily Portman is an award-winning singer and songwriter with a passion for traditional songs, hailed as “one of the new British folk scene’s most beguiling presences” (Uncut). She has toured widely for over 15 years as a band leader, with The Furrow Collective, and in a duo with Leveret’s Rob Harbron. Emily was awarded a BBC Folk Award for Best Original Song and has released three critically acclaimed albums of original songs that recast old ballads and fairytales into new shapes. Her latest solo album Coracle received accolades and international recognition, taking her to European festival stages with a six-piece band.
With the award-winning band The Furrow Collective, Emily has released four acclaimed traditional song albums, regularly touring the UK and Europe. Her collaborative work has led to two recent releases: a duo debut album with Rob Harbron, and the UK Folk Chart–topping project Sea Song Sessions, featuring Jon Boden and Seth Lakeman. Now, The Dominion of Spells puts Emily’s songwriting back into the spotlight in an album that is sure to delight.
Press Quotes for Dominion of Spells
"Portman’s sure command of ancient folklore, spellcraft and balladry turns them into living forces and entities.” Songlines
“A really great listen… sonically full of interesting little details.” Mark Radcliffe, BBC Radio 2
“Of all the singers and songwriters in British folk music, few have the ability to encapsulate what it means to be human in the way that Emily Portman does. Dominion of Spells is a real and vital piece of work, something to be cherished.” Klof Mag
"Portman has a gift for melding modern times with traditional folk ideals...Portman has given food for thought as well as a terrific set of songs" Americana UK
"the spell it casts is magical indeed" Fatea

Important Information
Venue: Stamford Arts Centre, Theatre
Tickets: £18 (£16 concessions)
Running Time: 1 hour 50 mins (including interval)
This is a programmed event
Thurs 24 Sep
Philippa investigates who provided health care in Stamford. For about 350 years...
Sat 3 Oct
A classical event you won’t want to miss! Yaroslav Oliinyk is an incredible composer, pianist and improviser w...
Fri 18 Dec
The Albion Christmas Band returns this December for its 27th year of touring, continuing a cherished festive t...
Thurs 26 Nov
2026 is the centenary year of the great Kenneth Williams, one of Britain’s most...
Sat 10 Oct
Finch and Toad Upholstery are back with this fantastic adult workshop! In this w...
Wed 18 - Sat 21 Nov
This November College Players present Made in Dagenham – a big-hearted British m...
Fri 13 Nov
Stamford Jazz is delighted to welcome back tenor saxophonist Simon Spillett. Exp...
Fri 9 Oct
KoKo Collective brings together some of the finest jazz talent from the UK, unit...