Alex Hillawi

Alex Hillawi, best known as the voice of The Gilkicker Weevils, a contemporary folk‐and‐roots outfit praised for their rocky flair, big hooky choruses, heartfelt ballads and fast‐paced foot‐stompers, steps out solo to bring a rich tapestry of maritime and coastal history to this year’s (2026) Yarmouth sea songs festival.

Drawing on the lore, landscapes and working lives of the Solent region, Alex weaves songs and stories that echo the ancient folk tradition of storytelling while carrying the energy and immediacy of modern folk performance. Armed with guitar, lapslide, cittern, fiddle and Puerto Rican cuatro, he delivers a warm, immersive set that blends historical tales with inventive musicianship to celebrate the proud maritime traditions of the Solent region.