Scolds Bridle

Scolds Bridle perform shows and songs written about the wives and families of the deep sea fisherman especially from Fleetwood. 

They are one of the UK’s leading female duos: guitar accompaniment and a Capella. Hugely entertaining with wonderful harmonies and beautifully performed concerts.

June 2025 will see the 50th anniversary of one of Lancashire’s most popular folk music acts. Since their meeting in 1975, they have performed at many nationally known festivals, hundreds of folk clubs and concerts and recording for national radio and television. Well known on the Fylde Coast for their appearances at The Fylde Folk Festival and many local venues, Scolds Bridle include some local folk songs in their repertoire alongside traditional and modern songs; ranging from ballads to rousing chorus. Their inter song chat has become an essential ingredient in Sue and Liz’s performance, honed by 50 years of experience,

Back in 1975, they were looking for a ‘stage name’. They chose Scolds Bridle, which has become synonymous with quality vocals and engaging humour. The Scolds Bridle or Brank, was a device intended to prevent women from chattering too much! The inter song chat has become an essential ingredient in Sue and Liz’s performance.

A breakthrough in their singing career, came through the success of the show ‘Final Trawl’ in 1982 . Written by local man Ron Baxter, the presentation looked at the rise and decline of deep sea fishing in Fleetwood. It toured a number of venues in the North West before drawing a ‘full house’ at Sidmouth Festival in August. Other shows featuring Sue and Liz included ‘From Fleetwood to Frisco’ and an award winning BBC radio documentary , ‘We’ve Fished These Grounds for Sixty Years’ Their resonant distinctive voices contrasted strongly with deeper male voices and led to them presenting their own show ‘ We Are The Women Left On The Shore’ – the harsh existence of deep sea fisherman’s wives. This presentation led to numerous festival and concert bookings, often linked to specialist maritime events.

Note: The duo should certainly not be confused with the heavy metal band of the same name!