Join vibrant group Kit Downes, Lauren Kinsella and Robin Fincker, for an evening of modern and folk music with a repertoire of improvisation and original compositions. Inspired by a blend of early music, folk and plainchant Shadowlands weaves a form of contemporary chamber music rich in sonic textures. The three vibrant voices well known to European creative music scenes and adept of the crossing of genres, agree to jump together into the unknown, with a repertoire where improvisation rubs shoulders with centuries-old melodies and original compositions. Thus the language of Kit Downes, an essential pianist of the new British scene, mixes with that of the Anglophile saxophonist and clarinetist Robin Fincker and the Irish singer Lauren Kinsella in a common desire to question slowness and good gestures.  The weaving and singing melodies are surrounded by a halo of shimmering and moving sound material and little by little, the shadows stretch and come alive… Presented by Kings Place. This is a 14+ event.

I Fagiolini at Kings Place Purcell Dido and Aeneas The sparrow and the gentle dove (From hardy climes) Mark how readily (Raise, raise the voice) Pavan in 4 parts / Hornpipe (King Arthur) Robert Hollingworth Director Julia Doyle Dido Frederick Long Aeneas Rowan Pierce Belinda Martha McLorinan Sorceress I Fagiolini’s semi-staged take on Purcell’s masterpiece - written when he was just 29. So much variety in a single hour: great tunes, sparkling instrumental interludes, hysterical witches, dance music and of course the great lament, ‘When I am laid in earth’. Purcell’s varied genius is also celebrated in I Fagiolini’s amuse-bouche, perfect miniatures from ‘Britain’s Orpheus’. This event will last approximately 75 minutes, with no interval. Presented by Kings Place. All ages

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Our Artists-in-Residence, GBSR Duo, team up with boundary-pushing London producer Beatrice Dillon for their first-ever collaboration. Exploring synthetic patterning with free-hand acoustic textures, this new work is premiered through our immersive d&b Soundscape system. The night also features a DJ set from TTB aka Tabitha Thorlu-Bangura (Sabi Arts/NTS), the London cultural programmer and selector whose conjoins music, radio and visual art. A one-off evening of close listening, new ideas and bold sound worlds. This event will last approximately 2 hours, including an interval. Presented by Kings Place. This is a 14+ event

The Sam Sweeney Trio brings together three of the UK’s most compelling folk musicians to play music from across Sam’s discography: Sam Sweeney (violin), Ben Nicholls (double bass), and Louis Campbell (guitar). Known for his expressive playing and bold musical vision, Sam Sweeney leads the trio through richly textured arrangements of traditional and original material. With Ben Nicholls’ deep, resonant bass and Louis Campbell’s innovative guitar work, the trio crafts a sound that is both grounded in English folk tradition and alive with contemporary energy. Sam will delve into his back catalogue of solo and band albums, as well as air some brand new material. In partnership with Alan Bearman Music This event will last approximately 110 minutes, including an interval. Presented by Kings Place. This is a 14+ event

Kris Drever is among Scotland’s most acclaimed and distinctive contemporary musicians, celebrated for his warm voice, virtuosically expressive guitar playing and imaginative and evocative songwriting. Raised in the Orkney Islands, Kris Drever has carved out a unique place at the intersection of traditional folk and modern acoustic music, as a solo artist and as one-third of the award-winning trio Lau. His solo work combines lyrics of depth and authenticity with expertly pitched arrangements, exploring themes of place, identity, and social change, delivered with clarity, compassion, and poetic insight. Kris will be playing some brand new songs from his new album, as well as a selection from his back catalogue of originals and his storied interpretations of traditional material. In partnership with Alan Bearman Music This event will last approximately 110 minutes, including an interval. Presented by Kings Place. This is a 14+ event.

Recipient of the 2024 Ivor Novello Innovation award, Gavin Bryars is one of the most influential composers of our age. For After the Rain he reunites with singer Jess Walker and the Gavin Bryars Ensemble for his hypnotic arrangements of iconic songs by Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen, Neil Young and Kurt Weill. Gavin Bryars, recipient of the 2024 Ivors Innovation Award, is one of the most influential composers of our age. For After the Rain he reunites with the remarkable singer Jess Walker to build on their Tom Waits collaboration, Mercy and Grand, which Tom Waits himself referred to as giving his songs ‘an elegant night on the town.’ This new programme with the Gavin Bryars Ensemble includes his hypnotic arrangements of iconic numbers by Waits, Leonard Cohen, Kurt Weill and Neil Young. Scored for strings, sax, electric guitar, piano and voice, the arrangements include the world premiere of Neil Young’s Only Love Can Break Your Heart. Duration and interval TBC. Presented by Kings Place. This is a 14+ event

In this special concert, GBSR Duo give the World Premiere of a newly commissioned work by Sarah Davachi, presented in partnership with d&b audiotechnik’s en-space technology. Artists-in-Residence GBSR Duo join forces for the very first time with acclaimed Canadian composer Sarah Davachi, one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary music today. Known internationally for her immersive and contemplative sound worlds, Davachi’s work explores the subtle intricacies of timbre and the perception of time, drawing listeners into states of heightened attention and deep listening. d&b audiotechnik‘s pioneering system allows acoustic environments to be shaped and transformed in real time, opening up a completely new dimension of listening in Hall Two. This event will last 1 hour, with no interval. Presented by Kings Place. This is a 14+ event

Two of the most electrifying virtuosos of the UK scene, Jack Jennings & Omar Puente create new music inspired by the world’s biggest natural sound library. A powerful electric band led by guitar and violin, combining raga themes of Indian classical music, with a jazz/rock rhythm section of Domenico Angarano on bass, Arthur Newell on drums. Bringing nature’s voice to the project is wildlife sound recordist Martyn Stewart and The Listening Planet - a ground-breaking initiative dedicated to preserving the Earth’s most fragile soundscapes. Martyn has spent a lifetime traversing the globe, recording the raw, untamed voices of the wild - from the haunting call of an Arctic wolf to the rhythmic symphony of a rainforest at dawn. This collaboration doesn’t just feature nature’s sounds - it weaves them into the fabric of the music itself. The Listening Planet’s vast archive of field recordings transforms the album into a living, breathing conversation between musicians and the natural world. Each note, each rhythm, is in dialogue with the calls, cries, and whispers of creatures that have sung for millennia. More than an artistic fusion, this album is a call to action. £1 of each ticket purchased will be in support of The Listening Planet’s mission to protect endangered species and the fragile environments they call home. This event will last approximately 90 minutes, with no interval. Presented by Kings Place. This is a 14+ event

Celebrated for her “velvet-voiced authority” (The Scotsman), Carnie blends traditional Gaelic roots with cinematic, contemporary soundscapes. One of Scotland’s most compelling musical voices, performing with her own band, as well as the lead singer of the multi-award-winning band Mànran and a founding member of the experimental folk ensemble Staran. Renowned for her passion for cultural collaboration, Kim Carnie has worked with a diverse range of celebrated artists across the globe. These include Malian griot supergroup Trio Da Kali, GRAMMY-nominated kora players Seckou Keita and Kadialy Kouyate, Basque trio Kalakan, Creole musician Cedric Watson, and the Indonesian National Orchestra, TRUST. She has also shared the stage with folk icons such as Carlene Carter, Lindsay Lou, and Joshua Burnside while touring with the prestigious Transatlantic Sessions, led by sixteen-time GRAMMY winner Jerry Douglas. Her original compositions have been commissioned by the Edinburgh Storytelling Centre, the Blas Festival, Piping Live, multiple gaming companies, and the 35-time award-winning documentary Kim Carnie: Out Loud. Following the critical success of her debut solo album And So We Gather, produced by Donald Shaw, Kim returns with her highly anticipated second release, A’ Chailleach - a bold new chapter in her artistic evolution. This event will last approximately 2 hours, including an interval. Presented by Kings Place. This is a 14+ event

The Gigspanner Big Band are a unique force in British folk music. Their high-energy, virtuosic performances appeal equally to traditionalists and to those looking for something more experimental, and they have garnered praise from publications as varied as fRoots, The Telegraph and The Wire, where they were described as 'melodically folk-rooted yet open and innovative beyond the constraints of genre' Beginning life as a trio - with fiddle player Peter Knight being joined by percussionist Sacha Trochet and guitarist Roger Flack - the line-up has been expanded to form the Gigspanner Big Band, with acclaimed multi-instrumental duo Edgelarks (Phillip Henry and Hannah Martin - BBC Folk Awards 'Best Duo') and Bellowhead co-founder and melodeon player extraordinaire, John Spiers, joining the fray. As collaborations go, it doesn't get much more mouth-watering than this.

After a decade touring with Midge Ure and India Electric Company and following his top 10 single, a reimagining of Fade To Grey, Cole Stacey shares his acclaimed solo album Postcards From Lost Places. Expect captivating stories, lyrical songwriting rooted in tradition, haunting melodies and a night of connection in a remarkable setting. Cole Stacey is a visceral and lyrical songwriter, singer and musician who has roamed the highest diverse echelons of British folk, 80s pop, spoken word and ambient electronics. From The Royal Albert Hall to The Westfalenhalle Arena, from 700-year-old castles in Gdansk to Glastonbury Festival. His unique debut album has at its heart a symbiosis of ‘lost’ places and forgotten words, stretching as far back as the 13th century, paired with Cole’s distinctive lyrical songwriting and remarkable field recordings. Bringing together his years of experience on stage, Cole’s deeply personal solo shows are rooted in storytelling, directed by a love of popular song, folk traditions and have connection with people and places are their heart. This performance will last approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, including an interval. Presented by Kings Place. This is a 14+ event

Northern Resonance is the Scandinavian string trio that takes newly composed folk music into enormous soundscapes. With their previously untested combination of instruments; Anna Ekborg, Hans-Ers (Viola D’amore) Petrus Dillner (Nyckelharpa) Jerker “JJ” Hans-Ers (Hardanger Fiddle) they let Scandinavian music meet explosive rhythms and grand chamber-like arrangements that takes folk music in a new direction. All members of Northern Resonance are highly skilled and accomplished musicians, rooted in traditional music. With an intense musical connection that is rare to come across, they invite you into their world of compositions. There is great life in their tunes, and the trio knows how to bring it out. With their debut album which was released in the autumn of 2020, Northern Resonance have already established themselves with a glorious sound. The album was nominated for a Swedish Grammy and they recently released their second album Vision of Three. During 2024 the trio are performing in Australia, Chile, Colombia, Germany, USA, Canada, England and Scotland, all under the name Vision Tour 2024. This event will last approximately 90 minutes, with an interval. Presented by Kings Place. This is a 14+ event

At Kings Place Folk Weekend, Ellie Gowers presents an evening of reflective, beautifully detailed songs - carried by her expressive voice, lyrical craft and quietly magnetic stage presence. A chance to experience one of the UK folk scene’s most resonant emerging artists up close. Rising UK folk artist Ellie Gowers is inspired by the likes of Jeff Buckley and MIPSO, her new material sees her pushing into more emotionally spacious and contemporary territory - while retaining the grounded storytelling that first brought her acclaim. These songs explore the aftermath of life on the road: themes of absence, longing, and emotional duality woven through rich acoustic textures and lyrical craft. Ellie is one of the most distinctive rising voices in UK folk, praised by The Guardian for her ‘delicacy, precision and gentle delight.’ Her music blends contemporary acoustic textures with the narrative depth of traditional folk, drawing on themes of distance, longing and the emotional aftershocks of life on the road. Her latest EP You, The Passenger has received national attention, with airplay on BBC Radio 2, BBC 6 Music and the RADMAC show. Influenced by artists such as MIPSO and Jeff Buckley, these new songs reveal a more spacious and exploratory side to her writing, while retaining the grounded intimacy that first brought her acclaim. This event will last for approximately 75 minutes, with no interval. Presented by Kings Place. This is a 14+ event

Amelia Coburn opens Kings Place Folk Weekend 2026, sharing her knack for making the unusual sound timeless. Her honest, occasionally hilarious and quintessentially north-eastern persona disarms and beguiles in equal measure. Drawing inspiration from gothic literature and the shadowy allure of film noir, there is a darkness at the heart of many of Amelia Coburn’s songs, populated by vivid characters and nocturnal creatures that inhabit the liminal space “between the moon and the milkman”. 2024’s Bill Ryder-Jones produced debut album gained a cult following, including praise from British music legends Paul Weller and Paul Heaton - as well as national radio play across BBC Radios 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. Hailed as ‘one to watch in 2025’ by Louder Than War and Drowned In Sound, Amelia hit the ground running with spellbinding sets at SXSW in Texas and a feature on Paul Weller’s latest album Find El Dorado. Supported by PRS Foundation’s Open Fund and inspired by the feminist works of writers like Angela Carter and Clarissa Pinkola Estés, Coburn’s latest single Something Wild continues to solidify Coburn’s burgeoning reputation. This event will last approximately 75 minutes, with no interval. Please note that this is a standing event. Presented by Kings Place. This is a 14+ event

The Shackleton Trio bring their unmistakable blend of fiddle, mandolin, guitar and soaring three-part harmonies to Kings Place Folk Weekend 2026 - breathing new life into the stories and songs of East Anglia. Captivating songwriting and fiery instrumental tunes come together in The Shackleton Trio’s unmistakable sound - weaving mandolin, fiddle, guitar and banjo with powerful three-part harmonies. Their music brings to life the stories of their native East Anglia and beyond, with a warmth and energy that has won them audiences across the UK and internationally. The trio - Georgia Shackleton (fiddle, vocals), Aaren Bennett (guitar) and Nic Zuppardi (mandolin, banjo) - draw on British, American and Scandinavian folk traditions, while Georgia’s passion for uncovering lesser-known material from East Anglia keeps their work deeply rooted in local heritage. 2025 marks the band’s 10-year anniversary, celebrated with a brand new album and an extensive tour. Their decade together has included BBC Radio 2, 3 and 4 airplay, features on BBC 6 Music and RTE 1, glowing ★★★★★ press coverage, an appearance on Cambridge Folk Festival’s prestigious main stage, and performances across the UK, Europe and beyond. A band that clearly loves playing together - and one not to be missed. This event will last for approximately 75 minutes without an interval. Presented by Kings Place. This is a 14+ event

Muco is a singer, songwriter and composer of British-Burundian heritage whose music is shaped by a love of language and storytelling. He specialises in reimagining medieval folk songs and poetry in Middle and Old English, alongside original songs with lyrics inspired by myth and folklore. Muco’s latest projects, Summer Crossing and Book of Voices, blend influences from his dual heritage, pairing Middle-English lyrics with the music of the ‘Inanga’ (a zither from Burundi/Rwanda). Muco crafts performances which honour historical and folk traditions while resonating with modern audiences, offering an evocative and transportive blend of past and present. This event will last approximately 1 hour, with no interval. Presented by Kings Place. This is a 14+ event

In a set created exclusively for this Hall One concert, the Joe Webb Trio unveils new work from ’Neath Beat, released on Edition Records. Webb’s blend of fearless technique, swagger and melodic clarity - championed by Wynton Marsalis, Jamie Cullum and Jools Holland - meets the dynamic support of Will Sach and Sam Jesson in music that fuses Tatum-like agility with British, hook-focused immediacy. Joe Webb is regarded as one of the most formidable new jazz pianists to emerge in recent years - a musician with fearless technique, unmistakable swagger and a melodic instinct that lands with clarity and purpose. His ascent has been driven by genuine acclaim, commanding live performances and support from figures such as Wynton Marsalis, Gilles Peterson, Jools Holland and Jamie Cullum, further amplified by his 2025 Mercury Prize shortlist for Hamstrings & Hurricanes. Joined by bassist Will Sach and drummer Sam Jesson, Webb continues his “mixtape” concept on ’Neath Beat, merging the spark of his live sets with carefully crafted compositions. The sound draws on the velocity and harmonic imagination of Art Tatum, channelled by the directness and confidence of Oasis. The result is bold, hook-focused and rhythmically charged - virtuosity delivered with style, lift and undeniable presence. This event will last approximately 85 minutes, with no interval. Presented by Kings Place. This is a 14+ event

Gnoss’ signature sound is a rich tapestry of acoustic layers; outstanding musicianship, deep traditional roots and contemporary compositional flair combine to create songs and tunes brimming with character. Triple Scots Trad Music Awards nominees, Gnoss has built an invested following through their forward-thinking take on traditional music and the unique warmth of their live shows. This has been proven through three consecutive sellout appearances at Glasgow’s world-famous Celtic Connections festival. With the release of their third album, 2023’s Stretching Skyward, Gnoss reignite their collaboration with producer and engineer, Scott Wood (Skerryvore), further exploring their acoustic roots whilst incorporating new, electronic elements. Launch dates include performances across the UK and Europe, including standout appearances at the Orkney Folk Festival, Cambridge Folk Festival, Towersey Festival and Denmark’s Tønder Festival. This event will last approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes, including an interval. Presented by Kings Place. This is a 14+ event

Scottish saxophonist Matt Carmichael brings his acclaimed blend of folk-infused jazz to the Kings Place Jazz Orchestra, showcasing the emotive, melodic writing that has marked him as one of the UK’s most exciting young voices. The Kings Place Jazz Orchestra joins forces with Scottish saxophonist and composer Matt Carmichael for a vivid exploration of one of the UK’s most compelling musical voices. Praised by BBC Music Magazine as ‘a distinctive new voice in a crowded scene’, Carmichael has quickly become known for his powerful emotionally charged blend of jazz and the folk traditions that shaped his early life in the Highlands. KPJO is a handpicked, project-based ensemble, made up of the UK’s finest jazz and big band musicians, alongside rising-star young artists. Kings Place Jazz Orchestra is more than a new resident ensemble - it’s a bold statement of artistic ambition. The ensemble hopes to serve as an inspiration for young musicians, opening its doors throughout the year to experience the ensemble in the surroundings of Kings Place, Hall One. Committed to celebrating the depth of jazz tradition while pushing the boundaries of contemporary large ensemble writing, Kings Place Jazz Orchestra is set to become a cornerstone of Kings Place’s vibrant musical landscape. This event will last approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes, including an interval. Presented by Kings Place. This is a 14+ event.

Callum Au and his all-star big band mark the launch of his new album ‘Sing Seven Seas’; a blazing two-volume celebration of orchestral jazz and all the musicians who work at the beating heart of the UK’s incredible music industry. Callum’s dual career as composer/arranger and trombonist has seen him make music both at the helm of and alongside many of the country’s finest musicians. Sing Seven Seas is the culmination of these long-standing musical relationships, pushing world-class musicians to their technical and expressive limits with 14 brand new pieces for jazz orchestra that crackle with Callum’s signature directness and flair for melody. With a host of incredible soloists (and a few surprising instruments!), this promises to be an unmissable evening! This event will last approximately 2 hours, including an interval. Presented by Kings Place. This is a 14+ event.

With a voice that bridges generations, Stella Cole has cultivated nearly two million social media followers through her fresh interpretations of timeless songs by iconic artists including Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, and Nat ‘King’ Cole. Often described as a Laufey-meets-Bublé sensation, Cole brings classic repertoire to a new generation with warmth and ease. Raised in rural Illinois on Hollywood musicals such as Singin’ in the Rain and The Wizard of Oz, Cole told ELLE that she “never expected this life.” She has since earned praise for her soulful interpretations of the Great American Songbook from legends including James Taylor, David Foster, and Michael Bublé. She has performed on The TODAY Show, Live with Kelly and Mark, Tamron Hall, and on stages throughout the U.S., Europe, and Asia. ‘It’s amazing to think that this music can be a balm for people’s stress and anxiety,’ says Cole. ‘Don’t forget, these songs helped people get through the Great Depression and World War II. That’s the most gratifying thing of all - experiencing how this music can help people.’ Authentic and faithful to the traditions in which these songs have been heard for generations, Cole brings a personal charisma that transcends time. This event will last approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes, including an interval. Presented by Kings Place. This is a 14+ event

A nomad, both geographically and musically, songwriter Ross Wilson aka Blue Rose Code writes straight from – and to – the heart. His songs address universal themes of love, loss, travel, home, accepting the past and embracing the future in a deeply personal way. They are variously painted with the vibrant colours of folk, Americana, jazz, country, soul, pop and, increasingly, celtic traditions; an eclecticism that has seen him compared to John Martyn, Van Morrison and Tom Waits amongst

Peatbog Faeries, Scotland’s acclaimed contemporary folk band, deliver high-energy, genre-blending shows with bagpipes, fiddles, drums, guitars, and unforgettable live magic. They land at Kings Place for a roof-raising, fully standing set in the hidden gem of Hall Two. One of Scotland’s most electrifying contemporary folk bands, Peatbog Faeries delivers a dazzling display of musical wizardry. Fiddles, bagpipes, whistles, drums, guitars, saxophone, keyboards, and vocals collide in a vibrant sound that thrills audiences and lights up festival stages worldwide. Known for their fearless fusion of folk, jazz, funk, and world music, the Peatbog Faeries turn every stage into a celebration. Their live shows are irresistible, filling dance floors and captivating crowds from the Highlands to international festivals. With a reputation for pushing musical boundaries while honouring their roots, the band has become a fixture at major UK events and has toured across Europe, North America, and beyond. Every performance is a journey, a whirlwind of rhythm, melody, and sheer joy that leaves audiences cheering for more. For anyone seeking folk music that’s bold, inventive, and unforgettably fun, Peatbog Faeries is the ultimate experience. This event will last approximately 90 minutes with an interval. Presented by Kings Place. This is a 14+ event

FARA brings together four leading musicians at the forefront of today’s Scottish folk scene. Kristan Harvey, Jeana Leslie and Catriona Price’s three fiddles combine with Rory Matheson’s piano to produce a fiery sound rooted strongly in their upbringing among the music of Orkney and Assynt. With self-penned tunes as well as stunning vocals; and vibrant arrangements full of rich harmonies, energetic fiddle playing and driving piano, FARA’s audiences are in for an exciting show. Winners of the German Critics’ Choice Award 2017, nominees for a Radio 2 Horizon Folk Award and Scots Trad Music Award’s ‘Live Act of the Year’ amongst many other accolades; FARA is back on the road with new music, new stories and a brand new third studio album in 2022.

Legendary Irish concertina player Cormac Begley makes his London debut at Kings Place with a rare solo performance, showcasing the extraordinary depth and power of the bass concertina. Cormac Begley is widely regarded as one of the most innovative voices in contemporary Irish traditional music. Hailing from West Kerry, where his family’s roots are deeply embedded in the tradition, his approach to the concertina is both daring and deeply expressive - expanding the possibilities of the instrument and captivating audiences worldwide. In this special solo performance, Begley brings his singular focus on the bass and baritone concertina to the fore. His acclaimed album B - described as ‘groundbreaking’ (RTÉ Arena) and ‘the musical gift that keeps on giving’ (The Irish Times) - is the first of its kind to centre entirely on the lower registers of the instrument, revealing a rich, resonant sound world that is both intimate and powerful. With a career that has seen him headline Ireland’s National Concert Hall, sell out Dublin’s Vicar Street and appear on The Tommy Tiernan Show, Begley continues to push the boundaries of traditional music. This London debut offers a rare opportunity to experience his music up close - a spellbinding journey through rhythm, tone and tradition from a truly exceptional artist. This event will last for approximately 70 minutes without an interval. Presented by Kings Place. This is a 14+ event