The South are an impressive 9-piece band that features former members of The Beautiful South, including singer Alison Wheeler and lifelong sax player Gaz Birtles. They play the songs made famous by The Beautiful South and bring back the full flavour and arrangements with this exciting live band. The South are keeping alive all those timeless songs such as A Little Time, Perfect 10, Rotterdam, Old Red Eyes is Back, Good as Gold, Don’t Marry Her, plus many more singles and album track; these songs span an impressive 20-year career starting way back in 1989!

Fusing the mystery of magic with wondrous and miraculous feats of science. Hang on to your seats and experience a non-stop action packed interactive magical science show with experiments and magic that will capture the imagination. The Top secret is a fast moving colourful magical science show filled with mistery, suspense and lots of mess!

Renowned for an endless string of soulful yet socially aware hits 'Forgotten Town', 'Ideal World', 'Born Again', 'Harvest for the World', 'What’s in a Word', 'Hooverville', 'Words', 'Father', 'The Bottle' and many more The Christians enjoyed huge acclaim in the late 80s and early 90s both in the UK and Europe and often confused people with their band name (in fact just the brothers’ surname with absolutely no religious connotation!) Still headed by enigmatic lead singer Garry Christian (who very much deserves The Daily Mirror’s description of him as having ‘one of the finest voices in pop’) who has only gained in vocal stature (and wit) over the years!

Experience the ultimate Elton John tribute Concert. Nearly Elton is a stunning celebration of the music and life of one of the greatest showmen of our time. Starring Lee Brady as Elton and an outstanding full live band. This phenomenal production is an outstanding concert that has been described as "a powerhouse performance that delivers on every level". Taking audiences on a magical ride through five decades of hits that include: Rocketman, Your Song, I'm Still Standing, Candle In The Wind, Sacrifice, I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues and many more.

With hits like ‘Digging Your Scene’ and ‘It Doesn’t Have To Be This Way’, The Blow Monkeys epitomised the glamour of mid-80s pop at its most graceful and sophisticated. In the band’s frontman Robert Howard (aka Dr. Robert), they possessed a tall, charismatic singer who was both camera-friendly and clever, who appeared to be just as much at ease on the catwalk that is pop’s conveyor belt as he was penning witty, incisive songs. While quite clearly Robert’s band, though, the Blow Monkeys were also gifted three immensely talented musicians in bassist Mick Anker (he of the trademark bowler hat), saxophonist Neville Henry and drummer Tony Kiley. Behind the band’s stylish veneer lay something else, which became increasingly apparent from Robert’s lyrics. While some of the Smash Hits generation avoided politics with a capital P, The Blow Monkeys openly criticised the policies of the Conservative government, railing against social injustices and adopting an openly left-of-centre stance on issues of the day. From openly endorsing the gay community “Digging Your Scene” to an outright attack on Margaret Thatcher ‘Celebrate (The Day After You)’ – a duet with the late, great Curtis Mayfield, The Blow Monkeys were always the thinking person’s pop group. As the 1980s progressed, so too did the band’s musical style, from a sound once dubbed “jazz punk” by Robert to a more soulful, jazzy style and an ever-increasing adoption of dance music. The Blow Monkeys of their rare, indie debut single ‘Live Today Love Tomorrow’ (recorded on a shoestring in 1981) would be barely recognisable to those who bought the Balearic remix of ‘La Passionara’ from 1990. And yet a soulful, spiritually uplifting strain has continued to run through their music – and, indeed, that of Robert’s solo recordings – to this day.

Track Dogs have been sweeping the UK summer festival scene leaving behind a dancing army of new fans in every port. Based in Madrid Track Dogs comprise of two Irish men, an English man and an American who have come together and blur the lines of genres so beautifully to create something so unique that on paper just shouldn't work,.but OH BOY does it ever. Delivered with stunning 4 part harmonies to accompany guitar, bass, banjo, mandolin, uke and a trumpet Track Dogs are a force of nature with a style unto themselves. The infectious latino beats merge in seamlessly into americana, folk and a sprinkle of bluegrass that your couldn't stop your body moving to if your life depended on it. Join us for an evening fiesta you will be talking about long after stage lights go out.

Get ready for an unforgettable evening, celebrating the global superstar and great female icon that is Cher. Featuring all of the classic hits including Turn Back Time, I Found Someone, Believe, Strong Enough, Gypsies Tramps and thieves, her modern Abba remixes and many more. This is one show-stopping dazzling extravaganza you do not want to miss! This show will take you on a musical journey from the Dark Lady days, to the rocking 80’s perm days and the celebration disco hits as we Turn Back Time and celebrate the queen of pop and rock. ‘Strong enough’ features 25 smash hits, six decades of stardom and enough costume changes to cause a sequins shortage… With full live band and dancers, come along and experience the passion, the flair and the glitter!

The Oxted Sessions is delighted to welcome legendary 70s folk-rock pioneers Lindisfarne. With a classic five-piece line-up of long-time members, fronted by founder-member Rod Clements on vocals, mandolin, fiddle and slide guitar. With a repertoire of unforgettable songs like Meet Me On The Corner, Fog On The Tyne, Lady Eleanor and Run For Home, and a reputation for live performance second-to-none, Lindisfarne’s power to galvanize audiences and get them on their feet remains undimmed.

Edwina's beautifully written songs, charming stage presence and voice of an angel have won her a reputation as a true natural talent of gentle folk-Americana. She has played everywhere from Glastonbury Festival to The Royal Albert Hall

Oysterband, the 5-times BBC Radio 2 Folk Award-winning outfit that brought passion, power and not a little poetry to folk and roots music, enter their fifth decade as vital and creative as ever, with some of the finest songs in the modern folk canon to their name: Put Out The Lights; When I’m Up (I Can’t Get Down); Blood Wedding; Everywhere I Go; The Oxford Girl; Granite Years; Native Son; A River Runs… these and many others from their vast back catalogue will feature as they embark on another year of international touring and festivals. Theirs has been a unique and fiercely independent career. Oysterband still play with that spirit of the punk ceilidh band that roared through people’s lives all those years ago. But the growing depth and sensitivity of their songwriting, coupled with the strength of John Jones’ voice and their remarkable musicianship, have lifted their music into a richer, more acoustic era. Their occasional collaboration with folk diva June Tabor has produced two cult-classic award-winning albums, Freedom & Rain and Ragged Kingdom. The latter and their hugely influential album Holy Bandits were voted nos. 4 and 5 among the Ten Best Albums of the last 30 years by the public in a poll by fRoots Magazine in 2016. Oysterband are: John Jones - voice, melodeon Alan Prosser - guitars, voice Ian Telfer - violin, keyboard, voice Al Scott - bass, mandolin, voice Adrian Oxaal - cello, guitar, bouzouki, voice and the newest member, formerly of Bellowhead, Pete Flood - drums, percussion, voice

There is no more natural a successor to the great Johann Strauss than André Rieu. The Dutch conductor, violinist and composer has taken many cues from the revered Austrian, dedicating his career to recreating the romance and ambiance of a classic Strauss performance, earning his position as the new Waltz King. Rieu’s charm-laden performances and chart-topping records have brought classical music firmly into the mainstream, reaching the top of the charts in Australia with 2008’s Waltzing Matilda and in the UK with 2011’s And The Waltz Goes On, featuring a composition by actor Anthony Hopkins. Over a storied career, Rieu has performed for heads of state and royalty, including Queen Elizabeth II, and shared stages with artists from Lou Bega to Trini Lopez.

Mik Artistik’s Ego Trip is an edgy, funny, poetic unit who play rock and roll stand-up. Chaos ensues onstage with Mik chucking straws , spouting random observations, and following his train of thought into the audience. Jonny Flockton and Benson Walker on guitar and bass dutifully try and rein him in, while creating a joyous, funky, elegant, and rocky backdrop.

The Rod Stewart Songbook’s spectacular theatre production is the ultimate homage to Rod Stewart, featuring Pete McCall, Europe’s foremost tribute. Along with his sensational live band, you will be taken on a musical journey spanning 50 years, when one of rock music’s greatest icons sold over 250 million records worldwide. These unforgettable hits include Sailing, Maggie May, Da Ya Think I’m Sexy, Some Guys Have All The Luck, Baby Jane, Rhythm Of My Heart, You Wear It Well, Hot Legs and many many more. Pete is a consummate professional, whose attention to detail shines through in every way, including stage presence and fabulous costumes. His vocal ability is unequalled and he has the closest voice in the business to the man himself. The Hull Daily Mail quoted on the 5th February 2020, “Pete McCall is the next best thing to seeing Rod himself”. Even the great Rod Stewart would be proud of the tribute paid to him by Pete McCall, in fact Rod’s sister Mary Cady, said to Pete “you were excellent”. At the show you could easily think you were at an actual Rod Stewart concert, where the atmosphere is electric and the audience are encouraged to participate, sing along and even dance in the aisles. Unlike the majority of other theatre productions that use backing tracks, the band play 100% live, which provides that authentic flavour Rod was famous for. Wherever the venue your audience will be guaranteed a night they will never forget and will feel as though they have not just seen a show, but have had “an experience”.

Fairport Convention has been entertaining music lovers for over half a century. During that time the band that launched British folk-rock has seen many changes. But one thing has remained the same - Fairport's passion for performance. The band skilfully interprets traditional ballads and the repertoire also includes plenty of contemporary compositions.

Skipinnish are without a doubt one of Scotland’s most exciting exports. Riding an ever-growing wave of popularity, the band has gone from strength to strength since the launch of their album, The Seventh Wave, in 2017. With hit after hit of self penned songs and a strong mix of powerful bagpipe, fiddle and accordion led tune sets, they encompass the very best of traditional and contemporary Celtic music and their energetic live shows continue to captivate audiences all over the UK and Europe.

The return of the psychedelic pop group from Liverpool whose widescreen pop tunes were popular in the mid-80s.

Keith James A haunting and immaculately crafted concert The Songs of Nick Drake This concert begins with an introductory set of timeless songs by brilliant songwriters all contemporary with Nick Drake. Richard Thompson, Roy Harper, Sandy Denny, Al Stewart, Vashti Bunyan, John Martyn and Bert Jansch. Also featured are poems by William Blake which Keith has set to guitar arrangements based on Nick's unique style. Nick Drake is the most revered and loved of all this country's singer/songwriters. He recorded three cherished Albums between 1969 and 1972 but was almost entirely unknown in his day. After his tragic death in 1974, aged only 26, his music almost disappeared into obscurity. Now, thanks to a massive resurgence of interest and a worldwide re-evaluation of his genius, Nick Drake has become a National treasure. An important book, Remembered for a while has been recently released, written by his elder Sister Gabrielle Drake. This volume throws light on almost everything attributed to Nick's brief career as a songwriter and recording artist as well as on many corners of mystery and supposition. A number of years have now passed since singer/guitarist Keith James paralysed the whole country with his stunningly beautiful series of concerts entitled The Songs of Nick Drake. At the beginning of the project in 2001 he was the first artist ever to bring this fragile and intriguing music to theatres across the UK in its pure live concert form. The end result was over a decade of highly acclaimed concerts amounting to over 1500 shows in venues in the UK, Ireland, Holland, France, Italy and Spain including all of Nick's Schools and Colleges even Glastonbury Festival. 'Meticulous dissection of Nick Drake' idiosyncratic guitar techniques handled with surgical precision' Northern Sky 'Some of the most atmospheric and emotive music you will ever hear' The Independent 'Keith James has become a pillar of trust. A sublimely intimate and engaging voice' Sunday Times 'a sensitive and pleasingly understated delivery, all the better that the songs might speak for themselves' Acoustic Magazine

A very special acoustic show with Mark Morriss & Adam Devlin of Britpop legends The Bluetones. The band, formed in 1993, had an impressive run of hit singles throughout the late 90's/early 00's, including ’Bluetonic’, ‘Slight Return’, ‘Marblehead Johnson’, ‘Solomon Bites The Worm’, ‘If’ and ‘Keep the Fires Burning’. They scored thirteen Top 40 singles and three Top 10 albums in the UK charts before splitting up in 2011. Join frontman Mark Morriss alongside band mate Adam Devlin as they "Cut Some Rug" on stage together at this very intimate show.

Beatlemania are firmly established as one of the worlds' leading Beatles tribute acts with over twenty years experience and perform throughout the UK and internationally to thousands of people every year.

The Marley Experience are an eight piece Midlands based Bob Marley Tribute band with a difference, with lead vocalist Lionart & his undeniable vocal resemblance to the late great King of Reggae Bob Marley himself. Lionart has performed on stage alongside famous Reggae stars such as Dawn Penn, Erroll Dunkley & David Rodigan and has been the lead vocalist in bands such as the Friendly Fire Band & the Roots Ambassadors as well as playing trumpet for Reggae band Natural Mystic.

Initially the Bluebells enjoyed a whirlwind career spanning the early 1980’s with a recording output including three U.K. hit singles. “I’m Falling”, “Cath” and “Young at Heart” made with a procession of producers including Elvis Costello who became a mentor and teacher to the band. Guitarist and ex-fanzine publisher Robert Hodgens (aka Bobby Bluebell) wrote instantly memorable classics in collaboration with the two McCluskey Brothers who completed the Bluebells' essential troika and Kenneth McCluskey sang them in a likably unaffected voice, making every track count. With the release of their debut album “Sisters” in 1984 on London Records, The Bluebells toured widely in Europe and North America developing their live sound and signing to Seymour Stein’s Sire records in the U.S.

The Leopard in My House is proof that this leftie, working-class, Radio 4 favourite truly deserves his place in the UK comedy pantheon. Join multi award-winning, BAFTA-nominated writer and comedian Mark Steel for his new tour ‘The Leopard in My House’. The topic? His battle with throat cancer. A battle he is winning (thankfully) and which only his rapier wit could fashion a comedy tour show out of. Cancer has done nothing to dull Mark’s acute political observations or quash his “frankly bonkers” energy: you will laugh, you will cry, but you’ll laugh again, and again, and again. Mark Steel is best known for his critically-acclaimed BBC Radio 4 show Mark Steel’s in Town (now in its 13th series), as well as his hit podcast What The F★★★ Is Going On…?. He has presented the BAFTA-nominated Mark Steel Lectures for BBC Two, and is a regular on BBC One’s Have I Got News for You and BBC Radio 4’s The News Quiz. He has also written several acclaimed books, including an adaptation of his critically acclaimed stand-up show Who Do I Think I Am? for Audible.

Three-time Olivier Award-winner Sharon D Clarke is joined by Ncuti Gatwa ( Doctor Who; Sex Education ) in this joyful reimagining of Oscar Wilde’s most celebrated comedy. While assuming the role of a dutiful guardian in the country, Jack lets loose in town under a false identity. Meanwhile, his friend Algy adopts a similar facade. Hoping to impress two eligible ladies, the gentlemen find themselves caught in a web of lies they must carefully navigate. Max Webster ( Life of Pi ) directs this hilarious story of identity, impersonation and romance, filmed live from the National Theatre in London.

The Young’uns’ live shows are renowned roller coaster rides. With heart-on-the-sleeve storytelling, beautiful lyrics, warm harmonies and relentless repartee, Sean Cooney, Michael Hughes and David Eagle (the award-winning stand-up comedian) write and sing folk songs for today. Born from empathy, crafted with care, fired by hope, and shared with joy, The Young'uns' songs have been described as ‘a heartfelt secular hymnary for these troubled times and a rallying call for humanity’ (The Scotsman). They have led the band to three BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards (including Best Album in 2018 for Strangers) and the creation of the acclaimed international theatre show The Ballad of Johnny Longstaff (based upon their 2019 album of the same name). Nearly 20 years after accidentally stumbling into the alien world of their local folk club as drunken teenagers, (and gaining their cureless name in the process) these three thirtysomething friends from Stockton and Hartlepool have never lost the joy of that first night of singing together. Whether performing in front of 5,000 people at Glastonbury Festival, writing a song about pigs with a group of school children, or presenting a programme on BBC Radio 4, Sean Cooney, Michael Hughes and David Eagle are just the same. 2022 sees The Young’uns launch their Tiny Notes project. Each date of their April tour will feature a live recording of audience choruses for their forthcoming album, with the band urging everyone to discover the joy of singing together that they found one night as teenagers in Stockton-on-Tees.

Everyone’s favourite folk rock band return to the Music Room for their annual show of singing, dancing and roof-raising. Merry Hell is a band founded on the ever evolving folk tradition – music made by the people and shared by the people. Though their hearts and souls are tuned to the songs which came before them, they bring new words and music forged from their own experiences, from the lows and the loves of their lives. Their art is energy and their hope is unity.

Lucy started out as a singer-songwriter performing at open-mic nights around the country. At just 19-years-old she took the brave decision to perform her self-penned hit ‘Last Night (Beer Fear)’ on the X Factor and secured a Top 20 single and Top 30 self-released album whilst still competing in the show. That journey resulted in her becoming the most Googled musician of 2012. Through relentless touring, her innate songwriting ability and an ever growing fanbase, Lucy has now achieved an incredible 5 consecutive Top 30 albums. ‘Today Was A Good Day’ marked a new chapter for Lucy musically and personally. Produced by Jon Maguire (Calum Scott, Kodaline), Lucy sounds at her most confident and accomplished. Now the journey continues with her biggest tour of the UK and Ireland playing at 32 different venues.

The Isle of Skye’s Peatbog Faeries are the outstanding act in Celtic dance music, undisputed trailblazers in their field. Their music is high octane stuff, not for the fainthearted: pipes, flutes and fiddle swirl in a blizzard of electronic beats and hypnotic instrumental workouts. Several times a year they burst out from Skye at full throttle, electrifying audiences and festival stages wherever they go, whether in the UK or across the world, before retreating to the island to recover and brew up yet more instrumental wizardry.

Born in Dungiven in 1975, surrounded and infused with the rich cultural heritage of her native County Derry, Cara has risen to become one of the finest exponents of traditional Irish song anywhere in the world. Together with her husband and musical partner, Sam Lakeman, she has succesfully steered an eclectic musical path defying the typical pigeonholes that hinder most artists in her genre. Celebrated for entwining traditional and contemporary elements she has earned both commercial success and astonishing critical acclaim. Whether she's singing her native traditional songs of lost love and emigration, or original compositions, you will be hard pressed to find a more emotive and captivating performer. Cara Dillon is at the very top of her field and one has the feeling she'll remain there for a very long time.

Carlton Entertainment brings you their brand-new production featuring Meat Loaf’s greatest hits – Heaven Can Wait. Featuring the incredible vocals of Lee Brady and an awesome band made up of the UKs most highly skilled and reputable rock musicians and female rock vocalists… this spellbinding concert will take you on a rollercoaster ride of Meatloaf’s greatest hits of all time including – Anything For Love – Bat Out Of Hell – Paradise By The Dashboard Light – Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth – Two Out Of Three Ain’t Bad – Dead Ringer For Love and many, many more.

Mad Dog Mcrea blend a unique mixture of folk rock, pop, gypsy jazz, bluegrass and ‘shake your ass’ music. From self-penned songs of adventure, drinking, love and life, to traditional songs of gypsies, fairies, legless pirates and black flies – Mad Dog never fail to capture their audience with their infectious songs. In constant demand and having played just about every festival and two-bit, jibe-arsed dive in Christendom, Mad Dog Mcrea are, in every sense of the word, a live, band.

Since forming in 1997 Toploader have over two million album sales to their name and a string of top 20 hits both home and abroad. Their debut album ‘Onka’s Big Moka,‘ sold over one million copies and remained in the Top 5 of the UK album chart for over six months earning them 4 Brit Award nominations. In 2000 the single ‘Dancing in the Moonlight’ became a global hit spending over a year in European Airplay Charts transforming Toploader into a household name. In 2013 the same track re-entered the Top 40 for three weekends topped the 10,000,000 hits mark on Youtube, an incredible thirteen years after it was first released, cementing it as one of the biggest songs of recent times.

The Belgrave House Band, on a mission to celebrate and honour that historic art form, the album, are back once again for edition No.9 to take on the multi-award winning, chart-topping, Doo Wopping, Soul, Reggae and Jazz masterpiece Back To Black. Amy Winehouse's second and most well-known album produced by the esteemed Mark Ronson and Salaam Remi with The Dap-Kings as backing band. The Belgrave House Band's lineup is decorated with a full horn section, backing vocalists and a rhythm section from Leeds burgeoning Jazz scene, chosen to honour Amy's live band circa 2007. The band will also be taking movement direction from prestigious choreographer, Ruby Portus, who has closely studied the movement of not only Amy's live performances but also the 60's Girl Groups the album takes so much influence from.

The Dunwells are a successful Leeds based Indie-folk / Americana band with strong vocals, powerful melodies and heartfelt lyrics. Their debut album “Blind Sighted Faith” was released in 2012 following which they have released a further 6 albums/EP’s. The Dunwells have found favour with audiences across the world having toured extensively in USA, Europe and the UK as well as having supported artists including Mumford and Sons and Elbow on UK tours. They are passionate and prolific singer-song writers having written material for joint collaborations as well as other high profile up and coming artists.

Noasis is the definitive tribute band to Manchester’s five-piece super group Oasis. Formed by die hard Oasis fans back in 2006, the band has toured extensively and has justly earned its reputation as the leader of the pack. This is more than a tribute band this is Oasis from a parallel universe. With an obsessive attention to detail the band recreates the real Oasis experience with amazing energy playing all the classic songs as if they were their own.

Seven-time BAFTA Award-winner Steve Coogan (Alan Partridge, The Trip) plays four roles in the world premiere stage adaptation of Stanley Kubrick’s comedy masterpiece Dr. Strangelove.

 When a rogue U.S General triggers a nuclear attack, a surreal race takes place, seeing the Government and one eccentric scientist scramble to avert global destruction. This explosively funny satire is led by a world-renowned creative team including Emmy Award-winner Armando Iannucci (The Thick of It, Veep) and Olivier Award-winner Sean Foley (The Upstart Crow, The Play What I Wrote).

The story began when three Stornoway Cove's (Innes, Uilly and Boydie) met up in the house to have the craic on a Saturday night playing music with just the dog and the cat watching. After a few tunes getting thrown across the room Boydie stated muttering a few sentences. As he is a man of few words no attention was really given to him until he shouted 'Quick, line me out!' Not a second to spare a set of old broken headphones were cable tied to a guitar amp and out came a few cobwebs followed shortly after with a sound nobody had ever heard before. What came next was five gallons of lyrics, verse after verse, song after song Peat & Diesel was born! The songs won't make much sense to the average person, but the person behind the lyrics isn't your average man so if you have a listen and you can relate to it you are a special breed! Peat & Diesel Light my Byre takes you on a journey to the heart of the Western Isles, where #peatlemania was born. You might have time for a brandy in the 'Airidh' but don't miss your ride in Calum Dan's Transit Van, we ain't stopping till we lose the water!

Welcome to another exciting concert of traditional Scandinavian music and dance with wonderfully talented Nordic artists. Brought to you by Scandimoot as part of our weekend event in the Dales www.scandimoot.org.ukStay on after the concert and join in a music and dance party with the course tutors and participants.' Emma Reid & Ellika Frisell: Deeply rooted in the Swedish fiddle tradition, Emma & Ellika play tunes and improvised second voices with power and variety. New compositions stand side by side with traditional material from Bingsj and Orsa in the county of Dalarna. Fiddles and re-tuned violas; voices with strongly personal expressions. Emma Reid, a star in the new generation of fiddlers, has roots in both the English and Swedish tradition and is now one of Swedens most sought-after musicians. With a powerful self-expression and experience from several genres, Emma has developed a deeply personal playing style. Ellika Frisell is a stubbornly curious, established veteran on the Swedish folk and world music scene. She has received much acclaim for her life work to further develop the living heritage from her teachers and, in 2021, was awarded the prestigious Folk Music Prize from the Swedish Royal Music Academy for her contributions to Swedish folk music. Jon Holmn grew up with the music of his home village of Boda and began playing fiddle at an early age. As a musician Jon enjoys all settings where the music becomes a way to express, communicate and socialize - from the stage to the living-room. He is highly regarded as a fiddler in the traditional music of Dalarna and is a sought-after teacher. Sven Ahlbck comes from northern Uppland in Sweden. He started playing the fiddle at a young age, learning from the legendary fiddler Anton Jernberg, who taught Sven a rich tradition of tunes from Gstrikland, which still is the core of Svens repertoire. Its old-fashioned music, full of quarter tones and shake strokes tunes as crooked as forest paths. He has been teaching with Ami Dregelid for twenty years, sharing with her a common fascination for the swinging qualities of the polska and the interaction between music and dance. Sven is regarded as one of Swedens leading fiddlers and, on artistic merits, Swedens first folk music professor. Ami Dregelid is known both as a dancer and a teacher and is an important role-model in todays folk dance scene. She has more than 30 years experience in folk dance education and her dancing and teaching have been very influential in the folk dance community, besides making a practical contribution to the development of folk dance. For Ami, the interaction between the music and the dancers is central and she has over many years developed methods to communicate this when she teaches. Andrew Parr trained as a dancer in Sweden and is also a talented musician. His teaching is both thorough and inspiring and he is currently involved in running Swedish dance workshops all over England.

Sensuous contemporary ballet meets the energy of musical theatre in four distinctive short works. Fool’s Paradise, The Two of Us, Us and An American in Paris: four works showing the remarkable choreographic range of The Royal Ballet's Artistic Associate, Christopher Wheeldon. 

Following the release of their new live album Gryphon Live A Sonic Tonic, Gryphon are back on the road with their unique blend of progressive rock, folk, classical and early music. Legendary and unpredictable, Gryphon are the antidote to genres, remaining as impossible to pigeonhole as ever. Celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2023 with a string of successful live shows, Gryphon have reconnected with their loyal fan base and won new audiences with their originality, humour and stunning virtuoso musicianship. Their new live album Gryphon Live A Sonic Tonic, recorded on tour in 2023, was released in September 2024. Original members Graeme Taylor, Brian Gulland and Dave Oberl combine with Andy Findon, Rob Levy and Clare Taylor to produce the latest incarnation of Gryphons unrivalled stylistic mix and humour.

Its back! Settle Down Festival returns for another three days of punk and ska and more across two stages in our main hall and gardens! With a brand-new lineup of roof-rattling acts inside and out, we cant wait to see you all again!

A Double-headliner evening of two top tribute acts for the price of one! The Ultimate Stone Roses are the only tribute to The Roses to hail from Manchester. Each member is a die hard fan of the original band who has dedicated themselves to mastering the music of their heroes. Playing songs from the seminal first album, the second coming and early fan favourites like Sally Cinnamon and Mersey Paradise, The Ultimate Stone Roses give their audiences the most authentic Stone Roses experience possible. Happy Mondaze are a well-established tribute band that has been performing regularly for over 10 years They were the first ever tribute band to bravely emulate the Manchester legends 'Happy Mondays' and are still considered to be the best around, with many glowing recommendations including some of the original band members themselves. They have performed to audiences of up to 15,000 and played many prestigious venues and festivals over the years including several O2 Academy venues, The Robin 2, Victoria Warehouse, Liverpool Sound City, Heaton Park and Spike Island Consisting of a full 5 piece live band including their very own 'Bez' they authentically recreate that dance-infused indie that encapsulates the early 90s rave culture.

Since the 1970s, English photographer Martin Parr has held up a sometimes tender, sometimes critical and always mischievous mirror to our times, forcing us to take a hard look at how consumer society has shaped our lives. Discover the maverick behind some of the most iconic images of the past century on an intimate and exclusive road trip across England with the uncompromising Parr, whose subjects, frames and colours have revolutionised contemporary photography.

Multi instrumentalist Guy Davis is a two-time, back-to-back Grammy nominee for Best Traditional Blues, musician, actor, author, songwriter, so much more that just a bluesman, a troubadour of the folk tradition, and a master of his craft. Guy uses a blend of Roots, Blues, Folk, Rock, Rap, Spoken Word, and World Music to comment on and address the frustrations of social injustice, touching on historical events, and common life struggles.His background in theatre is pronounced through the lyrical storytelling of his songs. His storytelling is sometimes painful, deep, and real, an earthy contrast to modern-day commercial music, meant to create thought, underlined by gentle tones from his guitar or banjo fingerpicking. Equally at ease with six or twelve string guitar, five string banjo, harmonica, and even the didgeridoo, Guys work has seen him perform alongside Pete Seeger, Bruce Springsteen, Dr John, Taj Mahal and Joss Stone, opening for Chuck Berry, Joan Armatrading, and BB King, and perform all over the globe. Adventures that once saw him chased out of Red Square in Moscow for trying to sing, performing in the then Soviet occupied East Berlin, and in front of an iceberg in Greenland! His shows feature a mixture of his own original material alongside classic cover songs from such luminaries as Muddy Water, Howlin Wolf, and Bob Dylan, and he is available to perform either solo or as a trio.

Ladies and Gentlemen, for your delectation and delight the Langcliffe Singers present a diverting and amusing evening of ballads, songs and snatches from the works of Messrs W.S.Gilbert and A.Sullivan on Saturday, 5th July at 7.30 pm. Our esteemed conductor, Darren Everhart Esq. may cordially invite our discerning and valued audience to join the singers in the rendition of familiar ditties. It is expected that this will be an evening to remember for those fortunate people who are blessed with exquisite taste and discernment.

A fresh biography of Michelangelo, who is considered one of the greatest artists of the Renaissance. This film explores his relationship with his contemporaries and his immense artistic practice that included painting, sculpture and architecture. The documentary coincides with a glorious new exhibition at the National Gallery of London.

Regarded by many as the best and most consistent ‘public subscription band’ in the world, the fabled brass band presents a highly entertaining concert suitable for both the general public and brass band connoisseur. The ever-popular Brighouse & Rastrick Band boast a formidable reputation: in its time the majority of premier band championships have been held by ‘Briggus’, most recently becoming the 2022 British Open and Brass in Concert Champions. They caught the ears and imagination of the British public in 1977 with their recording of The Floral Dance, holding the No.2 position in the British singles chart for 9 weeks. Even though they were held off the top spot by Paul McCartney, they still achieved sales of over a million copies, earning both Gold and Silver discs. The Floral Dance has now become a permanent feature of the band’s programs as the ‘unofficial’ encore. Over recent years the band has been engaged in a number of very successful music collaborations outside the brass band tradition, including Kate Rusby, BBC Radio 2 Folk Award winner The Unthanks and classical actor Simon Callow.

BBC Radio 2 Folk Award winners, Irish/Manx/Scottish quintet mar are amongst Glasgows hottest folk property. Their most recent release, Awakening (2023) delivers a critically acclaimed third round of the high octane fuel that has energised audiences worldwide, making mar one of the most sought-after folk festival bands (Folk Radio). With a line-up boasting a heavyweight collective haul of top solo prizes including nine All-Ireland and eight All-Britain titles audiences are unfailingly transfixed by mars formidable technical prowess, underpinned by an electric live energy and out-and-out joy of playing together. With a wide-reaching fanbase throughout the UK, Europe, USA and Canada, the quintet fast became one of the trad scenes most talked about groups thanks in no small part to their debut video, LAir Mignonne catapulting the group to the attention of audiences and media worldwide. Adam Brown (bodhrn), Adam Rhodes (bouzouki), Mohsen Amini (concertina), Ryan Murphy (uilleann pipes) and Toms Callister (fiddle) share a strong background in Irish music; a grounding that underpins many of mars distinctive qualities, in both instrumentation and material. Indeed, the groups very being embodies a personal reconnection with its members formative years, dating back long before their recent camaraderie around Glasgows celebrated session scene. The shared cultural heritages between Scotland, Ireland and the Isle of Man are well documented: all three once shared the same Gaelic language, and a similar, clearly potent, kinship endures between their musical traditions. striking musicianship, artful arrangements and sheer absolute delight | Songlines

5-star award-winning entertainment from the tip-top Queen of Comedy. Join ordinary housewife extraordinaire Barbara Nice for a laugh-out-loud joyful get-together as we reconnect with what makes life worth living. Barbara says In these dark days, we need to find fun whenever we piggin' can. Expect Barbara's unique comic insights into the current state of play on how we are all getting on. This smashin' show is suitable for anyone aged from fourteen to four score & ten, guaranteed to lift the spirits and put a spring in your step. Edinburgh Festival regular and comedy circuit headliner Barbara Nice brings out the hidden joy in all of us.

The Houghton Weavers have been entertaining folk for over 40 years with their unique blend of popular folk music, humour and audience participation. In their time together, the group - comprising Tony Berry, David Littler and Steve Millington - have performed thousands of concerts, recorded over 30 albums, starred in several of their own highly successful BBC radio and TV series, and made countless appearances on other programmes. The Houghton Weavers guarantee a wonderful evening of entertainment suitable for all the family. Their experience in the business together with their style and professionalism ensures that, as their motto says, they always ‘Keep Folk Smiling’.

Shes back! Expect exhilarating swing from award winning jazz vocalist and long-time Radio 2 & 3 & Jazz FM broadcaster Clare Teal, who returns with a fabulous new show. The Clare Teal 5 is an exciting collaboration between Clare and her magnificent band, featuring the UKs finest jazz musicians. 2025 sees Clare celebrate her 25th anniversary of touring and to mark the occasion she will delve into her 22 album back catalogue with new arrangements of old favourites, including her breakthrough album Orsinos Songs (2002) featuring California Dreamin, plus material from her major label debut album Dont Talk (2004) which reached the top 20. Teals live shows are constantly evolving, and always interspersed with Clares warm and witty storytelling. A magical world where the talents of Cole Porter, Van Morrison, Sam Smith, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Blossom Dearie, Peggy Lee, Sarah Vaughan are heralded by Clare and her band, in addition to Clares own original songs. Brought to life using her unique swing jazz palette providing an evening of rich sounds and stories always engaging always uplifting. As one of the UKs greatest interpreters of popular song and much-loved performers, Clare and her band guarantee an evening of inspirational, uplifting music and unbridled entertainment, performed by the very best. Clare Teal Vocals Jim Watson Piano Dave Archer Guitar Simon Little Bass Will Cleasby Drum

The Great Baldini Family Magic Show The legendary magician the Great Baldini tells the story of his, and Baldwin the magical dog's, life from their first tricks to the height of their careers - attempting Houdini's greatest escape. The show is packed with magic, sweets, puppetry, sweets, water, sweets, eggs, sweets, and escapology. It's hilariously silly.with sweets. Come and see two true magical superstars (Baldini and Baldwin) at the very pinnacle of their powers. The Great Baldini is an award-winning member of the Magic Circle and the Bristol Stage Magic Champion. "Incredible" Front Row, BBC Radio 4 "Charming, engaging, and charismatic. A pleasure." FringeReview

Presented by Clap Trap Theatre in association with York Theatre Royal and featuring Thomas Frere, Cal Stocksbridge and Dominic Goodwin. When it comes to scattering their mother’s ashes, three siblings are hit with a bombshell revelation that turns their world upside down. This remarkable play by BAFTA-nominated Tom Needham is based on the very simple premise that ‘it’s not what you say, it’s the way that you say it’.The first act is a full-blown, larger than life comedy. Then, after the interval, the actors swap characters and it’s repeated as a serious drama. The difference between the two acts is astonishing. How can the same story, performed by the same actors, saying the same words be so different? There is only one way to find out...

Presenting a new collaboration from two of the UK's finest folk singers, Miranda Sykes and Hannah Martin. Miranda Sykes, the acclaimed singer and bass player with Show of Hands, is one of UK folk's most respected musicians. A career spanning 20 years has seen her play with many of the finest performers in the folk and roots world. Her great musicality and sensitivity means she is an in-demand session player; while her crystalline voice has established her as a leading interpreter of song, whether performing solo or in a larger line up. Hannah Martin is best known for her work in the BBC Folk Award winning duo Edgelarks. Playing fiddle, banjo and tenor guitar, Hannah has been described as having one of the best voices on the planet (FATEA). She has toured from Japan to South Africa; written for theatre shows including for Bristol Old Vic and Theatre Alibi; played as part of Steve Knightley's Wake The Union band, and Nancy Kerr's Sweet Visitor Band; and is also part of the Gigspanner Big Band and pioneering literary-folk collaboration Saltlines (with author Raynor Winn). Miranda and Hannah had played together many times, but always as part of a much larger line up. But a sociable Devon winter evening led to an exchange of songs; which proved to be so much fun that they soon arranged another musical get together. Swiftly these became rehearsal sessions, as a strong new sound emerged. Miranda and Hannah gathered together a set of songs that drew on the roots of their musicality. When they decided to record an album, asking long-term collaborator Phillip Henry to produce the record was the logical next step. Centred around their deep knowledge of roots music, and a love of harmony singing, their record Unquenching Fire brings together old songs with new ideas; ancient tales with bass, fiddle, and banjo; and two mesmerising storytellers joining voices to create a spine tingling testimonial to our shared musical heritage.

Internationally acclaimed Scottish singer-songwriter JJ Gilmour made his recording debut in 1989 with The Silencers, one of Scotlands most loved bands who enjoyed great success throughout Europe and America. A naturally gifted musician he first joined the band as a backing vocalist though later in the bands career JJ progressed seamlessly to join Jimme ONeill sharing lead vocals. Seven action-packed years of gigging and recording ensued during which The Silencers had gold albums and sold almost a million records for BMG/RCA. After this successful period with the band, JJ decided he needed to take on new challenges and embarked upon his solo career. After song-writing in 2001 at his home in Jersey (Channel Islands), JJ left for New York to record his critically acclaimed debut solo album Sunnyside P.A.L Produced by Dan Wise (Scissor sisters) and mixed by Michael Brauer (Coldplay, John Meyer) the album was inspired by the memory of a childhood friend Paul Anthony Lennon and was released in February 2002. The album became the catalyst for establishing his now fiercely loyal fan base and gained wide spread acclaim from his peers as an outstanding debut album.In between the release of his first solo album and the equally successful second album The Boy Who Didnt Fall (released in 2009) recorded by Graeme Duffin and Sandy Jones with great musicians Phil Kane, Ross McFarlane, and Garry John Kane, JJs desire to write a musical began to take shape in 2006. This was where he began to sow the early creative musical seeds and formulate ideas for the show Dancing Shoes, based upon the life of footballer George Best. After his dream was realised Dancing Shoes played to over 70,000 people. He has also written the songs for the musical play The Titanic Boys which had its debut in August 2012 at Belfasts Grand Opera House.JJ recorded his third album Slocomotion with Paul Casey and fantastic Irish musicians Liam Bradley and Nicky Scott along with his long time Silencers chum Phil Kane before departing Ireland. He has remastered and released his albums The Jersey Sessions & Live at Cottiers and has finished compiling a songbook of his works as a solo artist. Solo album number four saw him go back to The Foundry Music Lab to work with Sandy Jones recording the album he always wanted to do. Dix is 10 songs of vocals, piano and stunning strings.In April 2022 JJ has released his 5th solo album This Time Will Pass recorded close to his hometown in Airdrie at Beetroot studios between 2021 & 2022 with Mark Brzezicki (Big Country, Pete Townsend, The Cult) on drums and backing vocals (Lewis Gordon (Deacon Blue) on Bass, Ali Petrie (Albert Lee, Maggie Bell) on piano and hammond and Andy Lucas (Kris Kristofferson, KT Tunstall) on piano. Bruce Michie on saxaphone. The album is Produced, mixed and mastered by Stuart Macleod who also played guitars, programmed and performed vocals on the record. Now in 2025 JJ will celebrate his 20 plus years as a solo artist by releasing The Evolution of JJ Gilmour with Scottish label Last night from Glasgow.

For 22 years, The Hot Seats, have gained and burnished the reputation as the carriers of an important and overlooked tradition of American and international folk music social commentator, satirist, and entertainer. The Skillet Lickers, The Hoosier Hot Shots, Woodie Guthrie, Gus Cannon, Uncle Dave Macon, Frank Zappa these are pools in which The Hot Seats swim.Formed in 2002 by a group of like-minded friends for a weekly bar gig, the bands live shows quickly became well known for on stage antics, one-act plays, and Dada-esque humor, underpinned by a foundation in hard-driving bluegrass, old time, ragtime, jug blues, and early country music. Between 2005-2018, The Hot Seats toured extensively in the US and UK, performing in nearly the full spectrum of venue size and situation: living room to dive bar; square dance to theater). Some of their festival highlights include: Tnder Festival, The Richmond Folk Festival, Red Wing Roots, Celtic Connections, The Shetland Folk Festival, The Orkney Folk Festival, South By Southwest, Floyd Fest, Bristol Rhythm and Roots Festival, The Watermelon Park Festival, The Northeast Kingdom Music Festival, Didmarton Bluegrass Festival, Maverick Festival, HebCeltFest, Speyfest, Leicester Summer Sundae and multiple occasions Edinburgh Festival Fringe (including winning a Herald Angel Award in 2006).Since 2020, the bands original core of Ben Belcher (banjo, bass, fiddle), Josh Bearman (mandolin, banjo, guitar) and Jake Sellers (percussion bass) have been joined by Rudy Bee (fiddle, tuba, accordion, piano), JM Nobile (mandolin, guitar), and Charles Arthur (banjo, fiddle, resophonic guitar).

The West Yorkshire Savoyards, celebrating their 50th year, make a welcome return to the Victoria Hall. Settle on Saturday 13 September with the magical Gilbert and Sullivan comic-opera, Iolanthe. One of the most popular of the Gilbert & Sullivan comic-operas, Iolanthe has been described as a magical musical fantasy, which sees Gilbert & Sullivan at their sublime and satirical best. The world of politics and the world of fairy-tale collide in this funny and irreverent end-up of Parliament set to some of the most beautiful music ever written by Sir Arthur Sullivan. In its topsy-turvy way, the House of Lords is gently lampooned as a bastion of the ineffective, privileged and dim-witted. With an excellent cast including Graham Weston as the 'Lord Chancellor' and Helen Fieldsend as 'Phyllis', be prepared for laughs, thrills and fabulous music in this touring production directed by Graham Weston with professional orchestra, conducted by Oliver Longstaff.

Described as ‘one of the best Scottish traditional singers on the planet’ (fRoots), Siobhan Miller is a richly celebrated folk singer and songwriter, whose soulful and stirring renewal of traditional song has won her the BBC Radio 2 Folk Award for Best Traditional Track and the BBC Alba Scots Trad Music Awards’ Scots Singer of the Year an unprecedented four times. She appears at the Granary with Innes White, guitar, Charlie Stewart, fiddle and Euan Burton, double bass.

Neo-traditional trio of nonconformist and progressive Scottish folk music Blasting onto the scene, Project Smok is Pablo Lafuente, Ewan Baird and BBC Young Traditional Musician of the year 2020 Ali Levack, whose forward thinking Scottish traditional music has set them apart since their formation in 2017. They released their EP Esperanza in March 2021, after their debut album Bayview was shortlisted for Best Album of the Year 2020, nominated for the Belhaven Bursary for Innovation 2019 and nominated for Best up and coming Artist 2018 at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards. Known for their ability to effortlessly blend trad music with contemporary new-age pop influences, Project Smok are at their most comfortable pushing boundaries, making listeners stop and re-evaluate their musical expectations. They do away with any perceived limits of genre from the first note. The close-knit group meld naturally between the innovative, explosive and emotive, drawing outside inspiration from indie pop acts like The 1975, LANY and Bon Iver, to more time-honoured, West Coast styles of playing.

Pronoter EP Musician, singer, songwriter, and Lifetime Achievement Award winner at the inaugural RTÉ Folk Awards, Andy has had an amazing musical career over the past 50 years. At the helm of legendary bands like Sweeney’s Men in the mid 60s, to the enormous success of Planxty in the 70s, and then Patrick Street, Mozaik, LAPD and recently Usher’s Island, Andy is both a world music pioneer and an icon for traditional music and musicians. Andy is one of the great Irish singers, his voice one of a handful of truly great ones that gets to the very soul of Ireland. He has been hailed as “a tradition in himself”. Musician, singer, songwriter, Andy has maintained his highly individual performing skills throughout his over 50-year career. As a soloist, Andy fills the role of the archetypal troubadour with a show and a travelling lifestyle that reflect his lifelong influence, Woody Guthrie. To quote the Irish Times, “Often copied, never equalled”, his repertoire consists of Irish traditional songs, dexterous Balkan dance tunes and a compelling cannon of his own self-penned songs.

Accompanied by Benji Kirkpatrick & Alex Hart Following on from the sell-out success of a Spring tour this year, Westcountry folk singer and multi-instrumentalist Seth Lakeman has announced another run of intimate shows in 2023 accompanied by folk singer and musician Benji Kirkpatrick and Devon singer-songwriter Alex Hart. Seth Lakeman was nominated for the Mercury Music Prize in 2005 for 'Kitty Jay'. It catapulted Lakeman into the forefront of the new British folk movement and his follow up was the gold-selling ‘Freedom Fields’. Produced by his brother Sean Lakeman it went on to become Seth’s first of 6 UK Top 40 albums. It was the 15th anniversary of the album, which includes ‘Lady of the Sea’, ‘King and Country’ and ‘White Hare’, in 2021 which prompted a Deluxe Reissue on Vinyl with bonus tracks. Seth released his 11th studio album Make Your Mark in November 2021. Written during his enforced 18 months off the road, the album features 14 powerful, brand-new songs including the singles Higher We Aspire and title track Make Your Mark which were playlisted at BBC Radio 2. The following year, Seth was part of the ‘Sea Song Sessions’ album released in September 2022 on Topic Records. A collection of British maritime folk songs and sea shanties performed by Jon Boden, Seth, Ben Nicholls, Emily Portman and Jack Rutter.

The band and vocalist Josh Hindle bring you a night of big band classics.

Ranagri produce an electrifying mix of virtuosic instrumentals, haunting melodies, vivid storytelling and their unique take on old and new folk songs. The London based band are a combination of Irish and English musicians; Dónal Rogers (Vocals/Guitar), Eliza Marshall (Flutes/Whistles), Ellie Turner (Electric Harp) and Joe Danks (Bodhrán/Guitar). Ranagri were delighted to secure a record contract with Grammy Award Winning Record Label 'Stockfisch' in 2014 where they recorded the highly acclaimed SACD hybrid album 'Fort of the Hare'. They also published a book 'Song Folk Art' through Robinswood Press with an accompanying album 'Tradition' recorded throughout 2014. In 2015 Ranagri collaborated with legend crooner Tony Christie of 'Amarillo' fame, recording an album entitled The Great Irish Songbook, taking Tony back to his Irish Roots, and bringing their own style to many of the golden old Irish tunes that they grew up on. This was signed with both Stockfisch and Wrasse Records, and was followed by a large tour of the UK and Germany as part of Tony's Golden Anniversary Tour. Festival performances include Cambridge, Gate to Southwell, Wath, Stourbridge, Trinity, Bloom and Purbeck Folk Festivals. No strangers to large venues, Ranagri have performed at Birmingham Symphony Hall, Fairfield Halls, The Union Chapel, Buxton Opera House to name a few. Combining their love for world music, they collaborated with top Indian Musicians Kuljit Bhamra OBE, Sanjay Guha, M Balachander and members of Britten Sinfonia at The Bhavan Centre, London. In 2016 Ranagri worked with Grammy-nominated producer Graeme Pleeth on their latest album VOICES (recorded at Real World Studios) which combines their own songs and instrumentals with traditional folk Songs such as High Germany and The Snow It Melts The Soonest all performed and arranged in Ranagri's inimitable style. 2017 has seen Ranagri on tour with Justin Currie (of Del Amitri) at Islington Assembley Halls, Perth Concert Hall, Holmfirth Picturedrome and Cambridge Junction. They are currently finishing off writing their new album which will be recorded at Stockfisch early in 2018. Quotes and Reviews There's little to use as a point of reference when you discuss the sound created by Ranagri ... stunning, dazzling, remarkable...any of those will do, however the overriding word is different; and you could throw exciting in there too. Tim Carroll, FolkWords You're unlikely to hear anything more irresistible and more folky this year. Mike Ainscoe, Louder Than War Ranagri - both on the new album 'Voices' and on the stage - are a band that deliver a great sound. If they're not playing near you, buy the album, if they are - buy the album and go see. Also 'album of the week' Fatea Magazine Neil King, Fatea Magazine Creating a trademark sound that's becoming ever more familiar as they continue to make waves on the UK and European folk scene. Folk Radio UK "How often do you hear a sound that's completely new and immediately makes you want to dance? I'll be following Ranagri around, I hope they don't mind..." Katie Derham - BBC Ranagri's flute and harp infused set who wasn't conjuring up visions of the airier moments of sublime Jethro Tull was pitifully short, yet gave enough of a flavour to mark them on the list for the next possible wallet lightning raid on the CD stall. Mike Ainscoe - Louder Than War (review of Cambridge Folk Festival 2015). The standard of musicianship tonight was second to none as the band delivered two excellent sets. The band's musical magic was evident in some of the most flawless playing the Wheelhouse has been witness to over the last 77 shows the venue has staged. Allan Wilkinson - Northern Sky Magazine Quality contemporary songwriting enhanced by beautiful neo-Celtic sounds. Carl Corcoran - Presenter RTE Lyric FM's Blue of the Night Quite possibly one of the best bands we have seen in 2014. Their music is in the main self penned and lyrically has a folk feel to it, but the sound they produce is a mixture of music and rhythms from everywhere in the world. It is so very hard to find a genre to fit them into. Les Jones - Woodman Folk Club http://www.ranagri.com/

Voices of Craven invite you to join them on a musical journey through songs from madrigals and jazz, via classics and a contemporary song or two in a stunning summer programme put together by their new Music Director, Elaine Dave. The programme includes much loved favourites such as John Rutters The Lord Bless You and Keep You and The Cuckoo, The Rose, songs from West Side Story, and a beautiful choral setting of Fix You by Coldplay. Classical pieces include an evening hymn by Thomas Tallis (Glory be to Thee), and Ave Verum Corpus by Mozart. There will also be some light-hearted pieces such as Chatanooga Choo Choo. Voices of Craven began in 2015 with an ambition to bring together the local community through the power of song, and we now perform summer and Christmas concerts each year, inspired by our excellent musical directors. Tonights programme will feature pieces sung by the Bass/Baritone soloist David Barraclough, and the choir will be accompanied by Will Campbell from Bradford Cathedral. David is no stranger to the vibrant local music scene, and he is looking forward to adding Settle to a growing list of venues where he has appeared either as a soloist or a conductor. David has a very varied musical taste which is a result of his past involvement with a wide variety of musical societies and being a Principal Singer with Sheffield City Opera. He is currently musical director for Thornton Singers and the Deputy Musical Director for Steeton Male Voice Choir, which he has been a member of since 2015. His biggest 'gig' to date was as a soloist in front of a capacity audience at Sheffield City Hall which connected him to the Jerry Herman hit 'I won't send Roses' from the musical Mack and Mabel which David will perform tonight. Music by Edith Piaf is never far from David's repertoire and enables him to show that studying French wasn't wasted after all! However, it is a particular love of musical theatre that wouldn't be complete without a taste of Rodgers and Hammerstein and 'Some Enchanted Evening', which he truly hopes it will be for you all this evening. We are promised a magical evening of song at Settle Victoria Hall on 7th June. Please come and join us!

Northern Band Tarras make an exciting return to the Settle on Friday 13th of June. Victoria Hall will host an evening of some of the bands finest songs spanning 25 years. Tarras most recent album Warn the Waters contained some of their most heartfelt and exciting tunes. According to BBC6 and BBC2 music presenter Mark Radcliffe, so impressed Radcliffe added Tarrass version of New York Trader as one of the folk songs you have to hear before you die to his BBC website. The long Standing line up will of course include well known north east musician Ben Murray, son of Phil Murray (Mighty Doonans, Jack the Lad, Hedgehog pie). Ben has spent the last several years gracing the National Theatre as songman in the brilliant War Horse. Other original members include the sublime Louise Peacock on violin, who spent some of the last decade touring with Brian Ferry and Roxy Music, and co-founder member Rob Armstrong on cittern and Bouzouki. Well known northern songsmith Rory Connor, whose debut solo album Falling from trees gained critical acclaim from the music press, will be adding beautiful songs, harmonies and guitar. They will all be backed up by the tightest drum and bass collective since John Bonham and John Paul Jones; namely Liam Hiatt on drums and Mike Woodward on bass , guitar and Mandolin. Come and be part of a very special celebration one of the Norths long standing folk rock bands, where you will be treated to some new compositions as well as their back catalogue.