Across The Universe perform The Beatles' studio years with a live band and orchestra. Our team of composers has painstakingly transcribed these legendary arrangements by ear, ensuring the parts are closer to the original recordings than you'll find anywhere else. The show then brings them to the stage with love, energy, and enthusiasm.

This semi-staged concert is based on our preconceptions of mental illness, with each piece having a connection to the psychology of the mind – centred around Peter Maxwell Davies’ harrowing depiction of the ‘madness’ of King George III. Maxwell Davies was a key member of the Manchester School of Composers, who reshaped the landscape of British music in the late 20th century. 8 Songs for a Mad King is a melodrama with a libretto based on the real-life observations of King George III, presenting an extravagant and disturbing portrayal of his condition. Vocalising weirdly as he bemoans his fate, trying to teach his instrumentalist-birds to sing – our musicians becoming projections from within his own mind. In this interpretation of this shocking masterwork, the protagonist role of King George III will be brought to life by the mezzo-soprano Idunnu Münch. Through her performance, she gives voice to the narratives surrounding mental illness, particularly those shaped by the female experience. Brace yourself for this theatre classic, where the music doesn’t just speak, it screams, whispers, and unravels at the brink of madness.

Nick Drake is the most revered and loved of all this country’s Singer/Songwriters. He has given us timeless songs that shed all the tears of life within their fragile yet perfect lines. 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. Two decades have now passed since Singer/Guitarist Keith James paralysed the whole Country with this stunningly beautiful concert. In 2001 he was the first artist ever to bring this intriguingly fragile music to Theatres across the UK in its live form. The result was six years of highly acclaimed tours amounting to over 1000 concerts in venues across the UK, Ireland, Holland, France, Italy and Spain including all of Nick’s Schools and Colleges - even Glastonbury Festival.

Colin Blunstone co-founded The Zombies in 1962. After signing to Decca Records the band enjoyed their first million selling chart hit with She's Not There in 1964. The band toured the world and released their last album Odessey and Oracle in 1968 which featured another huge selling song Time of the Season. Colin’s solo career began with the 1971 album One Year on Epic Records, from which the hit single Say You Don’t Mind was taken. Further hits included I Don’t Believe In Miracles, How Can We Dare To Be Wrong, What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted, Tracks Of My Tears and The Alan Parson’s Project’s Old And Wise. The Zombies featuring Colin Blunstone and Rod Argent continue to tour around the world. This is your chance to catch one of the UK's most unique vocalists and songwriters.

Over the past three years, Priddy has quietly been building a growing following, captivating audiences around the UK with her haunting vocals, rich harmonies, distinctive finger picking guitar style and enchanting songs whose lyrics celebrate her life-long love affair with literature and poetry. She has been championed by BBC Radio 2 and BBC 6 Music and her debut EP 'Wolf' was chosen by Richard Thompson as his Best Thing I've Heard All Year in MOJO Magazine in 2018. With the buzz around her building, Priddy is making her mark in 2021 with the release of an eagerly-anticipated debut album on Navigator Records, The Eternal Rocks Beneath, which is set to bring her to even wider notice. The 10 self-penned tracks are delivered with a maturity and depth that belie the fact that this is her first full length release. At times tender, at times carrying a darker edge, the stories she weaves are transporting. Not surprising then that Nick Drake, John Martyn, Tunng and Scott Matthews are amongst her many influences. It has already received an amazing response from radio and press, including a 4 star review from The Observer, which described it as 'an accomplished set of original songs delivered in a breathtaking voice'. Meanwhile, Folk Radio declared it 'A debut of true substance, it's like searching for a simple shelter and stumbling upon a diamond mine'. The album was recorded over a 2-year period at Rebellious Jukebox studios, a little basement studio hidden beneath inner-city Birmingham and presided over by masterful producer Simon Weaver. The ensemble cast of musicians, including a sweeping string section, occasionally cut through by raw electric guitar and drums, as well as Richard March (Pop Will Eat Itself) on double bass and Mikey Kenny on fiddle, enhance Priddy's command of melody and lyricism and provide the perfect backdrop for the feelings of nostalgia and timelessness that underpin the record. Having already racked up some serious air play from the likes of Tom Robinson, Guy Garvey, Cerys Matthews, Radcliffe & Maconie, Gideon Coe, Steve Lamacq and Janice Long, as well as supported the likes of Richard Thompson & The Chieftains and playing well-earned spots at festivals and sell-out headline shows around the country, Priddy is a fast-rising star on the scene. The Eternal Rocks Beneath is poised to cement the place of this determined young woman in the folk world and beyond.

Mike Dawes is hailed as one of the world’s finest and most creative modern fingerstyle guitar performers.

TEG Live Europe presents by arrangement with WME Agency, Chloe Flower. Emerging as classical music’s boldest 21st century star, Korean-American virtuoso pianist and sought-after composer Chloe Flower ushers classical music into the future on her own terms. She has distinguished herself as a powerhouse performer equally at home on stage at the Kennedy Center Honors in front of the President of the United States as she is accompanying the likes of Cardi B, 2Chainz, Nas and more. Beyond a litany of unforgettable performances, she has released original music at a prolific pace in between composing for films, television series, and major brand campaigns including Netflix, Volvo, Krug and Estée Lauder. Simultaneously, she has earned widespread recognition for her efforts to fight human trafficking and support music education receiving awards from Gloria Steinem and CAST (The Coalition to Abolish Slavery). Thanks to Chloe Flower, classical music may never be the same now. “Truthfully, I just want classical music to be relevant again, especially for the younger generation. Classical musicians are rockstars, period.”

Breaking The Cycle: The Power of Hormones Following on from her hugely successful 2024 theatre tour, renowned physician and women’s hormone specialist DR LOUISE NEWSON is back in 2026 with Breaking the Cycle: The Power of Hormones, an unmissable new show challenging everything you’ve been told about hormones. Hormones are important chemical messengers found throughout your body, telling it what to do and when. They are involved in your growth and development, metabolism, emotions, sexual and reproductive function, sleep and blood pressure. They help you feel happy, sad, furious and everything in between. But how do hormones really work? And how can we harness them for a happier, healthier life? Why is there so much confusion and misunderstanding about hormones? What is the difference between your own hormones and synthetic hormones, including contraceptives, available on prescription? In Breaking the Cycle: The Power of Hormones, Dr Louise will be answering these questions and more. Known as “the medic who kick-started the menopause revolution,” Dr Louise will be unpacking the history and the often-neglected science of hormones. She will be revealing decades of misinformation, medical misogyny and attempts for doctors to be silenced by the establishment, all leading to harms to the health of women. There will be lightbulb moments, shocking stories of power and greed, myth busting facts and real-life stories – plus a chance for the audience ask their questions about hormones to Dr Louise, one of the UK’s most pioneering doctors and researchers who has transformed the lives of millions of people globally through sharing her knowledge through her Dr Louise Newson podcast, Balance app, books, social media and educational events. This is more than a health talk – it is a movement and a wake-up call. This show will help people think differently about hormones as well as learn ways to reclaim their health and confidence. Expect to leave empowered, angry, shocked, energised and ready to demand better.

Abusing, evading, and obliterating 20 years of whimsical pop trends, Jane Weaver’s experience as a truly independent and resilient songwriter and sound-carrier commands respect and inspiration in equal measures. As an unshakable figure in the UK’s experimental pop music landscape her self-propelled career has in recent years reached a critical zenith with unanimous praise for her work.

10cc is one of the UK’s most innovative and influential bands. They have announced their return to the UK concert scene with the typically tongue-in-cheek ‘And Another Bloody Greatest Hits Tour’ — celebrating a genre-defying repertoire that continues to captivate audiences across the world.

Zazaki artist Ahmet Aslan creates a sound world of timeless beauty in which you can fully immerse yourself. He achieves this in part through his voice, which is robust and warm yet capable of soaring with emotional intensity. Alongside his vocals he excels on his self-invented string instrument the Di-Tar, a hybrid of a classical guitar, a flamenco guitar and a bağlama. A passionate advocate of the culture of the Zaza people who live on the border between Iran and Turkey, Aslan has earned admiration throughout Turkey, especially after his music was featured in the popular crime series Eşkiya Dünyaya Hükümdar Olmaz. His success also has a European connection: he developed the Di-Tar while studying at the world music programme at Codarts in Rotterdam. Since his debut he has released a series of albums that map his evolving musical journey. He first appeared in 2004 with Va u Waxt (Wind and Time) a deeply rooted folk-inspired album. In 2007 he followed it with Veyvé Mılaketu (Dance of the Angels) which explores mythic narratives in the Zaza language. With Na-Mükemmel (Imperfect) in 2015 he brought a modern production sensibility to his heritage sound and most recently Budala Aurası (2019) sees him expand his sonic spectrum. His live album Konser Kayıtları (2021) presents his stage presence in full energy and his collaborative album Duo (2017) with Kemal Dinç reveals another facet of his artistry. During a concert by him, you can expect to hear the popular songs from these albums and his numerous singles while, Aslan’s repertoire also includes unique versions of classics such as Gnossiene No.1 and Asturias. Get ready to witness an Anatolian master who bridges musical traditions from eastern Anatolia with western forms, forging something unique that feels both authentic and contemporary.

Make your lunchtime magical with our free Relaxed Lunchtime Concerts featuring performances by some of the UK’s most exciting young musicians from Chetham’s School of Music. Our Relaxed Lunchtime Concerts are open to everyone — whether you’re a regular concert-goer or trying live music for the first time. There’s no dress code, no pressure and no rules about how you should enjoy the concert. You don’t need to sit still or stay quiet. Just come as you are, get comfortable, and experience the music in whatever way feels right for you. Come along, take a seat, and make yourself at home. Enjoy great music, friendly faces, and a free brew and biscuit on us. Our mission is to help more people from Manchester and beyond access live music and enjoy the enormous wellbeing benefits it brings.

Over 50 years of continual touring and recording It’s a remarkable milestone few bands have achieved… and always at the highest level. Discover for yourself why Wishbone Ash are one of the most enduring and popular bands in British Rock. With millions of albums sold, their iconic twin-guitar sound inspired bands from Thin Lizzy to Iron Maiden and produced such classics tracks as The King Will Come, Throw Down The Sword & Blowin’ Free. Wishbone Ash take their audience on a unique journey through their illustrious history by combining the old songs with the new, with a live show that remains as fresh and in demand as ever.

An intimate show from Editors frontman Tom Smith, playing songs from his debut solo record and his Editors catalogue.

Join Adam Buxton and his live band for an intimate evening celebrating the release of his debut album, Buckle Up, out now via Decca. Buxton, our most beloved podcaster, seasoned veteran of GarageBand and the jingle, enlisted Metronomy’s Joe Mount as producer and band leader … “I hoped it would be a Metronomy record with my voice” Buxton initially pondered, also hoping the outcome might sound like “Berlin-period Bowie and Eno going for lunch with Radiohead and Nina Simone at Brian Wilson’s beach brasserie.” Instead came fifteen songs that inhabit the space between heartfelt and silly, where Buxton has comfortably set up shop.

With over 500,000 followers on social media and a host of sell out shows across the country, Brian Bilston is one of the UK’s most popular poets. He has published several bestselling collections of poetry, including "You Took the Last Bus Home, Alexa, what is there to know about love?" and "Days Like These". His novel "Diary of a Somebody" was shortlisted for the Costa First Novel Award, and he has also written collections of poetry for younger readers. In 2025 he released an album of his poetry set to music, "Sounds Made by Humans", in collaboration with The Catenary Wires. This autumn sees Brian return to the stage with his latest book, "How to Lay an Egg with a Horse Inside". Get ready for an evening of comedy and laughter, as he takes us through the hows, whys and whats of reading, writing and enjoying poetry every day.

THIS EVENT IS NOW SOLD OUT. After two decades fronting Editors and releasing two albums with Smith & Burrows, Tom Smith is finally stepping into solo territory with THERE IS NOTHING IN THE DARK THAT ISN’T THERE IN THE LIGHT. Motivated by a desire to reconnect with the raw, acoustic beginnings of his songwriting, Smith set out to create something more intimate and personal, away from the collaborative nature of his band projects. Following a SOLD-OUT U.K. and Irish tour in Autumn 2025, which saw him take in some smaller, out-of-the-way places across the country, and the recent announcement of a run of EU shows, Tom will be playing intimate shows across the UK in Spring 2026. ABOUT THE ALBUM Initially, he attempted to shape these songs with long-time collaborator Andy Burrows but ultimately decided to take a more solitary path, enlisting producer Iain Archer instead. Together, they crafted a record built around emotional honesty, acoustic textures, and themes of connection, memory, and resilience. The opening track, ‘DEEP DIVE’, became the album’s emotional anchor, setting a tone of gentle hope in the face of loneliness. Throughout the album, Smith balances stripped-back arrangements with cinematic flourishes, creating a dynamic range—from the minimalist ache of ‘BROKEN TIME’ to the sweeping drama of ‘LIFE IS FOR LIVING’. Despite his initial goal of solo authorship, Smith found deep creative synergy with Archer, shaping songs through mutual experimentation. Tracks like ‘LIGHTS OF NEW YORK CITY’ evoke nostalgic longing, while ‘NORTHERN LINE’ and ‘HOW MANY TIMES’ reflect on friendships and past experiences. The album closes with ‘SATURDAY’, a bittersweet snapshot of fleeting intimacy. Though marked by melancholy, the record ultimately resonates with hope—highlighting Smith’s evolution as a songwriter and his yearning to create music that reflects the essence of who he is.

As part of its 10th Anniversary celebrations, ORA Singers & Suzi Digby OBE return to The Stoller Hall with a new programme – Spirit of Place – exploring themes of time, memory and how place shapes one’s identity. The programme is built around three key works by a trio of our greatest living choral composers: The Lost Words by James Burton, setting the spell-poems of Robert MacFarlane, Five Childhood Lyrics by Sir John Rutter, and a major new commission by Gabriel Jackson – an 8-minute a cappella piece taking its inspiration from The Fens. The concert opens with another work by Jackson, his setting of To Morning by William Blake, which leads into a folksong from The Fens arranged by Michael Tippett. There are a series of choral folksong arrangements scattered throughout, alongside reflective gems such as Herbert Howell’s Even such is time and Samuel Barber’s little-known but gorgeous To be sung on the water. “ORA Singers’ achievement in commissioning and performing 100 new compositions from an impressively wide range of composers must be unprecedented in the entire history of music. It has been an extraordinarily imaginative and generous gift to the composers, and indeed to choirs and audiences everywhere.” – SIR JOHN RUTTER

Imelda May with a new show in support of her sixth studio album 11 Past The Hour. A record that brims with sensuality, emotional intelligence, spirituality and intuition, marking a new chapter for Imelda and showcasing her at her most authentic Imelda will deliver a night of invigorating rock’n’roll, with a purpose. Witness an artist dive deep into her true self, her Irish roots and her love of storytelling as she sings from her soul.

Acclaimed actor, singer, musician and writer — and proud Geordie icon — Jimmy Nail heads out on the road in 2026 with Stories and Songs, a series of intimate retrospective shows reflecting on an extraordinary seven-decade career. From the landmark television series Auf Wiedersehen, Pet to Spender and then Crocodile Shoes — which spawned multi-platinum albums and chart-topping singles — Jimmy Nail has left an indelible mark on British popular culture. His career spans hit records, television series, major film roles including Evita and Still Crazy, and leading performances on both Broadway and London’s West End. Following a recent run of sell-out shows in Newcastle, celebrating the songs of Crocodile Shoes, Jimmy now brings audiences something more personal. Stories and Songs is a warm, witty and revealing evening that blends music, memories and rarely seen images. Audiences can expect candid anecdotes, moments of reflection, and a hand-picked selection of songs drawn from across his remarkable career. And with a catalogue this rich, no two nights will be quite the same. From the 1992 UK number one “Ain’t No Doubt”, to “Love Don’t Live Here Anymore”, “Crocodile Shoes”, “Cowboy Dreams”, “Big River”, and music from film and stage, the choices are many—and the stories behind them just as compelling. Jimmy will be joined on stage by long-time collaborator Tony Davis on keyboards and accordion, adding texture and atmosphere to these stripped-back, intimate performances. An evening of Stories and Songs is not just a concert, it’s a journey—through music, memory, and a life lived on stage and screen.

British rapper and spoken word artist.

The Handsome Family, formed by husband and wife duo Brett and Rennie Sparks, bring their unique brand of alternative country music to the region. The Sparks’ music is steeped in the western gothic of New Mexico life. The unseen is powerful here. Nothing rusts, but entire oceans have disappeared. Ski masks mean robberies, but in the slow dive of the sun, enormous bugs awaken in thorny yards and unseen sirens and coyotes cry out to the purple sky. Just about anywhere you stand, there’s been some blood drawn. The Handsome Family continue to sell out venues worldwide that they couldn’t have filled before TV fame. Live, Brett (guitar/vocals) and Rennie (banjo/bass/vocals) are joined by drummer Jason Toth (worldwide) and multi-instrumentalist Alex MacMahon (USA). Their shows are full of humour and chit-chat. The Sparks’ aren’t afraid to reveal their ordinary humanness. The invisible couple is also very happy to be seen.

The pianist Vesselin Stanev, who is originally from Varna (Bulgaria), studied at the Music Academy in Sofia, with Dmitri Bashkirov at the Tchaikovsky Conservatory in Moscow, with Alexis Weissenberg and at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique in Paris. Further inspiration came from Peter Feuchtwanger in London. The Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow and the Concours Marguerite Long – Jacques Thibaud saw him as a prize-winner. He regularly performs in major concert halls in Europe, such as the Wigmore Hall in London, the Philharmonie Berlin, the Gewandhaus Leipzig or the Salle Gaveau in Paris. He also travels to the Nordic countries, to Eastern and South-Eastern Europe, Russia and Japan. He devotes particular attention to chamber music, for example with the violinist Ekaterina Frolova, the flautist Eva Oertle or the cellist Zoltán Despond. He has made numerous CD recordings for RCA, Sony Classical and the Bulgarian label Gega New.

Soar with us in an uplifting performance inspired by flight in all its forms. In collaboration with Anglo-Lebanese Violinist and Artistic Director of United Strings of Europe, Julian Azkoul, we explore the exhilaration, freedom and wonder of the open sky. Take wing with Vaughan Williams’ beloved The Lark Ascending, re-imagined for choir and solo violin, and with Shaw’s and the swallow, a tender reflection on migration and refuge. Circle the world with Clyne’s Orbits, and explore the dream of human flight in Whitacre’s Leonardo Dreams of His Flying Machine. Ultimately, our flight returns us back to solid ground with a renewed sense of hope.

With more than 1.2 million Instagram followers, 1.9 million Facebook followers, and over 1.4 million TikTok followers, Dyon “Mojo” Brooks is an actor, writer, producer, and stand-up comedian previously seen in a leading role for Tyler Perry’s MISS GOVENOR on Netflix.

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.

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 qawwals traditionally perform at shrines (dargahs) as it serves as both worship and storytelling, carrying verses of saints, poets and mystics. Its call-and-response structure, harmonium-led arrangements and richly layered improvisations demand rigorous training, yet its appeal lies in its emotional accessibility. Over time, qawwali has travelled from shrines to global stages, retaining its devotional core while adapting to contemporary audiences. The Warsis come from the legendary Qawaal Bachhey lineage. This highly regarded musical family traces its roots to the original ensemble trained by the poet-musician Amir Khusrau, who lived in the 13th and 14th centuries and is widely seen as the founder of qawwali. The Warsi brothers continue to honour this tradition as they faithfully render Hazrat Amir Khusrau’s classical repertoire. Their work keeps the centuries-old spiritual and musical heritage alive for new audiences in India and around the world. As India’s renowned artists, the Warsi Brothers- Naseer Ahmed Khan Warsi and Nazeer Ahmed Khan Warsi- were honoured at the prestigious Aga Khan Music Awards 2025 which was held in London in November 2025 at the South Bank Centre. In its citation, the jury recognised the duo for the “energetic preservation and onward transmission of the spiritual and musical legacy of Amir Khusrau to multigenerational audiences at the highest level of musical excellence.” This recognition also comes at a time when traditional music faces challenges from rapid modernisation. Artists like the Warsi brothers help bridge the past and present by presenting authentic, high-quality performances on national and international stages. Their work ensures that qawwali remains vibrant and relevant for younger generations. The Warsi Brothers are widely regarded as among the finest living custodians of traditional qawwali in the subcontinent. They trained under their grandfather Padma Shri Aziz Ahmad Khan Warsi, they represent the classical rigour and devotional depth of the Delhi Gharana. Based in Hyderabad, their family has long served as court musicians for the erstwhile Nizam. The Warsi Brothers’ contribution places a spotlight on India’s long-standing role as a centre of classical and devotional arts. Their powerful performances, rich vocals, and mastery of classical compositions have made them central figures in the preservation of this art form. Their qawwali performances reflect a tradition rooted in the teachings of Sufism, where music is a form of devotion and spiritual expression.

The Chetham’s Concerto Competition grand final will see the young musicians perform in one of the top concert halls in the UK to a panel of leading performers.

Join the Down for the Count Swing Orchestra for a celebration of one of the most iconic figures in swing music history: the incomparable Nat King Cole. Enjoy timeless classics such as Mona Lisa, Let’s Face the Music and Dance and L-O-V-E lovingly brought back to life by the instrumentalists and vocalists of this sensational 30-piece orchestra – one of the few UK jazz ensembles to feature a string section. This is not a tribute show, but rather a vibrant celebration of Nat King Cole’s life and music; a journey through the great man’s repertoire, from the intimate trio recordings he made early in his career to the later luscious orchestral work with arrangers such as Nelson Riddle and Gordon Jenkins. Compèred by musical director and conductor Mike Paul-Smith, the performance blends anecdotes from Nat King Cole’s life with recreations of some of his greatest recordings, as well as original arrangements of other classics penned by members of the orchestra. Programme Includes: - Mona Lisa - When I Fall In Love - Straighten Up and Fly Right - Let’s Face the Music and Dance - L-O-V-E and many more! Performers: - The Down for the Count Swing Orchestra - Mike Paul-Smith, conductor - Marvin Muoneké, vocals and further guest vocalists to be announced

Andy Scott tenor saxophone / Carmel Smickersgill electronics Carmel and Andy create sound-based free improvisations using tenor saxophone and an Ableton live set up, which uses sampled and “recycled” material from the very same saxophone. Together they explore the warmth and depth of acoustic instruments within this electronically infused context, whilst pushing the sonic possibilities of technology. Both Carmel and Andy are composers and improvisers as well as performers, making for a writing process that combines strictly scored tunes with deftly curated atmospheres. They share an interest in music that can shock and be humorous in the same breath, generating intimacy and warmth. Their approach leans into the breadth of sounds available on tenor saxophone, whilst striving for truly ‘playing’ the laptop as an expressive instrument, rather than as a tool. The duo draws influences from varied and eclectic musical backgrounds in both their composition and performance: experimental techno, Latin jazz, DIY underground scenes and classical; compositional control alongside experimental chaos. Join them for a set of high contrast, energetic highs and sub-filled, cosy lows. Simeon Walker piano Simeon’s performances glide effortlessly between shadow and expanse – hushed introspection, stretching into vast, open landscapes; grandeur lingering at the edges, tempered by vulnerability and warmth. The piano becomes a meeting place, drawing listeners close into a captivating, shared moment defined by tender subtlety, a uniquely delicate touch and a self-effacing wry smile. With a background in classical music and a deep appreciation for jazz, ambient and experimental forms, Simeon’s creative output is wide-ranging and exploratory. His informal, invitational and heartfelt approach to performance reflects the full spectrum of human emotion, creating shared musical experiences fostering dialogue, connection and community. Simeon Walker is a versatile and prolific artist who has quickly established himself as a leading voice in the contemporary music scene. His work is regularly broadcast on BBC Radio 3 and Classic FM, amassing over 50 million streams across platforms. A seasoned live performer based in Leeds, he tours extensively across the UK and Europe and has supported high-profile artists including Neil Cowley, Submotion Orchestra, Erland Cooper, LYR and Jasmine Myra. He has appeared at Latitude Festival, the Edinburgh Fringe and SXSW London, and his composition ‘Reverie’ was featured on the first official Piano Day compilation (2022), alongside Nils Frahm, Ólafur Arnalds and Chilly Gonzales. A sought-after collaborator, Simeon works across genres as a session musician and composer, contributing to numerous projects spanning music, art, and interdisciplinary commissions. He is also a passionate advocate for live music, founding Brudenell Piano Sessions in 2018 and continuing to curate the long-running Leeds series celebrating original piano-centred work.

Saxophonist and composer Andy Sheppard has established himself as one of Europe’s leading contemporary jazz figures. This trio sets the scene for an encounter with Italian jazz icon Rita Marcotulli and one of the most prominent bassists on the European circuit, French bassist Michel Benita. These are three highly individual musicians, all of whom have had a big role in shaping the sound of European jazz today. Sheppard has developed a programme of new free-flowing compositions for this trio, taking a spirited fresh approach, honouring jazz in its tradition but allowing free space for interpretation by the players. Collectively exploring the possibilities of improvisation and interplay, the music is anchored in structure but open to lyricism, free to choose new paths and take on different directions in the making. Sheppard’s musical path has crossed with that of both players for many years, including a long-established duo with Marcotulli and several ECM album recordings with Benita, but this their first venture together as a trio. Andy Sheppard soprano & tenor saxophone / Rita Marcotulli piano / Michel Benita double bass

Suntou Susso is a multi-instrumentalist: Kora player, percussionist, singer and composer from The Gambia. Born a Griot in a 700-year old tradition, the Kora – harp-lute with 22 strings – is unique to the Griots of the Mandinka people. Griots have a unique societal role as oral historians, transmitting and preserving a people’s culture through the generations in song, music and poetry.

Delighting audiences with their enormous repertoire of own songwriting and arrangements, The Easy Rollers are a septet who embody the famed spirit and consummate virtuosity of today’s booming British jazz scene and bring it straight back to the music’s roots: 1920s and ’30s Harlem, Kansas City and New Orleans. Released in 2025, their critically acclaimed album ‘… And Another Thing’ – spun on BBC Radio 3 and praised internationally for its “craft, strong ensemble work, and a clear passion” (Jazz In Europe) – was launched in London at a sold-out PizzaExpress Live. In 2026, The Easy Rollers celebrate their 10th anniversary, embarking on their most high-profile UK tour yet. Fronted by the captivating Dani Sicari, whose time-machine of a voice is evocative of early greats like Helen Kane and Ruth Etting, The Easy Rollers have long established a reputation for delivering performances that channel the in-the-moment dynamism of the Jazz Age at the height of its cultural grandeur. Arising from their love of the tradition, they take pride in marrying a conscientious approach to authenticity with their mission of ensuring this effervescent era of jazz is never presented merely as a nostalgic museum piece.

A man walks barefoot through the snow, takes a long bath in an icy river, then searches Craigslist for new-in-box cassette tapes from the early 90’s. He lights a candle, loads the tape, and waits. He’s listening for something unknown, yet familiar: the edge. This is a man staring down midlife with a renewed sense of vision, a recently unearthed Tascam Portastudio, and a call to embody masculine vulnerability through rock and roll song. In other words…Theo Katzman is returning to his singer-songwriter roots, with a series of intimate solo performances across the globe, beginning in Europe and the UK. He aims to pierce your heart. His aim is true.

Prestwich Community Choir invites you to a joyful and uplifting evening of modern pop, musical theatre favourites, and festive seasonal songs, all in aid of charity. This special concert brings together a vibrant community choir performing a feel good mix of well known contemporary choral music. Known for their warmth, energy, and inclusive spirit, Prestwich Community Choir celebrates singing for connection, confidence, and collective joy. Expect plenty of moments for singing along and moving to the music, all while raising funds for Bury Blind Society. Whether you are a long time supporter or discovering the choir for the first time, this concert offers a welcoming and uplifting experience in one of Manchester’s most beautiful concert halls. Look forward to powerful harmonies, heartfelt moments, and plenty of smiles, delivered by singers who come together each week for fun, friendship, and feeling good. Perfect for a festive night out with friends, family, or colleagues, this concert is designed to leave you feeling lighter, brighter, and full of cheer.

Tom Gilbey is an award-winning wine expert, marathon-runner, and now author, with a career that has seen him taste, sell, spill and celebrate wine for over 30 years. He first caught the wine bug as a child, roaming around his grandfather’s château in Bordeaux, and by 23 he was already making the stuff himself. Since then, he’s done just about everything in wine - from winemaker to merchant to now running his own company, Tom Gilbey Wine. Tom’s mission has always been simple: to get people drinking better wine without needing to remortgage their house. After being shoved into an ice bath by his son Fred (to prove just how cold white wine should be), Tom stumbled into viral fame. His videos, demonstrating equal parts passion, humour and common sense, have been seen by millions, and his online community now tops 850,000 followers worldwide. With his trademark mix of enthusiasm, knowledge and mischief, Tom has carved out a new role as the most entertaining, refreshing voice in wine today: proving, once and for all, that wine should be about joy, not jargon.

The Best of Buble Home for Christmas The Best of Bubl Home for Christmas returns for its 2026 UK winter tour, formerly known as Bubl by Candlelight, featuring Josh Hindle and his sensational live band. Following huge audience demand, this reimagined show is now presented as a full production theatre spectacular, delivering the ultimate Bubl experience. Expect stunning staging, atmospheric lighting, big band energy and all the charm, style and warmth that has made Michael Bubl a global favourite. Join us for a festive journey through Bubls greatest hits and iconic Christmas classics, as Josh Hindle and his live band perform much-loved songs including Home, Feeling Good, Haven't Met You Yet, alongside festive favourites such as Winter Wonderland, White Christmas, Silent Night, Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) and many more. Starring Josh Hindle (as seen on ITVs STARSTRUCK and on tour with Jane McDonald), this show captures the sound, swing and sophistication of a true Christmas crooner all wrapped up in a high-energy, feel-good theatre production. A magical festive night out and the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit, The Best of Bubl Home for Christmas is set to be one of the must-see shows of the season.

On their debut collaboration, Little Windows, Teddy Thompson and American songstress Kelly Jones give audiences engaging views of the joys and sorrows of love and the vagaries of the human heart. Longtime mutual admirers, Teddy and Kelly first sang together at LA's Club Largo in 2011. The songs that they’ve written since capture complex emotions with simple honesty. You can hear the give and take, the dynamics, the occasional imperfections, the deep human soul of performances.

You've been called for jury duty. Inspired by true events, this courtroom drama sees greed, passion, and revenge collide in a gripping murder trial. But with no DNA evidence, a tangled love triangle, and a multimillion-dollar divorce in the mix, who's telling the truth? Throughout the show, analyze witness testimonies, examine the evidence, answer complex questions, and try to uncover what really happened. Every word matters. Every detail counts. And at the end, you must cast the vote that determines the fate of the accused. Will justice be served? Well, that's up to you. Get your tickets now for The Jury Experience: Million-Dollar Murder or Web of Lies? in Liverpool! Script, Staging, and Direction: Creative Partners Agustina Videla and Pablo Destito Seating Map

You've been called for jury duty. Scandal brews as a disgraced ex-driver stands trial for stealing global superstar Lana Tonneti's 20m necklace. But is Lana telling the truth? Throughout the show, analyze witness testimonies, examine the evidence, answer complex questions, and try to uncover what really happened. Every word matters. Every detail counts. And at the end, you must cast the vote that determines the fate of the accused. Will justice be served? Well, that's up to you. Get your tickets now for The Jury Experience: Diamonds, Lies, and a Dead Man in London! Script, staging and direction creative partners Les Enfants Terribles.

Modern pianist who fuses classical compositions with hip-hop and electronic energy, reintroducing timeless melodies through a bold, genre-blending lens.

Our precious concert in a 19th century church in the heart of the Royal Borough of Kensington. Experience the majestic music of the iconic saga «Lord of the Rings» films in a unique experience not to be missed. A delight for the whole family is guaranteed. Performed by the modern orchestra Mystery Ensemble, the virtuoso playing of the musicians will instantly transport you to a distant fantasy world with elves, hobbits and dwarves! Music loved by millions of people gives you goosebumps.