Formed in Birmingham in 1989, OCS spent six years fine-tuning their sound before lighting up the Britpop party with three Top 5 albums; 1996’s ‘Moseley Shoals’, 1997’s ‘Marchin’ Already’ and 1999’s ‘One From The Modern’. The band has also achieved seventeen Top 40 singles, including a staggering run of nine successive Top 20 singles and a mantelpiece full of awards. As with all the best groups, behind the swagger and style were great songs, with words and melodies that found their way into the public’s hearts. Honing their craft in the spirit of the soul, folk and blues greats who inspired them, Ocean Colour Scene’s celebrated live shows have cemented the relationship between the band and their fiercely loyal fanbase, with each concert serving as a communal outpouring of hope and joy, boasting the most life-affirming singalongs you’re likely to hear anywhere.

Erland Cooper: Carve the Runes Then Be Content With Silence Erland Cooper is a Scottish composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist originally from Stromness, Orkney. As a solo artist, he has released five acclaimed studio albums, including a trilogy of work inspired by his childhood home, as well as themes of nature, people, place and time. His work combines field recordings with traditional orchestration and contemporary electronic elements. Through music, words and cinematography he explores landscape, memory and identity. He develops these themes further by partnering with other artists, writers and poets. Cooper also works across mixed media projects including installation art, theatre and film. He’s widely known for burying the only existing copy of the master tape of his first classical album in Scotland, deleting all digital files and leaving only a treasure hunt of clues for anyone to seek it. The tape was found in 2023 and the album will be released, exactly as it sounds from the earth, this year along with its world premiere of the completed score. Presented by Hey! Manchester. This is a 14+ event. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult

The third in an exclusive series of concerts celebrating the creative genius of Johann Sebastian Bach. Max Reger described Johann Sebastian Bach as ‘the beginning and end of all music’. Bach’s influence can be heard in many of his compositions. In the third and final concert in their series, Chloë Hanslip and Danny Driver perform Reger’s Suite in the Old Style alongside the works of J. S. Bach.

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.

Together Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham have established themselves as the epitome of excellence in the world of traditional music. With their musical magic and quick-witted humour they will pull your emotional strings one moment and have you falling off the seat with laughter the next. Mike Russell has described them as "probably the best traditional musicians you are ever likely to hear”.

Join two of the most revered female singer-songwriters for an evening of unparalleled music. Appearing together on stage for the first time to perform songs such as ‘Stay With Me Till Dawn’, ‘Sand and Water’, ‘Bring The Rain’, ‘This Kiss’ and their stunning collaboration, ‘Safe’. Alongside their musicians, this is set to be a beautiful night of lyric, song and harmony.

After 15 years of performing together, eight studio albums, four BBC Folk Award nominations, composing Gentleman Jack as the BBC/HBO drama theme tune and hundreds of venues and festivals across the UK and Europe, the much loved Yorkshire folk duo of Belinda OHooley & Heidi Tidow have made the momentous decision to say farewell for now in order to explore other adventures that are beckoning to them. To help their incredibly loving and loyal audiences process this news, they are embarking upon one last tour of all their favourite venues from over the years. Belinda and Heidi's boundless songwriting has been described by The Guardian as exceptional and The Independent as defiant, robust, northern, poetical, political folk music for the times we live in. Moving, melodic, dramatic and tender, from stories of parenthood, the call of a song thrush, to a portrait of the last days of a touching relationship between their neighbour Matthew and his beloved Alsatian, Ted, and even a collaboration with Gentleman Jack herself, Suranne Jones on The Ballad of Anne and Ann, they explore, consider and connect subjects and stories in a distinctive, inventive and memorable way. Having the originality and skill to invite comparison with the most celebrated harmony duos, 6 Music's Tom Robinson says They sing together in the way families do. Normally, you only get that closeness in the voices with family bands like The Coppers or The Watersons.

Jazz Sabbath are a jazz trio from the UK that plays instrumental jazz interpretations of Black Sabbath songs. Helmed by pianist Adam Wakeman (Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne’s solo band since 2004), the group explores the boundaries between jazz and the songs that defined heavy metal, echoing already present jazz riffs and discovering new ones. Presenting themselves as a jazz trio formed in 1968 and the original writers of the tracks later made famous by Black Sabbath, they released their self-titled debut album in 2020. In 2022, their second album was released, entering the Billboard jazz album chart at number six. A European tour followed, which saw the group play sold-out shows at the EFG London Jazz Festival and other venues across the continent.

Prepare to be transported by the extraordinary, beautiful and ethereal sounds of ice. The ice music pioneer, Terje Isungset, returns to the UK with his quartet, featuring voice, ice harp, ice horn, iceophone, ice percussion and ice bass. This ice concert is a tribute to the most important thing in the whole world – nature. It is based on music from Terje’s albums, ‘Winter Songs’ and ‘Beauty of Winter’, alongside new material from their ‘Ice Quartet’ album, released in November 2024. The instruments are made during Terje’s annual Ice Music Festival in Norway. They are carved and crafted using only natural frozen ice from the lakes.

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.

An interactive performance that blends poetry, rap, and music for a tongue-in-cheek rock show perfect for little people aged 0 to 5. Poet and performer Arji Manuelpillai and jazz and rock guitarist Matt Smith join forces to create this unforgettable show full of energy, rhythm, and fun. Suitable for ages 0 - 5 and their adults. Sing along to timeless favourites like ‘Old MacDonald,’ ‘Wheels on the Bus,’ and ‘Sleeping Bunnies,’ all with a fresh, exciting twist that will have both children and grown-ups bopping along.

One of Mali’s most beloved and dynamic artists, Rokia Koné is a force to be reckoned with. She has a voice that soars above infectious Mande guitar grooves and traditional percussion. Her captivating performances run the gamut of emotion from joy to despair, fury to tenderness. She wields that astounding voice with grace and power. Born and raised in Ségou, the cradle of the ancient Bamana kingdom, Rokia draws on a rich tradition of griot storytelling. She has a deep connection with her Malian ancestry. Her unique abilities in melodic improvisation were honed over years of late-night residencies in the legendary music clubs of Bamako. They have earned her a place as one of West Africa’s most exciting vocalists. In 2017 she joined the all-female music collective Les Amazones d’Afrique, who use music as a vehicle to campaign for gender equality in Africa. Her widely-lauded debut album BAMANAN was produced in collaboration with rock producer Jacknife Lee (U2, R.E.M., Taylor Swift). It brought her two All Africa Music Award nominations and The New York Times Critic’s Pick. Now Rokia is putting her gritty, soaring, griot-infused vocals to Malian guitar and a West African percussive pulse. It’s the sound of an emerging legend replenishing her roots.

A double-bill of outstanding jazz as part of the Sounds of Denmark Festival, featuring some of the finest musicians from one of Europe’s most creative and vibrant jazz scenes. Tonight opens with the warm, melancholic folk-influenced Nordic-jazz noir of tenor sax-led Cecilie Strange Quartet, followed by cinematically influenced, dreamy original soundscapes and trip-hop grooves from Astral Cinema.

11am, 12.15pm & 2.30pm Duration: 40 minutes Award winning Jazz singer-songwriter Ni Maxine (Jazz FM Breakthrough Act of the Year 2025), brings her ‘Baby Jazz Club’ to Turner Sims for the first time. If you and your little one want to groove on down together, or if you want to sit back and snuggle whilst Ni’s amazing music surrounds you, join us for intimate jazz club vibes at a family friendly time of day! Suitable for 0-3 Year olds and their adults

The Gildas Quartet open the season with one of the most important string quartets of the 20th century, performed from memory. Shostakovich was born on this day, September 25, 1906, and 2025 marks 50 years since his death. Written in just three days, his compact Quartet No 8 is described by one writer as ‘a dense quartet [which] contains a lifetime of music’. The most popular of his 15 quartets, the Gildas will explore the background to the 20-minute work and play musical examples. Beethoven’s beloved ‘Rasumovsky’ quartets were named after his patron, Count Razumovsky, who requested three quartets ‘with Russian Melodies, real or imitated’. Jessie Montgomery’s ‘Strum’ is hailed as a ‘classic’ of the 21st century. It dates from 2008 in its version for string quartet and is the perfect invigorating opener to the new season.

A delicious retelling of a fairy tale classic, featuring storytelling, stunning live music, and theatrical magic! Get your dessert spoons ready for a tale of perseverance, princes, palace balls, glass slippers and, um, ice cream? Over the last four decades, Cinderella’s has become the kingdom’s most beloved ice cream company, with a parlour on every street corner. But how did a humble ice cream maker with not a penny to her name end up as a multimillionaire business woman with her own ice cream empire? In this new musical for families and children, join Talvi and Caldwell, loyal employees of Cinderella’s, as they share her rags to riches tale, and confront their own desires, hopes, and the magic that lies within each scoop of Cinderella’s legendary ice cream. Perfect for children and families alike, this exciting storytelling musical is inspired by the classic fairy tale of Cinderella, but with an ice cold twist. Let Little Seeds Music capture your heart and tickle your taste buds! Suitable for ages 5+ and their adults.

Turner Sims favourites, the London Mozart Players Chamber Ensemble are joined by special guests. They present two defining 20th century works. Vaughan Williams’s early masterpiece sets the words of A E Housman. Composed in 1909, ‘On Wenlock Edge’ provides an eerie foreshadowing to the many men lost in the Great War. Tenor Mark Le Brocq, who appeared with Welsh National Opera in its highly successful production of Britten’s ‘Death in Venice’, brings his unique perspective. Pianist Anna Tilbrook joins the LMP for a work which writer Gerard McBurney described as ‘a chamber-music classic of the 20th century’. Shostakovich’s work proved immediately popular with the public when it was first performed. It also won Shostakovich his first Stalin Prize, the highest decoration given at the time to the country’s most elite artists.

The perfect opportunity to have some special time with your baby, connecting through music and sensory play. Presented by Concerteenies, this relaxed concert will offer a calm and welcoming environment for you to share with your baby. Join Annabelle Lawson (piano), Meera Maharaj (flutes) and creative practitioners Polly Ives and Sarah Carroll for lullabies as we slow down and cosy up for winter. With sound-healing percussion including gongs, sansula and koshi chimes, bubbles, scarves and more! Suitable for pre walkers and their families.

Join Concerteenies for the musical story of ‘Blown Away’, for children aged 3+ and their families. ‘Penguin Blue and his friends are in for a surprise! It all starts with a windy day and a brand new kite… Come fly away with Penguin Blue as he gets caught in a gust of wind and the adventure begins.’ Travel through the wintry antarctic to the Jungle tropics with Meera Maharaj (flutes), Annabelle Lawson (piano) and Polly Ives (narrator). This new musical story is composed by award-winning Paul Rissmann based on the book by Rob Biddulph and digital animation by Victor Craven. The concert also features Saint Saens’s ‘Aviary’ from ‘Carnival of the Animals’, Kaija Sarriaho’s ‘Couleurs du Vent’, Florence Price’s ‘Adoration’ and Lord Kitchener’s calypso ‘London is the Place for Me’ (featured in the film ‘Paddington’). Join in with songs and actions in a relaxed and friendly environment. This is a perfect introduction to music, storytelling and animation.

Three of the UK’s most celebrated folk and jazz musicians come together to create mesmerising, lyrical music. Three of the UK’s most creative, multi award winning musicians create music that weaves together the essence of folk and jazz. Two time winner of the BBC Folk Awards Singer of the Year, June Tabor rose to fame in the mid ‘70’s. She has maintained a high profile career ever since, working with the likes of Maddy Prior and the Oyster Band amongst many others. Listed in the BBC’s 100 Jazz Legends, Iain Ballamy is one of the UK’s most celebrated jazz musicians and composers. Welsh pianist Huw Warren’s distinctive and enticing music has led to collaborations with Maria Pia de Vito, Mark Feldman and Erik Truffaz. Drawing on original compositions, traditional folk songs and reclaimed standards, Quercus create a magical atmosphere. They combine June’s passionate voice with Iain’s glorious melodies and Huw’s off-kilter musicality. Together they create beautifully poignant music that tells life’s bittersweet tales.

A warm evening of stunning festive music from the multi-prize-winning Connaught Brass. Christmas is a time for tradition. This cracker of a programme romps through the exuberant final chorus of Bach’s Christmas Oratorio and seasonal Tchaikovsky. Traditional tunes and baroque classics are rounded off with the seasonal favourite ‘Have yourself a merry little Christmas’. Connaught Brass are quickly making a name for themselves as a fresh talent in the chamber music world. They have already made their debut at the Lucerne Festival and London’s Wigmore Hall. Their ability to manipulate and unify sound earned them 1st Prize in the Inaugural Philip Jones International Brass Ensemble Competition (2019) and the Royal Overseas League Mixed Ensemble Competition (2022). Vibrant, spirited and bold, Connaught Brass place emphasis on their friendship with one another to showcase their individual musical personalities within a unique collective sound. Join us for music that gift wraps festive joy with interludes of serene reflection.

Two extraordinary artists join forces to perform one of the greatest song cycles. Internationally renowned tenor Allan Clayton has a magnetic stage presence and and extraordinarily flexible and consistent vocal range. He is the recent winner of the Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in Opera for his role in Mark-Anthony Turnage’s new opera ‘Festen’ at Royal Ballet & Opera, Covent Garden. He performs repertoire from the Baroque through to works by the leading composers of today. Tonight, he combines with another giant of the classical music world, pianist Paul Lewis. Together they bring Schubert’s setting of 24 poems by Wilhelm Müller to life. Composed in 1827, just a year before Schubert’s premature death, ‘Winterreise’ is by turn highly emotional, desolate and spare. Writing to his friend and fellow composer Josef von Spaun Schubert declared: ‘I will sing you a cycle of eerie songs. I am keen to see what you will make of them. They have affected me more than any other songs’.

British jazz pianist and composer Julian Joseph and his exciting trio perform new jazz that explores immersive soundscape technology. Described as a revolution in the way we perceive sound, this is a must see and hear. New music has been specifically composed by Julian to show how emotion and drama can be enhanced by the immersive technology. He and his trio marry acoustic sound with digital processing capability that can be achieved on the fly; in a split second. Recognised as one of the finest jazz musicians this side of the Atlantic, Julian has been a towering figure in jazz for over two decades. He has devoted his long career to championing music, both across the UK and into the far corners of the world. He has forged a reputation with his formidable skills as a composer and phenomenal performer. He is a highly knowledgeable and engaging broadcaster, musical ambassador and cultural advocate. He is joined by Alok Verma on tablas, percussion and voice, and Kaidi Akinnibi on tenor saxophone. Tonight’s performance links to the awarding of an honorary degree from the University of Southampton which Julian Joseph receives in Summer 2025.

Laura Jurd is a musician and composer from Hampshire, United Kingdom. She plays trumpet and synthesizer.

Widely acclaimed for the rare beauty of her sound and her enchanting presence on stage, Irina Kulikova has established herself as one of today’s leading guitarists. Irina Kulikova presents an evening of sublime music for the guitar including classics by composers Sor, Mangore and Aguado. These are interspersed with works dedicated to her by a range of composers. Programme Jorge Cardoso: ‘Milonga’ Eduardo Diaz: ‘Desde el Alma’ ‘Una Tarde de Abril’ Dionisio Aguado: ‘Andante y Rondo Brilliante’, Op 2 No 3 Augustin Barrios Mangoré: ‘Las Abejas’ ‘Una Limosna por el Amor de Dios’ ‘La Cathedral’ (Preludio Saudade- Andante religioso, Allegro solemne) Peter Stewart: ‘Mariëlle’ Nemanja Bogunović: ‘Encounter’ Interval Mark Van Overmeire: ‘Courant de cascade’ ‘Sous les arbres’ from suite ‘La Forět’ Fernando Sor: Variations on a theme of Mozart, Op 9 – ‘Das klinget so herrlich’ from ‘Die Zauberflöte’ Vincent Lindsey-Clark: ‘Portrait of a rose’ Radmir Muftakhin: ‘Sadness of the Queen’ Sergio Ercole: ‘Valsa Negra’ Chopin Valse: No 7, Op 62 No 2

Feel the fire of Vivaldi Baroque brilliance returns to Turner Sims as award-winning ensemble La Serenissima light up the stage. They present a rare and thrilling programme of Vivaldi’s music for plucked and bowed strings. Joining them is Italian mandolin virtuoso Raffaele La Ragione. Hailed by The Telegraph for ‘whipping up a storm with Vivaldi,’ La Serenissima is the UK’s leading voice in Italian baroque. Their performances are bold, fresh, and full of energy. Every note is brought to life from original manuscripts, making each concert a deep dive into musical history with a modern heartbeat. Founded in 1994 by violinist Adrian Chandler, the group has racked up Gramophone Awards, chart-topping albums, and millions of streams. Their recordings are regulars on BBC Radio 3, Classic FM, and beyond. Named after Venice – Vivaldi’s magical hometown of canals and creativity – La Serenissima is on a mission to share the Red Priest’s genius with the world. Don’t miss this electrifying celebration of Vivaldi’s legacy. Programme Vivaldi: Concerto for mandolin, strings & continuo in C, RV 425 Concerto for 2 violins, strings & continuo in A, ‘per eco in lontano’, RV 552 Sinfonia for strings & continuo in G, RV 149

Discover the stories behind the tools of polar exploration. Join writer, biographer, and researcher Anne Strathie as she brings to life the fascinating history of polar exploration – told through the objects that made it possible. From Captain Cook’s daring voyages in the 1770s to the advent of aviation in the 1930s, these artifacts reveal the human spirit of adventure, discovery, and resilience. Drawing from her latest book, ‘A History of Polar Exploration in 50 Objects: from Cook’s Circumnavigations to the Aviation Age’, Anne shares the remarkable tales behind items that shaped our understanding of the polar regions. These objects – now scattered across the globe in museums, private collections, and even the polar landscapes themselves – offer a tangible link to the past. Some belonged to legendary explorers. Others highlight the vital contributions of mariners, scientists, artists, photographers, and filmmakers. Many also reflect the often-overlooked roles of relatives, sponsors, and supporters who helped make these expeditions possible. Together, these objects tell a story of international collaboration and shared ambition. They remind us of the unity and determination needed to explore – and protect – our planet’s most fragile frontiers.

Celebrate the festive season in style with the sensational Down for the Count Swing Orchestra, as they "Swing Into Christmas"! Fast becoming a holiday tradition for audiences around the country, this is a Christmas spectacular like no other – Down for the Count’s 30-piece big band with strings is one of the largest swing bands currently touring the UK. Directed by conductor and compère Mike Paul-Smith and featuring some of the UK’s top vocalists and instrumentalists, the orchestra recreates the sounds of Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra and Billie Holiday in a unique performance full of joy and humour, which has won the hearts of music lovers up and down the country. Audiences of all ages will be captivated by vibrant takes of iconic songs, including The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting), I’ve Got You Under My Skin, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, The Most Wonderful Time of the Year and New York, New York, alongside many fantastic new song selections for the 2025 show – all performed in authentic big-band-with-strings style. The Down for the Count Swing Orchestra is one of the UK's most highly-regarded vintage ensembles, having sold out shows at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club, The London Jazz Festival, and many other prestigious venues. It may be cold outside, but a night with the Down for the Count Swing Orchestra is guaranteed to leave you and the whole family in the warm glow of the holiday spirit! Programme includes: - I've Got You Under My Skin - Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting) - The Most Wonderful Time of the Year - Theme from New York, New York …and many more!

A musical, imaginative adventure where teddy bears dance all night at the disco, wolves roam the corridors at school, and dragons lurk in bedrooms! David Gibb’s song writing draws from a wide range of influences, blending folk, jazz, reggae and rock and roll. This is a fantastic opportunity for children to be introduced to a variety of musical instruments and genres. Guaranteed to appeal equally to parents and children alike, dance and sway to groovy beats, funky keys, slick bass lines, chiming guitars, and soaring horns. This is music that the whole family can enjoy together!

For over three decades, legendary musician Afel Bocoum has been a guardian of Mali's Niger River musical soul. A musical companion to Mali's late great desert blues pioneer Ali Farka Touré, he launched a solo career with debut album in 1999, Alkibar (The Messenger), and gained international recognition through collaborations with Damon Albarn, including 2002's Mali Music. Now, as one of the Sahel's most beloved artists and ambassador for endangered instruments like the njurkel lute and njarka fiddle, Bocoum is set to release singles from his new album Harber in October 2025, accompanied by a 13-date UK tour in January 2026. "The gifted, unassuming Malian singer-guitarist Afel Bocoum... rules the roost with his assured vocals and hypnotic guitar stylings." – UNCUT "Protégé of Ali Farka Toure, singer, composer and guitarist Afel Bocoum steps out of the shadows... [with] mesmerising vocals... reflecting the vast horizons, swirling colours and timelessness of the river Niger." – THE GUARDIAN Ticket prices for this event include a venue restoration levy.