BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Upfront - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Upfront X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://up-front.com X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Upfront REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Europe/London BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20240331T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20241027T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20250330T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20251026T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20260329T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20261025T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20270328T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20271031T010000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250319T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250518T163000 DTSTAMP:20260501T182109 CREATED:20250216T164108Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250216T164110Z UID:4776-1742378400-1747585800@up-front.com SUMMARY:Cumbria Printmakers - Group Exhibition DESCRIPTION:We are a cooperative of individual artists\, connected by our love of printmaking in all its forms. \n\n\n\nAs champions of printmaking\, we inspire and advocate through exhibitions\, events and workshops\, promoting printmaking to new audiences and inspiring beginners. \n\n\n\nWe are inclusive and supportive of each other to develop as artists\, relishing the connections we make with printmakers from right across Cumbria\, with exciting opportunities for group exhibitions\, social meet-ups\, skill share meets and discussion groups; anything print related! URL:https://up-front.com/event/cumbria-printmakers-group-exhibition/ CATEGORIES:Exhibitions ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/avif:https://up-front.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Glenn-Tomkinson.avif END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250419T193000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250419T193000 DTSTAMP:20260501T182109 CREATED:20250409T134640Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250409T134642Z UID:4810-1745091000-1745091000@up-front.com SUMMARY:An evening of music & food with Upfront Kitchen Ft Heather Cartwright DESCRIPTION:Bio:Guitarist and singer\, Heather Cartwright\, resides in Glasgow after the completion of her degree in Traditional Music at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland; “Talent and years of dedication have created a guitarist of the first order” (The Quintessential Review). Her virtuosic fingerstyle and flat-picked guitar playing provides a vibrant backdrop to her self-penned songs and interpretations of traditional material. Her song writing draws upon old stories\, her own life experiences growing up in the Lake District\, and poetry\, old and new. As well as performing solo\, Heather is often seen performing in a duo with Beth Malcolm\, Scots singer of the Year 2022 & 2024\, and Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2022 finalist\, Sam Mabbett (accordion). These ensembles have taken her playing all over Scotland\, such as at Orkney and Shetland Folk Festival\, Edinburgh Tradfest\, The Reeling\, and Celtic Connections\, as well as internationally\, including festivals such as Rudolstadt\, FÁILTE Scottish and Irish weekend. She recently supported Kris Drever\, award-winning guitarist and singer\, during his three week autumn UK tour\, selling her first physical copies of her soon to be released\, self-titled\, debut EP. \n\n\n\nFree entry – Booking a table for food secures your ticket.Tel:01768484538 \n\n\n\nPay as you feel donations go direct to the musicianEvent starts 7:30pm URL:https://up-front.com/event/an-evening-of-music-food-with-upfront-kitchen-ft-heather-cartwright/ CATEGORIES:Concerts-Performances ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://up-front.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/DSC4506-scaled.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250517T200000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250517T200000 DTSTAMP:20260501T182109 CREATED:20250317T165025Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250405T101415Z UID:4801-1747512000-1747512000@up-front.com SUMMARY:Guy Davis DESCRIPTION:‘Ambassador of the Blues’ Guy Davis is a two time\, back-to-back Grammy nominee\, a recipient of the Blues Foundation’s\, “Keeping the Blues Alive Award” in Theatre\, has over two dozen Blues Music Award nominations for Best Acoustic Blues Artist\, Best Song\, and Best Acoustic Album of the Year.  He has recently added Broadway Composer to his resume\, scoring the incidental music for the revival of his late father Ossie Davis’ play\, “Purlie Victorious”. \n\n\n\nDavis has had his musical storytelling influenced by artists like Blind Willie McTell and Big Bill Broonzy\, and his musicality from artists as diverse as Lightnin’ Hopkins and Babatunde Olatunji\, and harmonica techniques from most notably\, Sonny Terry. \n\n\n\nHis latest album is “The Legend of Sugarbelly”\, a follow-up to “Be Ready When I Call You”\, which like the album before it\, “Sonny & Brownie’s Last Train – A Look Back at Brownie McGhee and Sonny Terry”\, it were both nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album.  “The Legend of Sugarbelly” gets some of it’s songs from a play that Guy has been developing\, and features the emotionally charged song\, “Early In the Morning”\, written during the darkest days of Covid.  \n\n\n\nGuy has released 15 albums and has appeared on dozens of tribute albums and compilations. His career has included work as a Broadway\, film\, and television actor\, Off Broadway lead\, author\, music teacher\, children’s performer\, and of course Americana Blues artist.Pre concert supper can be booked from 5:30pm onwards \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBut tickets here http://www.ticketsource.co.uk/upfrontartslimited URL:https://up-front.com/event/guy-davis/ CATEGORIES:Concerts-Performances ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://up-front.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Guy-Davis-2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250521T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250713T100000 DTSTAMP:20260501T182109 CREATED:20250619T181306Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250619T181308Z UID:4846-1747821600-1752400800@up-front.com SUMMARY:Spring / Summer Mixed Exhibition DESCRIPTION:An exhibition of work by artists who exhibit regularly at Upfront and some who are new to Upfront – Geoffrey Smith\, John Sibson\, Mark A Pearce\, Kate Durdy\, Eddie Potts\, Ray Ogden\, Andrea Kershaw\, Emily Brooks\, Roger Dewhurst & Mark Hetherington.The exhibtion includes mixed media\, oils\, watercolour\, acrylics\, linocut\, digital prints & photographs. URL:https://up-front.com/event/spring-summer-mixed-exhibition/ CATEGORIES:Exhibitions ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://up-front.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Venice-window-695-43cmx43cmframed-mixed-media-.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250716T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250907T100000 DTSTAMP:20260501T182109 CREATED:20250619T174527Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250825T093703Z UID:4841-1752660000-1757239200@up-front.com SUMMARY:"All at Sea" - Green Door Artists DESCRIPTION:A Celebration of 30 Years \n\n\n\nGreen Door are an artists’ co-operative of over 100 members\, living in the South Lakeland area and working across all art forms. \n\n\n\nThe exhibition will welcome “All at Sea” – a group of Kendal based singers of Sea Shanties to come and sing on Saturday 30th August 11am – 12:30pm. URL:https://up-front.com/event/all-at-sea-green-door-artists/ CATEGORIES:Exhibitions ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://up-front.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Dark-sunset-Gilli-Slater_4658-2025-small.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250723T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250830T140000 DTSTAMP:20260501T182109 CREATED:20250619T173111Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260108T181019Z UID:4824-1753279200-1756562400@up-front.com SUMMARY:The Emperor and the Nightingale DESCRIPTION:A traditional marionette performance\, based on the story by Hans Christian Andersen. A beautiful & lyrical production with Chinese flute music by Yue Guo. A nightingale sings and charms the Emperor\, until a mechanical bird takes its place. When the mechanical bird explodes\, the real nightingale returns to sing on its own… \n\n\n\nSuitable for ages 4 – 94Performances begin at 2pm. Check dates below:July 23rd\, 25th\, 26th\, 30th & 31st.August 1st\, 6th\, 8th\, 9th\, 13th\, 15th\, 16th\, 20th\, 22nd\, 27th\, 29th & 30th.The show lasts about 1.5 hours\, including an interval in the middle. Optional after show – ask questions\, meet the puppets & puppeteers and take photographs. \n\n\n\nTickets: Children £8.50\, Adults £10\, Family £32 (2 adults & 2 children or 1 adults & 3 children). Click the button below to choose your seats\, pay & book on-line. \n\n\n\nBook Here URL:https://up-front.com/event/the-emperor-and-the-nightingale-3/ CATEGORIES:Puppet Shows ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://up-front.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/The-Emperor-and-the-Nightingale-Fisherman-Kitchen-Maid.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250906T183000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250906T183000 DTSTAMP:20260501T182109 CREATED:20250815T101215Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250826T110154Z UID:4890-1757183400-1757183400@up-front.com SUMMARY:Dub N Grub presents Messenger Sound System Ft Ista Lion & Afrikan Simba DESCRIPTION:We kick off the Dub N Grub after summer season. \n\n\n\nInviting guest sound system Messenger all the way from Edinburgh Scotland. Stevie Messenger has been promoting and playing roots sound system music since 1987. \n\n\n\nA true pioneer of the Scottish sound system scene. Stevie and his crew have been promoting one of the longest standing quality sound system nights in the UK. Over the years he has brought some amazing artists such as Jah Shaka to Edinburgh. The night will feature 2 live vocalists Ista Lion & Afrikan Simba both accomplished artists that know how to work the vibes. \n\n\n\nFood will be served take away style for an extra price from 6:30pm onwards. \n\n\n\nMake sure you get down early to enjoy the full Messenger experience from start to finish  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nTICKETS £15.50. BOOK HERE https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/upfrontartslimited/t-zzvemez URL:https://up-front.com/event/dub-n-grub-presents-messenger-sound-system-ft-ista-lion-afrikan-simba/ CATEGORIES:Concerts-Performances ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://up-front.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/487332188_1082513687247193_3864474331768299228_n-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250927T080000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251031T170000 DTSTAMP:20260501T182109 CREATED:20250927T085330Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260108T180916Z UID:4954-1758960000-1761930000@up-front.com SUMMARY:Late Summer / Autumn Exhibition DESCRIPTION:A mixed exhibition featuring work by a young\, local Fine Art Graduate and work by three other Cumbrian artists – Jamie Oldham\, John Sibson & Geoffrey Smith. \n\n\n\nGeorgia Dalzell has just graduated from Leeds Arts University and she has been accepted at The Royal College of Art in London\, to do her MA. She will be exhibiting the paintings from her final degree show. \n\n\n\nJamie Oldham is a member of The Lakes Art Society and his collection includes oil and acrylic landscapes. \n\n\n\nGeoffrey Smith works in oils and paints a range of subjects. This collection of work concentrates on hares\, barn owls & Herdwick sheep\, alongside some local landscapes. \n\n\n\nJohn Sibson’s paintings includes marine watercolours and oil landscapes. URL:https://up-front.com/event/late-summer-autumn-exhibition-2025/ CATEGORIES:Exhibitions ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://up-front.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Georgia-Dalzell-Portfolio-w-price-8-cropped.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250927T193000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250927T193000 DTSTAMP:20260501T182109 CREATED:20250903T162546Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250903T162548Z UID:4912-1759001400-1759001400@up-front.com SUMMARY:An Evening of Music & Food with Upfront Kitchen Ft Blanty DESCRIPTION:Blantys enthusiasm for music & life is contagious\, his songs are very catchy\, his music is distinctly individual in a wonderful way. The dynamics of Blantys guitar playing & songs are breathtaking and he puts an amazing amount of energy into his live show & everything he does. \n\n\n\n“The human jukebox of legend\, the almighty unbreakable Blanty will wander wherever the wind blows him\, entertaining festival folk far & wide with his singing and strumming\, sometimes for hours on end. Spanish & Celtic songs picked up on his years of musical globetrotting will soothe your festival blues” – Beat-herder\, Perfumed Garden \n\n\n\nA unique all round talent\, Blantys show is medicine and a magical experience full of positive energy\, he captivates his audience\, grabbing their attention & keeping hold \n\n\n\n“Always accompanied by a wide smile & a twinkling eye Blanty is a one off\, scattergun performer whose compelling songs reflect & celebrate his wide experience of life” \n\n\n\nVisit Blanty’s bandcamp to listen here https://blanty.bandcamp.com/ \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFree entry – Advance table booking essential – Tel: 01768484538 Pay as you feel hat goes direct to the musician (please bring cash to support) URL:https://up-front.com/event/an-evening-of-music-food-with-upfront-kitchen-ft-blanty/ CATEGORIES:Concerts-Performances ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://up-front.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/49585735_1107178436137501_4505628651525505024_n-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251025T200000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251025T220000 DTSTAMP:20260501T182109 CREATED:20250912T123658Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260108T180934Z UID:4920-1761422400-1761429600@up-front.com SUMMARY:Nancy's Orange + The Butterfly Collector DESCRIPTION:IN THIS UNIQUE double-bill\, two actor-writers—GRACE KIRKBY & PETER MACQUEEN perform their own one-person shows\, each directed by the other. Grace Kirby as a put-upon but compassionate NHS delivery driver\, carrying meds to a cast of memorable characters (all played by Grace)\, along the the Cumbrian stretch of Hadrian’s Wall and Peter Macqueen as a butterfly lover marooned on a tower of furniture in his flooded house\, waiting—and hoping—for the waters to recede… \n\n\n\nWorking with acclaimed sound designer/composers Mark Melville and José Guillermo Puello and set designer Martin Johns\, they have created two intensely realised worlds out of nothing but words\, a few props\, simple sets and soundscapes of quietly dramatic beauty.Rehearsals for their 2025 tour were here at Upfront and this performance will be the final performance of the tour. Two very powerful topics made excellently entertaining by the very talented Grace Kirby and Peter Macqueen. A must-see production.” \n\n\n\nWe’re sorry to announce that due to illness\, Grace Kirby is unable to perform ‘Nancy’s Orange’ at UpFront on Saturday 25 October. However\, the show must go on! Peter Macqueen will perform The Butterfly Collector in the first half\, and after the interval will give a short illustrated talk about his passion for butterflies (and moths) and the strange history of collecting\, followed by a Q & A session. And of course we’re still serving fabulous pre-show food and drink from 5.30pm for a full evening’s entertainment.Complimentary tea/coffee/cake will be served in the inerval \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nTheatre Tickets £15:  Book your seats below and pay online \n\n\n\n\nBOOK HERE\n\n\n\n\nPre-show supper available from 6pm\, advance booking only \n\n\n\n(Tel. 01768484538 or email info@up-front.com). URL:https://up-front.com/event/4920/ CATEGORIES:Theatre Performannce ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://up-front.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/NancyButterflyEventotron1000px-small.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251107T183000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251107T183000 DTSTAMP:20260501T182109 CREATED:20250924T145633Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260108T181114Z UID:4939-1762540200-1762540200@up-front.com SUMMARY:Dub N Grub presents Aba Shanti i & North Fire Sound DESCRIPTION:We are pleased to welcome back Aba Shanti i \n\n\n\nThe last time he performed at Upfront he blew the roof off the place. He will be playing a set on resident dub / reggae custom built North Fire Sound. \n\n\n\nAba Shanti i has been a resident sound system at Notting Hill Carnival since 1993. He performed and represent UK sound system culture across the world. \n\n\n\nThis will be a special opportunity to see a master of his craft in a small intimate setting play on a beautiful sound system. \n\n\n\nSupport from North Fire Sound \n\n\n\nTickets £15.50 \n\n\n\nFood served at small extra cost from 6:30pm onwardsBook HERE https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/upfrontartslimited/t-mogyxnk URL:https://up-front.com/event/dub-n-grub-presents-aba-shanti-i-north-fire-sound/ CATEGORIES:Concerts-Performances ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://up-front.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWFnZXMucmEuY28vMDQw.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251109T200000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251109T200000 DTSTAMP:20260501T182109 CREATED:20250710T102313Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251127T164539Z UID:4879-1762718400-1762718400@up-front.com SUMMARY:Kris Drever (solo) support from Polly Paulusma DESCRIPTION:Kris Drever is among Scotland’s most acclaimed and distinctive contemporary musicians\, celebrated for his warm voice\, virtuosically expressive guitar playing and imaginative and evocative songwriting. Raised in the Orkney Islands\, Drever has carved out a unique place at the intersection of traditional folk and modern acoustic music\, as a solo artist and as one third of the award-winning trio Lau. \n\n\n\nOver the course of his career\, Kris has won hatfuls of honours\, including BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards for Best Singer\, Best Original Song\, and Best Group with Lau. His solo work combines lyrics of depth and authenticity with expertly pitched arrangements\, exploring themes of place\, identity\, and social change\, delivered with clarity\, compassion\, and poetic insight. \n\n\n\nKris will be playing some brand-new songs as well as a selection from his back catalogue of originals and interpretations of traditional material on this tour. He will be supported by the wonderful singer songwriter Polly Paulusma. \n\n\n\nThis is a seated gig in our theatre space \n\n\n\nBuy tickets via http://www.ticketsource.co.uk/upfrontartslimited \n\n\n\nPre concert supper can be booked from 5:30pm onwards.(Booking essential via Tel:01768484538) URL:https://up-front.com/event/kris-drever-solo-support-from-polly-paulusma/ CATEGORIES:Concerts-Performances ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://up-front.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/517907005_1272773854853762_2968039434485130040_n-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251129T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260104T163000 DTSTAMP:20260501T182109 CREATED:20251128T183634Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260130T134455Z UID:5044-1764410400-1767544200@up-front.com SUMMARY:Christmas Exhibition DESCRIPTION:Our guest artists for Christmas are Susan Glassford and ceramicist Gordon Cooke. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nOur current resident 2025 are artists John Sibson\, Jamie Oldham\, Geoffrey Smith & Mark A Pearce and ceramicists Syl Macro\, Dorit Deutsch & Chris Cox. URL:https://up-front.com/event/christmas-exhibition/ CATEGORIES:Exhibitions ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://up-front.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Small-jpg-wall-panel.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251214T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260104T160000 DTSTAMP:20260501T182109 CREATED:20251016T132414Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260130T134529Z UID:4975-1765720800-1767542400@up-front.com SUMMARY:PUSS IN BOOTS DESCRIPTION:This year’s Christmas production at Upfront Puppet Theatre is a magical retelling of the classic French fairy tale: “Puss in Boots.” \n\n\n\nThis faithful adaptation brings the beloved story to life with a cast of expertly crafted long string marionettes\, stunning special effects and an original musical score. \n\n\n\nThe story begins with three sons inheriting very different gifts: one receives a mill\, another a donkey\, and the youngest is left only a cat. But this is no ordinary cat — he can talk\, and he’s on a mission to change his master’s fortunes. Through clever tricks and bold moves\, the cat helps his master rise in status to become the Marquis of Carabas\, outwitting a powerful ogre and securing a royal marriage. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nAll shows are at 2pm. ( telephone or email to book lunch tables before the shows)Performance days are:December 14th\, 20th\, 21st\, 22nd\, 23rd\,24th\, 27th\, 28th\,29th & 30th.January 2nd\, 3rd & 4th. \n\n\n\nTickets: Adults £10\, Children £8.50\, Family £32 (2 adults/2 children or 1 adult/3 children)To choose your seats\, book and pay online\, follow the link below: \n\n\n\nhttps://www.ticketsource.co.uk/upfrontartslimited/e-vzkqav URL:https://up-front.com/event/puss-in-boots-2/ CATEGORIES:Puppet Shows ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://up-front.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/010815_0416-web-image.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260207T200000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260207T200000 DTSTAMP:20260501T182109 CREATED:20250903T143126Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251015T150308Z UID:4908-1770494400-1770494400@up-front.com SUMMARY:The Breath DESCRIPTION:The Breath is Manchester-based guitarist Stuart McCallum and singer/flautist Ríoghnach Connolly. They met on the city’s gig circuit in the late noughties. An unlikely pairing though it was\, he an acclaimed guitar whiz\, ex long-time member of The Cinematic Orchestra and a softly spoken Manchester urbanite\, she a folk singer with a larger-than-life personality and a powerful voice to match. Their connection was immediate; they formed The Breath in 2016\, a singer-songwriter duo to present their contemporary take on alt-folk. \n\n\n\nFor them\, it’s all about the song. Connolly is a storyteller and their exquisitely crafted\, honest\, personal\, heartfelt songs are as likely to touch on childhood summers and first love as cultural dislocation\, post- colonial injustices and grief. But it’s Ríoghnach’s impassioned delivery and extraordinary stop-you-in- your-tracks voice\, coupled with Stuart’s understated brilliance that is so engaging. \n\n\n\nThe Breath have released three albums on Peter Gabriel’s Real World label. Their breakthrough album\, ‘Carry Your Kin’ (2016) delved deeply into the spaces between rock\, ambient and Irish folk\, where layered vocals\, mesmerising guitar riffs and expansive folk arrangements created a big sound. ‘Let the Cards Fall’ followed in 2018\, and\, like the first\, was recorded with a full band granting a multi-textured kaleidoscope of sound with a cinematic sensibility. References to Celtic history and cultural loss are woven into a bewitching collection of songs that span beguiling ballads and punch-the-air anthems. In support of the release\, Stuart and Ríoghnach performed a series of shows – just the two of them. Stripped bare\, they found a new depth and beauty in their songs allowing their extraordinary connection to shine through. \n\n\n\nThe duo returned to the studio in 2019 to record ‘Only Stories (Let the Cards Fall Revisited)’ reimagining previous work (alongside two new songs) taking it back to its acoustic roots. This new direction would see Ríoghnach Connolly receive an RTÉ Folk Award nomination for Best Folk Singer and win Folk Singer Of The Year at the 2019 BBC R2 Folk Awards for which the duo were also nominated as Best Duo/Group. \n\n\n\nDuring the pandemic of 2020/2021\, The Breath returned to the studio to record a set of songs in remembrance of American lost folk icon\, Karen Dalton. In the spring of 2021\, they released a two-track single\, ‘Something On Your Mind’ and original song\, ‘Remembering Mountains’. They release their third studio album on Real World Records in 2023. \n\n\n\nThe Breath in Autumn 2023 build to their new album\, ‘Land Of My Other’. Ten original tracks of raw\, gorgeous\, acoustic-minded music. Songs that tell stories in ways that soothe\, stir\, exalt\, and touch emotional chords that will bring tears of lamenting joy\, to your eyes. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBUY TICKETS HERE https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/upfrontartslimited/t-pqpvxoa URL:https://up-front.com/event/the-breath/ CATEGORIES:Concerts-Performances ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://up-front.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/The-Breath-2048x1366-PH-pic-2-July2023-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260311T200000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260311T200000 DTSTAMP:20260501T182109 CREATED:20251127T165645Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260108T181612Z UID:5035-1773259200-1773259200@up-front.com SUMMARY:Kathryn Tickell & Amy Thatcher DESCRIPTION:The intuitive musical interplay between Kathryn and Amy is born out of a long-standing creative friendship. Kathryn’s pipes marry beautifully with Amy’s exquisite accordion playing. A cascade of jigs\, reels\, heart-wrenching airs\, together with percussive clog dancing makes for an irresistible mix. Kathryn’s current release ‘Return to Kielderside’ marks 40 years since her first album made while she was still at school. “…an artistic\, physical\, psychic repositioning of the musician against the landscape that first inspired her.” KLOF Mag. Kathryn Tickell – Northumbrian pipes\, fiddle\, voice Kathryn is widely acclaimed as the foremost exponent of the Northumbrian pipes. She is a composer\, performer\, broadcaster and recording artist whose work is deeply rooted in the landscape and people of Northumbria. She has released 17 of her own albums to date and has also recorded and performed with Sting\, Jacob Collier\, The Chieftains\, Penguin Café Orchestra\, Royal Northern Sinfonia\, London Sinfonietta and many others. She has twice won “Musician of the Year” at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and was awarded the OBE in 2015 for services to folk music. Kathryn is a regular presenter for BBC Radio 3’s “Music Planet”. Amy Thatcher – accordion\, voice\, clog dancing Amy is one of the UK’s leading folk accordionists. Her musical roots are in Stockport’s Fosbrook Folk Education Trust\, where she trained from the age of eight on accordion\, fiddle\, piano and clog dancing. The Traditional Music degree course at Newcastle University drew her to the north east where she subsequently joined The Shee\, The Monster Ceilidh Band and Kathryn’s ensembles The Side and The Darkening. “No one has evoked the landscape and traditions of Northumbria more affectingly than Kathryn Tickell; a champion of the Northumbrian pipes\, she is steeped in the songs and mythology of the north-east.” The Observer. Book tickets here – https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/upfrontartslimited/t-qmjjmpePre concert supper served from 5:30pm onwards booking essential Telephone: 01768484538 URL:https://up-front.com/event/kathryn-tickell-amy-thatcher/ CATEGORIES:Concerts-Performances ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://up-front.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/OLdQSdQy.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260314T183000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260314T183000 DTSTAMP:20260501T182109 CREATED:20251127T171140Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260108T181002Z UID:5038-1773513000-1773513000@up-front.com SUMMARY:Dub N Grub presents Soothsayers & North Fire Sound DESCRIPTION:The secret of Soothsayers’ longevity is down to the band’s evolution\,keeping them relevant in changing times .The band have produced 11 top quality studio albums showcasing song writing that exudes a joy of music and life\, lyrically reflecting on social problems and political pitfalls. \n\n\n\nIn Sep 2025 Soothsayers will release a new album\, Fly Higher \, celebrating 25 years since their first release. Singles from the album have already received extensive radio play\, an album packed full of groove and melody that demonstrates that Soothsayers passion for creating uplifting and meaningful music burns as strong as ever. \n\n\n\nLive performances are where the band take their organic unique anduniversally uplifting afro \, jazz and dub infused sound to the next level combining high quality musicianship with a lyrical message\, warm sonics and irresistible dance grooves. Soothsayers have performed at an impressive list of festivals\, venues and theatres including: \n\n\n\nRototom Festival (Spain)\, WOMAD \, The North Sea Jazz Festival\, Dhaka World Music Festival\, London Jazz Festival\, Glastonbury\, Barbados World Music Festival. \n\n\n\nLive radio sessions include BBC Radio 3\, BBC radio London\, BBC Radio 4\, BBC World Service\, JazzFM and more.Take away grub menu available at a small extra costDoors 6:30pm Tickets £16 purchase here click link – https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/upfrontartslimited/t-vxekqrx URL:https://up-front.com/event/dub-n-grub-presents-soothsayers-north-fire-sound/ CATEGORIES:Concerts-Performances ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://up-front.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Sooth-6-peice-colour-happy-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260327T200000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260327T200000 DTSTAMP:20260501T182109 CREATED:20260131T103757Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260319T205117Z UID:5152-1774641600-1774641600@up-front.com SUMMARY:Oxford Concert Party DESCRIPTION:Take 300 years of music from around the world\, turn it upside down\, infuse it with humour\, energy\, passion and pathos – and you have the recipe with which the Oxford Concert Party charms and delights its audiences wherever they go. Described as “a decidedly unstuffy bunch of superb musicians” (Daily Telegraph) they create a rich\, colourful and expressive sound\, and their vibrant virtuosity\, and zany offbeat humour makes for an unforgettable performance. \n\n\n\nThe Oxford Concert Party is a lively and highly entertaining group of six first-rate musicians with a unique repertoire which ranges from Vivaldi to Piazzolla\, via Argentinian Tango\, Jewish Klezmer\, French cafe music\, and music from Eastern Europe\, Ireland and Scotland.  \n\n\n\n“One of the most entertaining\, mould-breaking groups around”   Oxford Times \n\n\n\n“A decidedly unstuffy bunch of superb musicians – look out for them whenever your spirits need a lift”  Daily Telegraph \n\n\n\nTours include the Shetland Islands\, Scotland\, Ireland\, Holland\, Italy (by personal invitation from Gian Carlo Menotti). \n\n\n\nRadio appearances include The Late Show (Radio Eireann)\, Mr. Anderson’s Fine Tunes\, Loose Ends (Edinburgh Festival Pick of the Fringe)\, Friday Night is Music Night\, In Tune (Radio 3)\, Front Row (BBC Radio 4)Pre concert supper can be booked from 5:30pm onwards (booking essential) Tel: 01768484538 Tickets £15 – BOOK HERE – https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/upfrontartslimited/t-ldngezy URL:https://up-front.com/event/oxford-concert-party/ CATEGORIES:Concerts-Performances ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://up-front.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/163-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260329T150000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260412T150000 DTSTAMP:20260501T182109 CREATED:20260218T170600Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260305T134417Z UID:4780-1774796400-1776006000@up-front.com SUMMARY:Stanelli's Super Circus DESCRIPTION:A full circus in miniature. An amazing experience not to be missed\, suitable for all ages. This unique collection of trick circus marionettes was saved for the nation by a Heritage Lottery Grant. It is one of the largest and most complete puppet circus’s in Europe. You will see clowns\, jugglers\, acrobats\, tight-rope walker\, lion jumping throuh fire… plus the highlight of the show – Zippo the clown shooting out of a cannon. \n\n\n\nPerformances dates and times:Sunday 29th March @ 3pmWednesday 1st April @ 3pmThursday 2nd April @ 11amFriday 3rd April @ 3pmEaster Sunday 5th April @ 3pmEaster Monday 6th April @ 3pmWednesday 8th April @ 3pmThursday 9th April @ 11amFriday 10th April @ 3pmSunday 12th April @ 3pm \n\n\n\nThe show lasts approximately 1.5 hours\, including an interval in the middle. Meet the puppets and puppeteers after the show and take photographsTICKETS:Children £8.50 Adults £10 Family £32 (2 adults & 2 children or 1 adult & 3 children).Choose your seats and book online below \n\n\n\nhttps://www.ticketsource.co.uk/upfrontartslimited/e-xpregj \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nN.B. The Upfront Puppet Museum will be opening for the first time on puppet show days. Book tickets for a museum visit at 1:30 before the 3pm performances\, or at 1pm after the morning performances.Tickets will be available to book online very soon. URL:https://up-front.com/event/stanellis-super-circus-3/ CATEGORIES:Puppet Shows ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://up-front.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/STANELLI-ON-STAGE-05-medium-size-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260425T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260425T190000 DTSTAMP:20260501T182109 CREATED:20260323T215458Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260323T215458Z UID:5174-1777143600-1777143600@up-front.com SUMMARY:Steel Foxes\, Uncle Carbunkle & North Fire Sound (DJ) DESCRIPTION:Steel Foxes are an 8 piece band from Cumbria that have made a solid impression on new audiences across the festival scene last summer. As they get ready for another busy summer of festivals we welcome them for spring dance to blow out the the cobwebs. \n\n\n\nSteel Foxes creates a unique sound blending violin\, harp electronic synths and fx with tight drums and bass. Complimented with chunky guitar riffs & vocal harmonies. They are hard to define as their sound is a unique mix of funk\, dubbed out electronics and soundscapes with high energy rhythms and performance. \n\n\n\nOn support we have Cumbrian blues musician known for his impromptu busking performances around the county Phil Saunders AKA Uncle Carbunkle. He will be playing his version of Cyberskiffle with electronic blues guitar\, harmonica & vocals alongside live drums. \n\n\n\nAfter party DJ set from North Fire Sound playing funk\, soul\, hip hop & reggae \n\n\n\nTickets £12 \n\n\n\n– BUY HERE –https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/upfrontartslimited/t-jxxlldr URL:https://up-front.com/event/steel-foxes-uncle-carbunkle-north-fire-sound-dj/ CATEGORIES:Concerts-Performances ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://up-front.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/IMG-20250806-WA0026.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260426T200000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260426T200000 DTSTAMP:20260501T182109 CREATED:20260305T135148Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260305T135148Z UID:5167-1777233600-1777233600@up-front.com SUMMARY: Ahmed Dickinson Cárdenas and Eduardo Martín (Classical Guitar Concert) DESCRIPTION:This April\, The Bridge returns to the beautiful Upfront Gallery with a powerful new chapter in their story. \n\n\n\nAfter their electrifying debut\, Ahmed Dickinson Cárdenas and Eduardo Martín reunite to present music from their second album\, The Bridge II: En otra dimensión — a vibrant\, soulful and deeply human conversation between two of Cuba’s most distinctive guitar voices. \n\n\n\nRooted in an innate Caribbean sense of rhythm\, their performances transform the guitar into a complete orchestra. Classical lyricism and rock energy flow seamlessly into son montunos\, Yoruba-inspired chants\, feel-good rumbas\, funk-infused boleros and cinematic soundscapes\, where Cuban tumbaos and percussive slap-bass effects create a rich and intoxicating tapestry of sound. \n\n\n\nTwo virtuosos. Two generations. One unforgettable musical journey. \n\n\n\nJoin us this April in Penrith for an evening that promises fire and intimacy\, brilliance and depth — and experience the next dimension of The Bridge live. \n\n\n\nPre concert supper can be booked from 5:30pm onwards \n\n\n\nBuy tickets here http://www.ticketsource.co.uk/upfrontartslimited URL:https://up-front.com/event/ahmed-dickinson-cardenas-and-eduardo-martin-classical-guitar-concert/ CATEGORIES:Concerts-Performances ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://up-front.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/DSC0430-ARW_DxO_DeepPRIME-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260509T150000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260509T150000 DTSTAMP:20260501T182109 CREATED:20260128T141142Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260130T135824Z UID:5126-1778338800-1778338800@up-front.com SUMMARY:Dub N Grub presents Channel One Ft Ras Sherby plus North Fire Sound & Friends DESCRIPTION:As Dub N Grub slowly works its way through some of the UK’s top ranking sound system DJs & mic men. After trying to make this happen for many year we are buzzing to announce we have finally managed to book Mikey Dread from Channel One Sound System & MC Ras Sherby on the mic. \n\n\n\nChannel One have played all over the world with numerous headline performance at huge festivals and sound system events. The Channel One Sound System is a regular feature at many UK club nights and festivals. \n\n\n\nThis will be a one off opportunity to see them playing on a custom built reggae sound system provided by North Fire Sound. \n\n\n\nNorth Fire Sound & friends on DJ support \n\n\n\nFood will be served at a small extra cost from 3pm onwards. \n\n\n\nBook tickets via ticketsourcewww.ticketsource.co.uk/upfrontartslimited URL:https://up-front.com/event/dub-n-grub-presents-channel-one-ft-ras-sherby-plus-north-fire-sound-friends/ CATEGORIES:Concerts-Performances ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://up-front.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/needle-1-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260515T200000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260515T200000 DTSTAMP:20260501T182109 CREATED:20260130T134320Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260130T134548Z UID:5145-1778875200-1778875200@up-front.com SUMMARY:Jack Broadbent DESCRIPTION:In 2026\, Jack Broadbent hits the road in support of Orchids\, a deeply personal new album recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios. The record\, which earned early acclaim and led to Broadbent’s 2025 Boisdale ‘Jazz/Blues Artist of the Year Award’\, presented by Jools Holland\, showcases his signature slide guitar alongside some beautifully crafted piano pieces and his most sensitive songwriting to date. Orchids explores love\, loss and family\, featuring Jack’s father Mick Broadbent on bass. This is Jack Broadbent\, exposed\, raw\, intimate\, and unmissable live. \n\n\n\nPre concert super can be booked from 5:30pm (booking essential Tel: 01768484538 to book.Tickets £20 Book Tickets HERE www.ticketsource.co.uk/upfrontartslimited URL:https://up-front.com/event/jack-broadbent/ CATEGORIES:Concerts-Performances ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://up-front.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/476346858_1176284603868556_9192495744500302916_n.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR