C o n c e r t s - 2025/26
November 12th 2025 - Gatehouse
Wrea Green Institute, Station Road,
Wrea Green, Preston, PR4 2PH
Gatehouse, an Irish traditional band, is far more than your typical group. Comprising Rachel Garvey on vocals, Jacinta McEvoy on guitar and concertina, John McEvoy on fiddle and mandola, and John Wynne on flute and whistles, this ensemble embodies a rich musical pedigree.
With a knack for tasteful interpretations of traditional songs and dynamic instrumentals, Gatehouse has enraptured audiences worldwide. Their performances seamlessly blend masterful technical proficiency with captivating vocal numbers, creating a mesmerising sonic experience.
Characterised by infectious rhythms, soothing vocals, and subtle instrumental interplay. Gatehouse’s ability to infuse classic folk tunes with contemporary flair has earned them praise for their innovative accompaniment and enchanting vocals. They have been variously described as: ‘An unerring delight’ (The Irish Times), ‘... a group at their very best vocally and instrumentally’ (Irish Music Magazine) and Altan’s Mairéad Ni Mhaonaigh describes their 2019 album ‘Heather down the Moor’, as …’a joy to listen to’.
supported by Culture Ireland
Entrance £14 cash or card on the door, Doors 7:15 pm, start 8 pm
Our December concert is always a highlight of the musical year so we have a special warming treat for you to end the year with powerhouse Yorkshire duo Bryony and Alice. Their recent album, Wesselbobs, presents a unique collection of winter songs and tunes sourced from their beloved native county featuring fiddle, harmonium, tenor guitar and body percussion, combined with their beautifully matched vocals and intricate harmonies.
Bryony is an English fiddle player and singer with a rich repertoire of English dance tunes and songs. Her career, so far, began with acclaimed ceilidh band Bedlam through to an appearence on Jools Holland, being a member of The Witches of Elswick (with Fay Hield) and being a founder member of the BBC Folk Award-winning Demon Barbers.
Alice is a singer, multi-instrumentalist and dancer whose background is deeply rooted in the English folk tradition and the music that she makes instantly reflects this strong influence. Alice accompanies herself on the piano or harmonium and sometimes with foot percussion. She brings fresh, modern perspective to traditional material and brings new life to old songs.
Entrance £14 cash or card on the door, Doors 7:15 pm, start 8 pm
December 17th 2025 - Bryony Griffith & Alice Jones
Wrea Green Institute, Station Road,
Wrea Green, Preston, PR4 2PH
January 14th 2026 - The Snapes with Poppy Weatherall
Wrea Green Institute, Station Road,
Wrea Green, Preston, PR4 2PH
Peter and Barbara Snape with Poppy Weatherall have a repertoire of songs influenced by their North West locality and the broader English Tradition.
‘Their songs compel you to listen and take part and the joy that they invest in the delivery of words and music is totally engaging. The singing is heartfelt; the melodeon and violin playing sympathetic and attractive; the songs carefully selected and well researched’. Their latest album (2025) Such Times as These is a "very impressive, thought-provoking CD" with "good old-fashioned folk from a proven quality act".
Finely honed on some intriguing folk research and performance projects about folk song collectors Anne Geddes Gilchrist OBE and Fred Hamer, and the broadside
printer John Harkness, they are entertaining, poignant, humorous and informative, and they bring the tradition to life in an engaging and appealing manner.
The North West of England has a rich, and often undervalued song tradition and it has no finer or more knowledgeable champions - Sheena Wellington (The Wighton Heritage Centre, Dundee).
Entrance £12 cash or card on the door, Doors 7:15 pm, start 8 pm
February 18th 2026 - Georgia Shackleton & Aaren Bennett
Wrea Green Institute, Station Road,
Wrea Green, Preston, PR4 2PH
To mark 125 years since Sir Ernest Shackleton first set sail on the Discovery with Captain Scott, Georgia unveils a powerful new album and tour rooted in history, music, and the sea. Central to the album is The Shackleton Violin. An extraordinary instrument crafted from the floorboards of Shackleton’s former Edinburgh home. Its voice, carrying the weight of endurance, discovery, and adventure, was captured in the recording process during sessions aboard the
historic RSS Discovery in Dundee, connecting the music directly to the spirit of exploration.
Georgia is joined by guitarist Aaren Bennett. Together they present music composed for our oceans and their struggling marine life, interwoven with songs written by Shackleton and his fellow
explorers during their expeditions.
The result is an evocative blend of history and contemporary reflection. A journey through sound that honours both the past and the urgent stories of today’s seas.
"Beautiful" - Mark Radcliffe BBC Radio 2
“Spirited storytelling and timeless tunes” -Tom Robinson BBC 6 Music
Entrance £14 cash or card on the door, Doors 7:15 pm, start 8 pm