C o n c e r t s - 2026
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
Support from Mary Hassett
Entrance £14 cash or card on the door, Doors 7:15 pm, start 8 pm
March 18th 2026 - Brooks Williams & Aaron Catlow
Wrea Green Institute, Station Road,
Wrea Green, Preston, PR4 2PH
Brooks Williams & Aaron Catlow are equal parts Americana, folk and country blues. Their musical chemistry sets the stage ablaze. There literally is no one performing today creating this kind of acoustic music. Georgia-born but living in Cambridge for nearly 20-years, Brooks Williams has something like 35 recordings to his name and has done thousands of gigs over the course of his 35-year career. These are some impressive numbers!
From Cropredy to Glastonbury, Philadelphia to Winnipeg, Costa del Folk to Shrewsbury, there's very few stages Brooks Williams hasn't played. He moves effortlessly between country, blues and folk. RnR writes that Williams is a "guitarist in possession of rich vocal powers and a talent for lyrical imagery" and Fatea writes: "his easy, relaxed manner conceals the greatest level of true expertise.”
Master fiddle player Aaron Catlow was with us in March '24, in company with Kit Hawes, when we gave them a standing ovation so were absolutely delighted to have Aaron back in 2026 this time with Brooks.
“How such a complete and sensational sound can come from just two voices and two instruments is awe-inspiring.” AmericanaUK
Support from Glyn Shipman
Entrance £14 cash or card on the door, Doors 7:15 pm, start 8 pm
April 15th 2026 - Tom McConville & Michael Biggins
Wrea Green Institute, Station Road,
Wrea Green, Preston, PR4 2PH
Tom has performed, toured and collaborated extensively since the 1970’s, winning BBC Radio 2 Folk Musician Of The Year and sharing the stage with the likes of Sean McGuire and The Chieftains, and played on hundreds of albums including with Barbara Dickson and Richard Thompson.
Michael Biggins (piano and accordion) is a multi-instrumentalist from Newcastle, now based in Glasgow. A winner of BBC Radio Scotland’s Young Traditional Musician of the Year, Michael also plays and tours with TRIP, The Canny Band, Northern Company and more.
Last time they were with us (2023) was a most memorable evening so we can expect some wonderful live music from this pair!
Entrance £14 cash or card on the door, Doors 7:15 pm, start 8 pm
May 13th 2026 - Jack Rutter
Wrea Green Institute, Station Road,
Wrea Green, Preston, PR4 2PH
Yorkshire folk singer Jack Rutter has established himself as one of the standout voices of the folk, roots and acoustic music scene in recent years.
A hugely engaging stage presence, his soaring vocal, powerhouse guitar and bouzouki playing and masterful arrangements of traditional songs and contemporary covers have enthralled audiences from the largest festival main stages to the most intimate folk clubs.
His most recent (critically acclaimed) third album "This Is Something Constant" is a compelling and spellbinding showcase of gripping story ballads and upbeat festival-stage firecrackers, perfectly pitched and delivered with soaring, crystal clear vocals that breathe new life into ancient tales.
‘Jack Rutter is one of the most enthralling folk singers, guitarists & musicians on the British folk scene today
- Folk Radio UK
‘An outstanding performer.’
- The Independent
Entrance £14 cash or card on the door, Doors 7:15 pm, start 8 pm
