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Multi-instrumentalist, composer and champion of the Northumbrian pipes, Kathryn Tickell is one of our most dynamic and influential folk musicians. Kathryn and her band, The Darkening, have wowed audiences with their dynamic and unique “Ancient Northumbrian Futurism”.

Based in the shadow of Hadrian’s Wall yet reaching out to the wider world, Kathryn Tickell & The Darkening explore the connecting threads of music, landscape and people over a period of almost 2000 years. Songs range from themes of freedom, nature and venturing out into the world after times of darkness, to a Roman inscription with links to Libya and Syria magnetically pulled into the 21st century with glorious vocal harmonies and the wildest of piping.

 

“…this is a blinder! …just fantastic.” Mark Radcliffe, BBC Radio 2.
(for the album ‘Cloud Horizons’).
“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.

“Kathryn Tickell and The Darkening hold Cropredy in the palm of their hand…”
At The Barrier.

“The highlight of the festival!” Douglas Robertson, Edinburgh TradFest.

“Kathryn and the band’s performance was a festival highlight and I’m hearing that from a lot of folks!” Andy Hillhouse, Harrison Festival, Canada.

Dates: Sunday 1 March, 2026
Venue: Firth Hall
Times: 7:00 pm
Cost: £20 - £16 + booking fee
Book now