Folk supergroup Spell Songs with live painting by award-winning artist Jackie Morris – back in the Octagon after a sell out show in May 2025
A much-anticipated live performance by folk ‘supergroup’ Spell Songs, the musical evolution of the iconic Lost Words and Lost Spells books by acclaimed author Robert Macfarlane and award-winning artist Jackie Morris, commissioned by Folk by the Oak Festival and featuring the collaborative genius of Karine Polwart, Julie Fowlis, Seckou Keita, Kris Drever, Rachel Newton, Beth Porter and Jim Molyneux.
Spell Songs are renowned for enthralling live performances that expertly blend virtuosic kora, electroharp, cello, Indian harmonium and more, gorgeously layered with musical and linguistic influences spanning from Orkney to Senegal. Inspired by Robert and Jackie’s latest work, The Book of Birds, Spell Song’s new studio album In Thin Air is released on 4th September and this uplifting performance will include a wealth of beautiful new songs alongside favourites from The Lost Words Spell Songs (2019) and Spell Songs II, Let The Light In (2021).
Spell Songs will be joined on stage by Lost Words artist Jackie Morris conjuring creatures and birds from ink and watercolour, bringing a captivating artistic dimension to all the shows.
DOORS – 7PM.
Praise for Spell Songs Live
“One of the best live experiences I’ve ever seen at Birmingham Town Hall”
Chris Proctor, Head of Programming, Birmingham Town Hall and Symphony Hall
“The art, the music, the sheer, ravishing beauty of the language… one of the greatest concerts we’ve ever had at Hay.”
Hay International Literary Festival
“Pure, organic folk loveliness of the highest calibre”
Red Guitar Music
