These artists’ work grows from the landscape, language, history and strange beauty of the north. With the drive of David’s storytelling and Kathryn’s love of the traditions of her native Northumbria, the poetic power of language and music combine. On stage Kathryn and David are joined by accordionist and clog dancer Amy Thatcher, to bring you a memorable evening of stories, songs and, of course, irrepressible music.
Kathryn Tickell is the foremost exponent of the Northumbrian pipes, a composer, educator, performer and successful recording artist. Over a career spanning 25 years she has released 15 of her own albums to date and has also recorded and performed with Sting, The Chieftains, Penguin Café Orchestra, Jon Lord, Evelyn Glennie, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, London Sinfonietta and many others. In 2015 she was awarded the OBE for services to folk music.
“I can’t remember feeling so exhilarated by such a match of music and landscape.” Richard Morrison, The Times (on Kathryn’s “Northumbrian Voices”).
David Almond is the author of Skellig, My Name is Mina, The Savage, The Tightrope Walkers, A Song for Ella Grey and many other novels, stories, picture books, opera librettos and plays. His work is translated into 40 languages, and is widely adapted for stage and screen. His major awards include The Carnegie Medal, two Whitbread Awards, The Eleanor Farjeon Award, The Michael L Printz Award (USA), Le Prix Sorcieres (France) and The Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize. In 2010 he won the Hans Christian Andersen Award, the world’s most prestigious prize for children’ authors. He is Professor of Creative Writing at Bath Spa University and lives in Northumberland.
“A writer of visionary, Blakean intensity.” The Times.
“A Tyneside Dylan Thomas, and it is impossible not to be swept up in the power of his storytelling.” Daily Telegraph
This event is part of Manchester Folk Festival – a celebration of English folk in all its forms, from indie to traditional, familiar names alongside exciting new voices. From 19-22 October in and around HOME, the whole festival takes place in one area of Manchester over one weekend. The Festival presents an incredible music line-up, as well as craft workshops, film, a proper pub singaround, artists in conversation and a relaxed Festival Hub where you can watch the world go by. Friendly, inclusive and full of opportunities for discovery, it will have the spirit of a festival in a field, in the heart of the city.
