Wild Traditions is a new happening organised by folk song and dance organisation Soundpost. It involves concert, tunes and singing sessions at Gathering Ground's Pavilion within Hillsborough Park, taking place once a month on a Saturday night, 7:30–11pm.
Martin Simpson – 9 May 2026
For our opening night we are delighted to present local legend Martin Simpson. Universally acclaimed as one of the finest ever acoustic and slide guitar players, and a fine banjo-picker to boot, his solo shows bear witness to an artist at the very top of his game. Whether interpreting material from tradition or singing his own potent self-penned songs, Simpson is a remarkable storyteller: captivating and profoundly moving. Martin is rarely seen in such intimate surroundings, performing as he does on the very finest of stages, so we are honoured to have him celebrating our launch with us - a night very much not to be missed!
Queer Folk – 6 June 2026
After discovering a rich seam of LGBTQIA+ folk songs in the archives, George Sansome and Sophie Crawford began performing this powerful repertoire together, breathing new life into long-hidden stories. Accompanied by guitar, bouzouki and accordion, they’re now taking these songs on tour to celebrate the release of their new album. Sophie’s album Silver Pin was Mainly Norfolk’s album of the year in 2018, and she also plays with Patrick Wolf in his Kinfolk band. George’s debut solo album was one of Songlines magazine’s ‘Essential 10 Folk Albums of 2020’ and he also plays with trad folk trio Granny’s Attic, and in duos with Matt Quinn, and Holly Clarke. Together, Sophie and George are bringing queer folk music to audiences far and wide, celebrating and sharing this vibrant musical heritage.
Soundpost Special – 4 July 2026
Join us for a night of celebration and to meet the Soundpost family. Our adult Forge & Fledge instruments group have been going for 10 years so we thought it would be lovely to show off their skills and have a bit of a party. There will be special guest spots from the staff, including Fay Hield, Rosie Hodgson, Rosie Butler Hall, Nicola Beazley, Robyn Chicot, Seb Stone and Rowan Piggott in various set ups. Expect lively, unique collaborations, expert musicianship and a night you will never experience again.
What happens?
When you arrive there will be a tunes session happening that you are welcome to join in with. They might strike up again in the interval too. See the House Tunes book if you want to learn any of the tunes in advance...
There will be two 40 minute sets from a guest act like a usual concert, but it will be quite an intimate atmosphere and there will be no PA.
Before and after each set from the guest act there will be a House Song. Everyone is welcome to sing along and words will be available - no pressure though, if you don't want to sing.
For the last hour or so of the night (after the guest act) there will be a singing session. You are welcome to bring a song to sing either solo or with friends, join in with other singer's choruses, or pick a song for everyone to sing from the House Songs book. You can just sit and listen too.
People will just jump in with a song rather than going 'round the room' so it won't be noticeable if you don't lead a song, and no one will pressure you to do so. If you want to sing but need a bit more support to jump in, let the MC, or people on the door, know and they'll subtly help find a space for you to start one.
There will be a bar selling alcohol and soft drinks.
The Gathering Ground has step free access and an accessible toilet. Please let us know in advance if space for a wheelchair is needed, or for any other access requirements.
Event description by organisers.
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