Sykes Martin

Event information

Join us to see and hear SykesMartin, a collaboration between two of British folk's finest voices. Miranda Sykes (Show of Hands) and Hannah Martin (Edgelarks, Gigspanner Big Band) join forces to present a set of songs that take them back to their shared roots.

Having played together many times, including in Steve Knightley's Wake the Union band, and at the Royal Albert Hall, they knew that they shared an instinctive ear for harmony and skilled instrumental improvisation. A sociable Devon winter evening led to an exchange of songs which proved to be so much fun that they soon arranged another musical get together. Swiftly these became rehearsal sessions, as a strong new sound emerged. Centred around their deep knowledge of roots music, and a love of harmony singing, SykesMartin brings together old songs with new ideas; ancient tales with double bass, fiddle, and banjo; and two mesmerising storytellers joining voices to create a spine-tingling testimonial to our shared musical heritage.

After we hosted a date on their opening tour, we are delighted that Miranda and Hannah chose to visit Wadsworth Community Centre again in 2026.

“An exciting collaboration…a must for any folkie!” The Morning Star

Support Chris Manners has been honing his songwriting and performing craft for over 40 years, his work deeply rooted in the English folk tradition and influenced by the likes of Martin Carthy and Nic Jones, Bill Caddick and Jake Thackray.

He lives in West Yorkshire and is a long-time resident at Pete Coe’s Ryburn folk club and with the folk development organisation Ryburn 3 Step. He has performed all over the UK, including Sidmouth and Towersey festivals and West End Theatres. In Autumn 2024 he released his fourth solo album Bar the Doors and Bang the Shutters Down to excellent reviews.

www.chrismannersmusic.co.uk chrismanners.bandcamp.com

‘One of the unsung heroes of singer-songwriterdom . . . enjoys best-kept-secret status among cognoscenti’ – Fatea Magazine

Usual Pie and Peas, Cask Ale and Warm Welcome.

Photo : Nigel Plant : https://nigelplant.photo/home