World Curlew Day 2026 (evening event)

Event information

Join us in Slaithwaite on Saturday, 18th April 202,6 for a full day of events to celebrate World Curlew Day

The day begins with a guided walk from Marsden (please book a separate ticket via Curlew Action), followed by a free Family Nature Fun Day at The Civic with crafts, nature stalls and plenty of Curlew inspiration, and finishes with an evening of live music featuring local bands plus David Gray in conversation with Robin Ince.

A day of Curlews, community, conservation and music, all in support of securing a future for one of our most iconic birds

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Evening performances from :

/ David Gray (Live and in Conversation with Robin Ince)

David Gray is a multi-platinum, Ivor Novello-winning British singer-songwriter whose breakthrough album White Ladder became one of the best-selling records in the UK. Known for his distinctive voice and deeply reflective songwriting, David has spent over three decades creating music that explores love, loss, hope and our relationship with the natural world.
David is a patron and ambassador for Curlew Action and he brings both artistry and passion to World Curlew Day, “I’m just one singer trying to help another.”


/ Frankie Archer

Frankie Archer presents a blistering nu-ancient trad bangers, telling tales and unfolding beliefs. Inspired in part by the medieval danse macabre and touching on mortality, grief and love, the album’s sound journeys through dreamy electronic to gnarly gristle and everything in between.
“Extraordinary”- Jools Holland


/ Johnny Campbell

Johnny's recent album 'True North', is described as a ''Psychogeography Field Trip'' (MOJO) in which Johnny field recorded traditional songs of Northern England on each of the county high points. None other than Richard Thompson put it in his top 5 albums of the 2024 in MOJO. Last year he became the first person to tour the Pennine Way for the 60th anniversary of the route's inception. Collaborating with the National Trails Network, Johnny toured/walked Britain's first long-distance path, carrying a guitar, performing 17 shows in 19 days over 268 miles.


/ Henry Parker

In the Southside’s Glad Cafe, Henry Parker holds us rapt with superlative guitar-picking and song stories,” wrote Shindig! Magazine journalist Lenny Helsing, describing an intimate live set of 70’s influenced original songwriting and reimagined traditional folk tunes by this quietly renowned Yorkshire folk guitarist.

Two acclaimed solo records Silent Spring and Lammas Fair have led him to share stages with the dearly missed folk legends Wizz Jones and Michael Chapman, progressive rock royalty Soft Machine, and cult icons Current 93; placing him firmly in a world where finger-style folk guitar meets psychedelic aspirations.


/ Wychbury

Wychbury perform mesmerising traditional and self-penned folk songs, steeped in epic, tragic and passionate storytelling. With intricate finger-picking guitar by Che Bradley and captivating vocals and flute by Rhiannon Kenny-McGrath.


/ Hebden Bridge Hill Millies

a female Morris group dancing in the Cotswold style.

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World Curlew Day Highlights Urgent Action for Britain’s Most Threatened Bird

World Curlew Day, held annually on 21 April, brings people together to celebrate and protect the Eurasian Curlew, one of the UK’s most iconic yet rapidly declining birds. Once widespread across our countryside, curlews are now in serious trouble due to habitat loss, changing land use and low breeding success.

The day raises awareness of the curlew’s plight while celebrating the farmers, conservationists, scientists and communities working to secure its recovery. Events include guided walks, talks, social activities and performances, all aimed at inspiring practical action and renewed connection with nature.

Mary Colwell, founder of Curlew Action, said: "World Curlew Day is about hope and action, ensuring that the curlew’s haunting call continues to echo across our landscapes for generations to come."