DBL HEADER: Brothers Gillespie and Iona Lane

Event Information

Exciting Double Header with three acclaimed Folk Musicians.

Described by Folk Radio UK as ‘weaving an especially compelling magic’, and 'showing off British acoustic music in its best possible light', Northumbrian duo The Brothers Gillespie sing songs of great lyrical power, animated by the sound of soaring sibling harmony, inspired guitar playing and a rich array of acoustic instruments. Their songs and performances have a rare, intimate energy that is both earthy and ethereal, romantic and radical.

‘Our music is inspired by the still wild soul of the land in which we live, a land alive with presences, not owned by anyone. It is about seeing with the eye of the heart and recovering our imaginations. It is about finding home, belonging and each other in a world which is singing to us as we sing to it’. The Brothers Gillespie

"Many before me have written of the largely undefinable excellence found in vocals produced by siblings. Such quality has long been a cornerstone of the Gillespies’ output, and, when combined with their gentle and varied instrumental arrangements, their music becomes the complete gold standard package." KLOF Magazine



We first encountered Iona at Leeds Conservatoire showcase and her talent and musicality was immediately obvious. Having studied under the tuition of Nancy Kerr, Jim Moray and Stuart McCallum, Iona has been praised throughout the scene for her delicate yet powerful vocals, which have captivated audiences up and down the country. Iona was chosen by Karine Polwart to receive the Taran Guitars Young Players Bursary 2020. Since receiving the bursary luthier Rory Dowling, of Taran Guitars, has designed and built a bespoke instrument for Iona’s music.

Iona’s debut album Hallival charted at #36 in the Official Folk Album Charts and was named by Folk Radio UK in their Top Albums of 2022. The album received widespread press including in The Guardian, Walk Highlands, BBC Radio 2 and The Scotsman to name a few.

Iona's 2025 album 'Swilkie' weaves ecology, conservation, islands and folklore into poetic songs and contemplative melodies. Written during three residencies on the Isle of Eigg, Isle of Mull and Sanday in Orkney, sense of place and landscape are at the core of these songs and garnered 5* reviews and charted at #23 in the Official Folk Album Charts. Firmly on the ascent in the folk world, with her album Swilkie garnering high acclaim Iona Lane's set will offer freshness, intimacy and a reflectiveness that will enchant you all.

"Iona feels like a kindred spirit with her gorgeous evocations of landscape and geeky scientific references." - Karine Polwart (2022)

“It stopped me in my tracks when I first heard it… Haunting, touching, atmospheric, loving it!” - Mark Radcliffe, BBC Radio 2 (2025).

Usual Cask Ales and Pie and Peas