February sees the return of the ever popular Stage4Beverley, offering music, comedy and spoken word events as well as a dance for those with plenty of energy to expel.
A line-up of top performers includes Gary Stewart’s Graceland celebrating 40 years of Paul Simon’s award winning album; Jazz diva Jacqui Dankworth; Bellowhead founders Spiers and Boden; Bluegrass virtuoso and band The Charlotte Carrivick Band; BBC Radio 2 Award winners The Sam Kelly Trio; and the increasingly popular contemporary shanty group the Saltburn Smugglers.
For those with energy to expend, the New York Brass Band will be bringing their own brand of New Orleans Brass Band dance music. As always, poetry plays an important part in the festival and this year the Poet Laureate, Simon Armitage, makes a welcome return. Having quickly sold out his first show, he has kindly agreed to give a second performance on the Saturday afternoon. For a Valentine’s Day special, described as the “Banksy of poetry” and Twitter’s (now X) “Poet Laureate”, Brian Bilston will be presenting “Alexa, what is there to know about love?”.
In addition to the national names, the festival is delighted to welcome local performers, including the Beverley Town Handbell Ringers and the Beverley Community Choir. In addition, local musician John Cambridge, presents a talk about his life working and recording with David Bowie in “Bowie, Cambo & All the Hype”.
For more informal events where Pay What you Can is an option, there are workshops, the Horizon Stage for young emerging musicians, and finishing off the Friday and Saturday evenings with a Late Night Festival Club.
Venues for the festival include the East Riding Theatre, Parkway Cinema, Toll Gavel United Church, The Memorial Hall, Monk’s Walk Inn and Beverley Library.
With some events already sold out, those interested in attending are advised to book as soon as possible.
Visit www.stage4beverley.com or call the Box Office on 01482 874050. For events taking place in Parkway Cinema, visit www.beverley.parkwaycinemas.co.uk