01484 848060

Explore the Heart of Creativity at Standedge

North of England Centre for Music & Arts

Discover a world where music, arts and heritage blend seamlessly in the historic Standedge Visitor Centre, Marsden.

What's on

Save the dates! Christmas concerts, children's matinee films and more!

We are delighted to be joined by the author Helena Attlee for this event who will be signing copies of her book.

Keep the hills alive with music

North of England Centre For Music & Arts is a not for profit community interest company.

We provide music and arts education and performances to be enjoyed by everyone.

We need to raise more than £80,000 each year to keep this wonderful centre at Standedge open.

Upcoming events

Lev's Violin - Greg Lawson & Phil Alexander

Greg Lawson is joined by Phil Alexander to present this special concert following the journey of Lev’s Violin.  Based upon Helena Attlee’s  ‘Lev’s Violin: An Italian Adventure’, which reached many thousands of listeners when it was broadcast as BBC Radio 4’s Book of the Week. 

 

We are delighted to be joined by the author Helena Attlee for this event who will be signing copies of her book.

Tuesday 3rd December 2024

from 7.00pm

Sleighbells and Brass - Marsden Silver Prize Band

Marsden Silver Prize Band set the scene for Christmas with traditional carols around the tree and a visit from Santa Claus himself!

Mulled wine,  Craft ales , Mince pies, Stöllen.  Crafts and gift stalls.

Santa Claus will be making a visit in the afternoon – children please bring your Christmas present lists so that the elves can get to work…..  and grown ups:   the bar will be open all day!

Beers from

Empire – Slaithwaite

Three Fiends – Meltham

ZAPATO – Slaithwaite

 

Sunday 8th December 2024

from 2.00pm

TICKETS ARE FREE

when booked online here 

(it helps us plan the day!)

🙂

Hanson Arts Christmas Concerts

 Join us for the Hanson Community Arts Christmas Concerts, a festive celebration featuring a diverse selection of music.

Our concerts showcase the talents of the fabulous Hanson string groups, wind band, ukulele ensemble, big bands, and choirs, all expertly led by renowned maestro Simon Wood.

Embrace the holiday spirit with carols, traditional Christmas favourites with some not-so-traditional favourites (!)  An unforgettable experience for everyone. Don’t miss this joyous occasion to celebrate the season with us!

 

Wednesday 11th  December  2024

Hanson Arts Christmas Concerts

 Join us for the Hanson Community Arts Christmas Concerts, a festive celebration featuring a diverse selection of music.

Our concerts showcase the talents of the fabulous Hanson string groups, wind band, ukulele ensemble, big bands, and choirs, all expertly led by renowned maestro Simon Wood.

Embrace the holiday spirit with carols, traditional Christmas favourites with some not-so-traditional favourites (!)  An unforgettable experience for everyone. Don’t miss this joyous occasion to celebrate the season with us!

 

Thursday 12th December  2024

The Muppet Christmas Carol

The classic Christmas film with fun for all the family.

The muppets retelling of the classic Dickens tale is one of our Christmas favourites.  This family friendly film and the superb music works on so many levels! 

Ebenezer Scrooge played by Sir Michael Caine, and Bob Cratchit played by none other than Kermit the Frog… 

Directed by Brian Henson, original film score composed by Miles Goodman with songs written by Paul Williams   

Sunday 22nd December

from 1pm

&Piano - Carols with Friends

Chris Pulleyn takes us on a magical Christmas journey from the grand piano

Joined by special guests playing and singing. 

Expect favourite carols to sing and exceptional music to entertain and relax as we set the scene for your perfect Christmas celebrations.

 

Sunday 22nd December

from 4pm

Hanson Community Arts provides opportunities for community music making through our education and outreach programmes.

From our home at North of England Centre for Music & Arts we provide instruments and lessons, run a Community Orchestra, Choirs, Wind Band, Big Band, Orchestral String Group, Ukulele Group, Jazz Improvisation and Music Theory Classes.

North of England Centre For Music & Arts is a not for profit community interest company.

We need to raise more than £80,000 each year to keep this wonderful centre at Standedge open. 

That doesn’t pay for staff or volunteers.  Everything we do relies on your generous donations and support from audiences attending events.

Our ‘Future Stars’ programme supports excellence in music performance and has provided fine professional instruments to deserving young players.

Past recipients have gone on to lead in the National Childrens Orchestras, National Youth Orchestras, the Hallé Youth Orchestra and study at or be employed by some of the top Conservatoires including the Royal College of Music, London.

Please help us to continue to provide a space for creativity in our community.

YOUR DONATION, BIG OR SMALL, WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Heidi Talbot

 

“Simply vocal heaven” The Sunday Times

“A voice that’s both awestruck and tender” The New York Times

Composer Of The Year at the Scots Trad Music Awards and nominated for Folk singer of the year and Best Traditional Song by BBC Radio 2, Best Live Act by the Scottish Traditional Music Awards and Best Female Vocalist at The Irish Music Awards. 

Heidi has shared the stage and recorded with Mark Knopfler, Graham Coxon(Blur), Eddi Reader, Idlewild, Matt Rollings, King Creosote, Kris Drever, Tim O’Brien and Jerry Douglas. 

Performing all over North and South America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Europe, Scandinavia, Japan, Australia and New Zealand performing in the finest Concert Halls and International Festivals Heidi Talbot is equally at home in front of a Symphony Orchestra, a Folk Festival, at the White House or even in Marsden! 

**** The Guardian **** The Independant **** The Telegraph **** Q Magazine **** OK! Magazine ***** Maverick

 

Sunday 23rd February 2025

doors open at 6.30pm

Kate Mcdonnell - UK tour date

New York singer songwriter..

“…McDonnell zooms in to make you see and feel things you didn’t even know were there – all with exceedingly fine guitar work and a mossy, alluring voice. I just love this record…”  Marilyn Rea Beyer, host – WFMT’s The Midnight Special – Chicago USA

Sunday 18th May 2025

doors open at 6.30pm

O'Hooley & Tidow

Belinda and Heidi’s boundless songwriting has been described by The Guardian as ‘exceptional’ and The Independent as ‘defiant, robust, northern, poetical, political folk music for the times we live in.’ 

Their latest studio album ‘Cloudheads’ delves into the mindscapes, passions and inner worlds of two highly individual women; Belinda and Heidi. Moving, melodic, dramatic and tender, from stories of parenthood, the call of a song thrush, to a portrait of the last days of a touching relationship between their neighbour Matthew and his beloved Alsatian, Ted, and even a collaboration with Gentleman Jack herself, Suranne Jones on ‘The Ballad of Anne and Ann’, they explore, consider and connect subjects and stories in a distinctive, inventive and memorable way.

Book early to avoid disappointment!

Friday 6th June 2025

doors open at 6.30pm

ROSE ROOM

Double Scottish Jazz Award-winning band Rose Room are Scotland’s leading ensemble influenced by ‘Hot Club’ Parisian Swing.

Led by virtuoso violinist, two-time Scottish Jazz Award-winning vocalist and BBC broadcaster Seonaid Aitken, the band also features Scotland’s No.1 guitar maker Jimmy Moon on double bass with Danny Kyle Award-winning Tam Gallagher on rhythm guitar. On solo guitar, is an exceptional talent from Glasgow’s Southside; guitarist Conor Smith.

Expect the effervescent sound of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli as they serve up a mix of 1930s standards, original music and Gyspy Jazz favourites with their signature flair and fireworks!

 

“As close to the sound of the great Stephane Grappelli as I think you’re going to hear”    BBC RADIO SCOTLAND

Friday 20th June 2025

doors open at 6.30pm

Jon Boden's Colourchord harmony singing workshop

 

Jon Boden best known as lead singer and main arranger of Bellowhead has become the stand out performer of his generation of traditional folk artists, but one whose repertoire extends far beyond the boundaries of the genre. 

Over 12 years Bellowhead achieved a level of critical and commercial success unmatched by any other band working in English traditional music in the last three decades.

Jon’s ‘Colourchord’ harmony-singing system allows any group of singers to sight-sing in four part harmony regardless of experience rather than musical notation.

 

Tuesday 1st July 2025

Past events

Jo Haslam & Friends

An afternoon of poetry and music with award winning poet Jo Haslam and special guests.

 

Award winning Marsden based poet Jo Haslam reads from her fifth collection, “When Auntie was a Crow”.  Jo will be joined by Lincolnshire poet Lynda Plater who will read from her second publication “Saving Fruit”. 

  • Music by the Rossignol String Quartet. 
  • Paintings and prints by artists Markita Hayward and Sammy Palfrey.

 

Sunday 17th November, 2024

from 2:00p.m. – 4:30 p.m

Huddersfield Canal Society - Social evening and AGM

Join the friendly folk from the Huddersfield Canal  Society for a social evening with live music,  enjoy a drink from the bar and a pie and peas supper!

Everyone is welcome!

Thursday 7th November, 2024

from 6:30pm

Cori Smith & Johanna Sunniva with support from guests the Rossignol String Quartet.

From their backgrounds in English and Swedish music, Cori and Johanna intertwine traditional melodies with new compositions and improvisation. Their spiralling arrangements with spinning, trance-like melodies morph into electrifying groove-based tunes, inviting the audience on a musical journey. The duo met last year when Cori was an exchange student, studying folk music at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm, and, for the two of them, no other feeling comes close to making music, creating ‘another world’ and passing on something special to an audience. This promises to be a sublime evening. 

Support from the resident ‘Rossignol String Quartet’ ahead of their Royal Albert Hall debut in November.  Their original compositions and the players own arrangements and improvisations on the Danish String Quartet pieces.

 

Saturday 26th October 2024

Oktoberfest Marsden 2024

Welcome to Oktoberfest 2024 -Marsden!

Join us for a celebration of local microbreweries in the heart of the North of England.  Experience a diverse range of beers from renowned breweries like Riverhead,  Empire, Zapato, Three Fiends, Milltown, Lords, Mallinsons, Linthwaite  (Sair)  and Magic Rock. 
Set in the vibrant arts centre of Marsden, our festival promises not just exceptional brews but also exceptional live music and a lively atmosphere.  It’s the perfect weekend getaway for beer enthusiasts and music lovers alike.
A must for your calendar – a fantastic event that supports local businesses and brings the community together.  Cheers to a memorable weekend!

 

Saturday 19th October 2024

Northern Silents - Silent film night with live music

Award winning Klezmer violinist Alicia Svigals and American pianist Donald Sosin conclude their Northern Silents residency with a remarkable film – found in Paris flea market in 2015 after being lost since the 1930s.

The film

Set in the Vienna-like city of Utopia, The City Without Jews follows the political and personal consequences of an anti-Semitic law to expel the city’s Jews. 

The film had its final screening in Amsterdam in 1933, as a protest against the Nazis – after which it was thought that every copy had been destroyed.

Miraculously, in 2015 a complete print of the film was discovered in a Paris flea market. Beautifully restored by Filmarchiv Austria – and almost exactly a century after its Vienna premiere – this disturbing and unique film now has its first screening in Manchester. 

The music

Alicia Svigals and Donald Sosin have been bringing audiences to their feet throughout the U.S. and Europe with their unique and stirring violin and piano scores for Jewish-themed silent films. Sosin is one of the world’s finest silent film musicians; Svigals is the world’s leading klezmer violinist and a founder of the Grammy-winning Klezmatics.

 

Friday 18th October 2024

7.30pm – 9.00pm

Marsden Fringe Festival

Join us from Friday, October 11th to Sunday, October 13th, 2024, for the Marsden Fringe Festival!

This vibrant music festival takes place in the heart of Marsden Village, running alongside the renowned Marsden Jazz Festival. Experience an incredible lineup of live music, featuring jazz bands, big bands, and funk bands, traditional and contemporary jazz fusion and more alongside community music-making events.

The festival kicks off Friday afternoon and continues through to Sunday evening, offering a packed schedule with something for everyone!

**Festival Hub:**  
The main hub will be at the North of England Centre for Music and Arts and the Standedge Visitor Centre. Enjoy the scenic canal with narrowboats all day, participate in a parade, and explore games, stalls, and crafts, all contributing to a lively festival atmosphere.

Stay tuned for tickets and the full lineup of gigs, coming soon! Don’t miss out on this fantastic celebration of music and community!

 

 

Friday 11 October-Sunday 13 October 2024

Gig Stories Live: Nigel Clark (Dodgy)

Nigel Clark is a singer-songwriter and founding member of Dodgy. Following the 1993 release of their debut album, “The Dodgy Album”,  their infectious melodic tunes soundtracked the rest of the 90s, including the hit singles “Good Enough“, “Staying Out For The Summer“, “Melodies Haunt You” and “In A Room“.

Alex Winters and Chris Payne, hosts of the Gig Stories Podcast, will also be chatting to Nigel about his career in live music.

This is a great opportunity to hear one of the best British songwriters of last 30 years playing solo in an intimate setting.

Event Details

Doors Open at 2:30PM
From 3:00PM to 6:00PM

 

Sunday 29th September from 3pm

Ticketed event

Woodwind Instrument Repair Class - essential skills for players and teachers

Join us for the Woodwind Instrument Repair Day with renowned musical instrument maker Alastair Hanson

Whether you play the clarinet, flute, saxophone, oboe, bassoon, or any woodwind instrument, this hands-on class is designed for everyone—from beginners to seasoned professionals.  Dive into the art of instrument care as you learn how to expertly take apart and reassemble your instrument, troubleshoot common issues, and ensure you’re always concert-ready.

This workshop is particularly valuable for teachers and educators. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of how your instrument works and the confidence to maintain it effectively.

Don’t miss this opportunity to empower yourself and keep your music flowing smoothly! Secure your spot today and be prepared to play your best on stage!

       

      Sunday 29th September from 11am

      Ticketed event

      Yorkshire Massed Bassoon Day with Laurence Perkins

      If you love bassoon playing and you want to explore ways of making it easier and more enjoyable, join us for a massed bassoon day at the historic Standedge visitor centre in Marsden, West Yorkshire.

      Expert advice on
      ❋ Posture❋ Breathing❋ Embouchure❋ Good tone and tuning❋ Sound projection❋ Reed adjustment❋ Fingerings❋ Technical fluency❋ Practice technique❋ Musical interpretation

      https://laurenceperkins.com/

           

          Sunday 29th September from 10am

          Ticketed event

          An evening of Mozart - Musicians from the Orchestra of Opera North

          Mozart’s elegant interweaving of clarinet, viola and piano expertly performed by some of the finest musicians in the country in the first of our classical recitals.

          Programme

          Mozart Kegelstatt Trio K. 498 for clarinet, viola and piano
          Hans Gál Serenade for Clarinet, Violin and Cello
          Mozart Flute Quartet in D, K. 285 for flute, violin, viola and cello

           

          Performers

          Byron Parish Violin
          Anne Trygstad Viola
          Lydia Dobson Cello
          Luke O’Toole Flute
          Andrew Mason Clarinet
          Annette Saunders Piano

           

          Enjoy an evening being whisked from the 18th to the 20th Century and back again.

          For starters, there’s Mozart’s elegant interweaving of clarinet, viola and piano in his Kegelstatt Trio K which was written in 1786 and dedicated to his pupil Franziska von Jacquin – in fact, the piece was first played at the von Jacquin’s house with Mozart on viola.

          To complete the programme, the musicians return to Mozart to play his Quartet in D for flute, violin, viola and cello written when the composer was just 20 years old.

          Saturday 14th September from 7pm

          Ticketed event

          Heritage Crafts

          We are home to Hanson Musical Instruments, one of the few remaining makers of traditional musical instruments in Britain.

          The workshop is open to view from the comfort and safety of the café and visitors area.

          Watch out for dates for workshop events, classes and demonstrations.

          Explore the exquisite craftsmanship of traditional musical instrument making and restoration.

          Musical Instrument making and restoration

          Daily Monday – Friday

          Summer Sizzler - Festival and Barbecue

          🌞🎵 Join us for the ultimate summer celebration at the North of England Centre of Music and Arts – Standedge Visitor Centre, Marsden, Huddersfield 🎉

          Introducing the “Summer Sizzler” – a community barbecue extravaganza that promises a sizzling good time for all! 🍔🍹

          🌭 Indulge in delicious food and drinks at our licensed stalls.
          🎶 Groove to live music performances that will set the perfect summer vibe.
          🎪 Explore various stalls offering unique goods and crafts.
          🚤 Embark on scenic boat trips on the canal aboard a charming narrow boat.
          🌿 Enjoy the picturesque canal-side setting and soak up the summer atmosphere.

          Don’t miss out on this fantastic event that brings together great food, music, art, and community spirit! Join us for the Summer Sizzler at the North of England Centre of Music and Arts – Standedge Visitor Centre. See you there! 🌞🎵🍔🎉

           

          Sunday 1st September

          Ticketed event

          ‘early bird’ advance tickets from £2

          Cello day with Nicholas Trygstad

          Principal cellist with the Hallé for almost 20 years, Nicholas is head of strings at Brimingham Conservatoire and recognised as one of the UK’s foremost cello teachers.

          Join us for a day of technique and fun in equal measure to develop your ensemble skills and repertoire.

          Sunday 18th August from 10.30 am

          Ticketed event

          Klezmer workshop with Robin Seletsky

          Klezmer workshop with special guest  Robin Seletsky, clarinetist and klezmer specialist all the way from upstate New York, USA

          Robin is a Julliard trained clarinetist specialising in Kletzmer style,  guest lecturer at clarinetfest in Dublin.  She is visiting the UK for just a few days – this is an unmissable chance to work with her. 

          www.robinseletsky.com

          Wednesday 7th august, 7 pm – 9pm

          Ticketed event

          Breakdance Taster Session (Age 12-16)

          As Breakdance hits the Olympics for the first time this summer, Break Dance Manchester is coming to Marsden, with some taster sessions.

          Led by their professional teachers and Ideal for beginners, these tasters will cover the basic foundations of Break Dance . Fun sessions will teach young people the rich hip hop culture through exercises in Toprock and Footwork, Freezes and Power Moves, Battles and Cyphers.

          Nothing needed to start – except clothes you can move in, a bottle of water and a sense of fun!

          Monday 5th August

          Ticketed event

          Irish fiddle Workshop with Des Hurley

          Learn traditional Irish fiddle technique and from Des Hurley, CEO of Irish Arts and a highly respected fiddle player in demand both in Britain and Ireland. Des has lectured at Newcastle and Limerick Universities and Leeds Conservatoire.

          Wednesday 31st July, 1 pm – 4pm

          Ticketed event

          Unleash the Wild: Hands-On Animal Adventure for Kids!

          Join us for an unforgettable hour of excitement and learning!

          Bring your little explorers to our animal Adventure, where they will handle a variety of amazing animals!
          From snakes and geckos to fascinating tarantulas, frogs, scorpions, and other incredible invertebrates.

          Learn and Discover: Our expert guide will share fun and educational facts about each animal, their habitats, and unique behaviours.

          What to Expect:
          Interactive Experience: Children will get up close and personal with each animal, fostering a hands-on connection and sparking their curiosity about the natural world.

          Monday 29th July, 10 am

          Ticketed event

          Summer Concert Series - Hanson Arts at Standedge

          Join us for a musical evening of  entertainment showcasing local musicians of all ages:

          Featuring: 

          • String group
          • Choir
          • Ukuleles
          • Jazz collective
          • Big Band

             

            Thursday 4th July, 7:00 PM

            Ticketed event

            Summer Concert Series - Hanson Arts at Standedge

            The first in a two part series of musical evening of  entertainment showcasing local musicians of all ages:

            Featuring:
            • String groups
            • Wind band
            • Orchestra

             

            Wednesday 3rd July, 7:00 PM

            Ticketed event

            Sunday afternoon chill at Standedge

            As the canoists prepare for an adventure through the tunnel and under the pennines,  sit with us and enjoy live music from the Rossignol String quartet.

            Coffee from Darkwoods,  Dixons Ice creams,  Beers from Empire and Zapato.

            Enjoy strawberries and icecream with your glass of prosecco and a soundtrack of beautiful music.

            The café and gardens are all open with play area and pond dipping activities to keep your little ones enthralled.

            Sunday 30th June, in the afternoon

            Admission: FREE

            Mike Mitchell Bluegrass Workshop

            Join internationally recognised instrumental teacher and hit songwriter Mike Mitchell,  coming all the way from The Blue Ridge Mountains , Virginia, USA, on a creative journey in the art of Bluegrass.  

            Finger-pickin’ good!

            Saturday 29th June, 2:00 PM

            Ticketed event

            Pre-launch event

            Join us for our pre-launch event, which takes place from 6pm – hear our plans and share your suggestions to help shape the future of this historic building.

            Thursday, 9th May, 6:00 PM

            Admission: FREE

            The Budapest Cafe Orchestra

            Combining violin, guitar, accordion, double bass, saz & balalaika to dazzling effect, creating an awesome aural alchemy.

            Thursday, 9th May, 7:30 PM

            Ticketed event

            Heritage Crafts

            We are home to Hanson Musical Instruments, one of the few remaining makers of traditional musical instruments in Britain.

            The workshop is open to view from the comfort and safety of the café and visitors area. 

            Watch out for dates for workshop events, classes and demonstrations.

            Explore the exquisite craftsmanship oé traditional musical instrument making and restoration.

            Musical Instrument making and restoration

            Daily Monday – Friday

            Poetry and Spoken Word Nights

            Experience the power of words with poetry readings and open mic nights.

            coming soon

            Admission: FREE

            North of England Centre for Music and Arts Logo

            Centre Highlights

            A Visual Journey Through Our Centre

            Hanson Arts

            At the heart of the North of England Centre for Music and Arts. With a passion for preserving cultural heritage and fostering new artistic talents, we are dedicated to creating a vibrant community hub at Standedge. Our work provides innovative arts programs that engage and inspire irrespective of age, race, gender or belief. 

            Promoting excellence in music education, making music fun, accessible and inclusive.

            Support Our Cultural Haven

            Your contributions enable us to maintain this magnificent facility and continue offering a wide array of programs that enrich our community. Help us keep the arts alive at Standedge by donating today. Every contribution, big or small, makes a significant difference.

            Stay Updated with Our Events

            Subscribe to our newsletter and be the first to know about upcoming events, exhibitions, and special community initiatives at the North of England Centre for Music and Arts. Join our community of arts and culture enthusiasts and never miss out on what’s happening at Standedge!

            How to find us

            North of England Centre for Music & Arts

            Standedge Visitor Centre

            Waters Road

            Marsden

            HD7 6NQ