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
Sunday 4th May
Nicola Mills
AN AFTERNOON OF SONGS from popular opera and the shows
Nicola Mills has turned Opera on its head, with her down to earth Northern roots in this truly unique show not to be missed!
Nicola will amaze you with her voice and stories of working class life, to singing in some of Europe’s finest Opera houses, to then taking opera to the streets. This is the story of how Opera for the People was born.
“Nicola is truly a one of a kind performer
“I laughed and was amazed in a matter of minutes”
“This is one of the best live performances I have ever seen”
Choose the opera/crossover songs from her Song Menu. It’s like nothing you’ve seen before!
Doors open 1.30pm
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.
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
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
Past events
Sunday 2nd March
Chamber Music Recital
Clyde Winds
Clyde Winds was formed at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, where its members have played together for a number of years.
Having all been part of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, the quintet has received coaching from distinguished faculty members at RCS.
Comprised of exceptional young musicians
George Brady – horn
Emily Barron – clarinet
Alasdair Cottee – oboe
Zuzanna Kujawa – flute
Max Docherty – bassoon
they make their debut as a chamber ensemble, sharing their years of musical collaboration with the audience for the first time.
Programme:
Neilson – Hindemith – Danzi Wind quintet.
Doors open 6.30pm
Marsden Wedding Fair
Everything you need to plan your perfect wedding in one of the region’s most spectacular locations.
The event will showcase a wide range of local suppliers, including florists, photographers, caterers, accommodation providers and registrars. Guests will also be treated to live music performed by NECMA’s in-house string quartet.
Anyone attending will have the opportunity to access special offers for 2025 bookings and even enjoy a complimentary glass of locally produced wine as you explore the fair.
Local suppliers interested in becoming part of NECMA’s approved vendor list – particularly caterers – should contact hello@standedge.org.
Sunday 2 March 2025
12-3pm
Sunday 23rd February
International Award Winning Singer Songwriter
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.
Friday 7th February
BBC Folk Award Winners
Chris Stout & Catriona McKay
‘Sonically exquisite’ The Guardian
BBC Folk Awards ‘Best Duo’ Chris Stout and Catriona McKay take the most traditional of Scottish instruments and catapult them into the contemporary world of music making.
Virtuosic and cinematic, their music charts a rhythmic and harmonic terrain that is all their own. The result is a dynamic and intrepidly adventurous sound.
This performance has their recent masterpiece Glenshee as its centrepiece. Drawing inspiration from the landscape and nature this richly evocative music captures the majesty and wonder of this Scottish Glen steeped in history.
Regular headliners at Glasgow’s renowned Celtic Connections and international festivals, Chris and Catriona are trusty and sought after collaborators with leading musicians across the classical, jazz and folk worlds. Expect to be on your feet dancing before the night is through!
‘Clear and strong…always a startling freshness and spontaneity at work…virtuosic and physically engaging’. ***** The Glasgow Herald
Monday 10th February & Thursday 27th February
&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
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
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!
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!)
🙂
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
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.
Saturday 26th October 2024
Oktoberfest Marsden 2024
Welcome to Oktoberfest 2024 -Marsden!
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
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
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:
- 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
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
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How to find us
North of England Centre for Music & Arts
Standedge Visitor Centre
Waters Road
Marsden
HD7 6NQ
