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

Simon's Choir and Jazz Collective

 

The inimitable Simon Wood with his choir, close harmony singing and BIG BAND – Simon’s Jazz Collective.

Live Music and ZAPATO beers in the sunshine!

 

Event Details

Centre opens at 11am on Sundays.

Live music from 2.30PM

Sunday 22th June 2025

Centre opens on Sunday at 11am Live music from 2.30pm

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.

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

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

Summer Concert - Hanson Arts at Standedge

An evening of music and entertainment showcasing local musicians of all ages.

Featuring:  

Simon’s Saturday Strings

Simon’s Wednesday Strings

Simon’s Jazz collective
Choir
Thursday Jazz

     

    Wednesday 9th July, 7:00 PM

    Ticketed event

    Summer Concert - Hanson Arts at Standedge

    An evening of music and entertainment showcasing local musicians of all ages.

    Featuring:  
    Ukuleles
    Jenny’s Beginner Strings
    Jenny’s Friday strings
    Orchestra and Saturday Strings
    Little Big Band
    Wind Band

       

      Thursday 10th July, 7:00 PM

      Ticketed event

      One Voice - Songs of summer, solidarity and connection

       

      One Voice – Songs of summer, solidarity and connection
      In aid of Cure Parkinson’s

      Far Cry Acapella bring stunning songs and harmonies from across the world and closer to home, …plus cake! 
      Song-Geet are Yorkshire’s first South Asian women’s choir celebrating cultural heritage through song and community. (The King’s Coronation concert, BBC)
       
      Sunday 13th July
      Doors 3:30pm

      Sunday 13th July 2025

      Doors at 3.30pm

      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.

      Thursday 24th July , 3 pm – 5pm

      Basset - UK Tour date

       

      All the way from Toronto, Canada.  Yasmine Shelton and  Sam Clark  perform original music full of timeless heart, with deeply human lyrics and stunning duo harmonies reminiscent of the early folk revival.

      “If you’re a lover of like great close harmonies, like Simon and Garfunkel, or Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, I think you’re going to love this.” — Q with Tom Power, CBC Radio

      Friday 3rd October 2025

      7.00pm

      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

      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

      Katy Jones - Buteyko Breathing

      A breathing workshop directed by Katy Jones.  

      Katy is the Principal Trombonist of the Hallé Orchestra, Senior Tutor at the Royal Northern College of Music and a Buteyko Breathing Practitioner. 

      Her career as a musician has taken her all over the world.  Previously Co-Principal Trombone with the London Symphony Orchestra (the first female brass principal in the history of the orchestra) she has recorded on soundtracks for over 50 feature films and video games, including Star Wars and several of the Harry Potter series. 

      About the workshop

      Understand how to breathe well, and to use these simple changes to create big improvements in your health. 

      Katy Jones has a unique skill set, being the only professional trombonist in the UK who has both a Pharmacy Degree and Qualification to teach Buteyko Breathing.  Her knowledge and practical experience allows Katy to highlight what impact poor breathing habits can have on our lives, and communicate how we can help ourselves.

       

      Sunday 15th June 2025

      3pm

      BAMfest

      Live music from local bands!

      Wendy’s PlayhouseHappy Fish – Fishing For Compliments – and teenage sensations The Last Lemons.

      Pizzas from Cuckoo Stone Pizza

      ZAPATO beers

      Dark Woods Coffee

      Dixons Ice-creams and more.

      Tickets are free (but donations to the upkeep of the centre are ALWAYS gratefully received!)

       

       

      Sunday 8th June 2025

      from 1pm

      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.’

       

      THIS EVENT IS NOW SOLD OUT

      click here to join the waiting list should any tickets become available

       

      Friday 6th June 2025

      doors open at 6.30pm

      Sunday 25th May

       

      Jazz, Latin and New Orleans Swing

      Enjoy an evening of superb musicianship. 

      Very entertaining.

      UK Tour – World Class Musicanship

      Sunday 25th May

      Moscow Drug Club – doors open 7pm

       

      MOSCOW  DRUG CLUB… (named after the song)….  are a heady and waggish mix of Jazz French musette Latin Grooves and New Orleans Swing.
      Combining their original material with songs by the likes of Jaques Brel, Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen & Eartha Kitt.

      Moscow Drug Club deliver an intoxicating and intimate musical experience you won’t soon forget!

      ‘When they play for fun, they go for it full- heartedly, setting the pulse racing and the toes tapping; they deflate pomposity with a twinkle of the eye and when life is difficult, they tell the story exactly as it is’.
      — The Jazzman 

      “Nothing but praise for their performance, absolutely knock out, great musicianship and very entertaining!!”

      Doors open 7.00pm

      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

      Sunday 4th May

      Join us for a weekend of live music, stone baked pizza and great beers!

       

      Cuckoo Stone Pizza
      ZAPATO beers

      Happy Days

      Saturday 26th April

      Chamber Music Recital

      The Onyx Ensemble

       

      A piano quintet formed of students of the Royal Northern College of Music.

      David Harris – violin
      Alexandra Harrison – viola
      Chloe Chen – cello
      Thomas Judge – bass
      Asia Movsovic – piano

      Programme:

      Danny Elfman – ‘Die Wolfsjungen’
      Yasunori Kanazawa / Astor Piazzolla – ‘Memories of Astor’
      Philip Glass – ‘Music from the Truman show’
      Aidan Fyfe – World Premiere
      Xavier Foley – ‘Key West’

      – interval-

      Franz Schubert – ‘Trout Quintet’

      Doors open 6.30pm

       

      EASTER SUNDAY 20th April

      Fun for all the family on Easter Sunday

      🪺 Easter egg hunt (all day)
      🐣 A great slope for rolling eggs
      👒 Easter bonnet competition – homemade Easter bonnets only- get creative! Knit, crotchet, start with a favourite hat and decorate it- let your imagination go wild!
      🏆 Judging at 3pm.
      🍕 Stone baked pizza cooked freshly for you from 1pm from Cuckoo Stone Pizza
      ☕️ Dark Woods coffee
      Dixons and Grandpa Greene’s Ice-creams
      🍺 Bar open all day – Beers from ZAPATO

       

      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.

      Tuesday 8th April

      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

      FREE SONGWRITING WORKSHOP

       

      Join award-winning composer Michael Betteridge (Royal Philharmonic Society, Opera North, BBC Philharmonic) and singer Rebecca Lea (BBC Singers, I Fagiolini) for two FREE workshops diving deep into the art of writing for voice and piano.

      Open to all students aged 12 to 19

      &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. 

      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

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                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