Free folk event at museum is music to your ears
Brennan & Buchanan performed at the Brampton Museum as part of an ongoing collaboration involving the Council and Appetite.
Residents and visitors of all ages can enjoy a delightful afternoon of free live music thanks to an ongoing collaboration involving the Council and Appetite.
The redeveloped Brampton Museum is hosting a heritage-inspired folk performance by talented duo Brennan & Buchanan on Saturday, 18 June.
Local singer-songwriter Esther Brennan and guitarist Ian Buchanan are playing a selection of “beautiful, heartfelt and personal” new songs about Newcastle-under-Lyme such as “Pool Dam Ashtray” and “Silverdale Cowboy” which are inspired by a moving exhibition now available at the museum.
Common Curiosities features a selection of everyday objects, and complementary stories, which have been donated or loaned by local residents as part of Appetite’s Newcastle Common programme. The exhibition – based in the Spotlight Gallery until 3 July – includes items such as a humorous art class sign from Newcastle College, a Reporter newspaper from 1973 when the borough hosted a royal visit during the octocentenary celebrations, and a lantern used during blackouts in the 1970s.
Esther, who has written the songs, is a regular singer with the Boat Band and has performed at several folk festivals across the UK, including the legendary Glastonbury and the former Newcastle Jazz and Blues Festival.
The one-off performance starts at 1.30pm and is jointly funded by the National Lottery, through the Council’s three-year museum events programme, and Appetite. Free tickets can be pre-booked via the Council’s website.
Cllr. Jill Waring, Cabinet member for leisure, culture and heritage, said: “The Brampton Museum is a hive of activity since reopening following a refurbishment to attract diverse audiences and create more enjoyable experiences.
“Arts and culture is very much alive and well in Newcastle-under-Lyme. As well as high quality art exhibitions in the new gallery space and a lovely café, we’re delighted to stage a variety of activities in our events room – including music and dance performances – thanks to the National Lottery. Our recent 1950s day was a sell-out so I’m sure the folk session is going to be equally as popular.
“It’s really lovely to host live music, performed by talented musicians, which complements a current exhibition at the museum. This is a great opportunity to enjoy a celebration of life in Newcastle-under-Lyme, told by the people of the borough.”
Esther, who lives in Werrington and is a teacher at Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College, said: “It’s a real honour to be part of Common Curiosities and I’m really excited to perform some special and memorable songs in my home town, even though I might be a little rusty. I hadn’t written anything or sung since 2019 following a family bereavement but being involved in this exhibition has inspired me again.
“I’ve listened to interviews, read stories and looked at the objects to bring residents’ stories to life through music as a permanent reminder. There are some inspirational people in Newcastle-under-Lyme full of amazing achievements. There’s a lot to shout about. I would like to thank Siobhan McAleer as the songs would not exist without her collaboration as an artist and the hours of community research she has done.”
Appetite is part of the Creative People and Places programme, initiated and funded through the National Lottery by Arts Council England.
Gemma Thomas, Appetite Director, added: “Appetite is all about getting people to have a go, experience something new and be inspired and we’ve just loved the stories, memories and objects that have come to light through the Common Curiosities project. Museum staff came to us wanting ways to connect with the community – while the major refurbishment was taking place – tying into our Newcastle Common project, the two shop units we are animating with activity in the town centre.
“Due to Shiv’s hard work and determination she’s made those connections and the exhibition is part of the result. Listening to Ether’s songs, telling those stories and sharing those memories, really conveys the soul of the project. It reminds us to keep exploring and experimenting with ways to tell stories and histories. We hope people enjoy it.”
There is a small amount of free parking outside the museum and overflow parking in Brampton Park. Help can be provided to tailor the event to specific needs such as a hearing loop and British Sign Language interpretation.
You can listen to some of Brennan & Buchanan’s work here.