M@HoT’s award-winning youth folk band meet every Thursday during term time at the TCR Hub in Barnard Castle.

Workshops are led by M@HoT Creative Director Rupert Philbrick,
with support from gust tutors and visiting professional musicians - including students & graduates from Newcastle University’s Folk & Traditional Music BA.

Established in 2019, Wear’d Aliens meet every Tuesday during term time at Wolsingham Town Hall

Led by master melodeon player Saul Rose with support from Rupert Philbrick, Wear’d Aliens takes pride in championing the long-lost traditional music of Upper Weardale, bringing new life and new sounds to “The Collingwood Collection” - 188 musical manuscripts from the 1800’s from a family farm in Rookhope.

The Yellow Rattle Band

The Yellow Rattle band is our new band for musicians aged 16-25. The programme focusses on artistic and professional development through 1:1 guidance and support, mentoring and masterclasses.

Mark Anderson (pictured third left at top) was recorded by Alan Lomax playing the flutina at the High Force Hotel in April, 1951.

The Teesdale Folk Archive

Created by project co-founder Mike Bettison, The Teesdale Folk Archive is a collection of 80+ songs, tunes and dances that were first recorded in the region over the last 150 years by the likes of Ralph Vaughn Williams, Alan Lomax and Joan Littlewood & Ewan MacColl.

The archive is currently under reconstruction and will be back online soon.

“The best thing about the band is being part of a group of people who share the same interests, developing my skills at playing, learning new music, going to folk festivals and having fun”

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