Saturday Sessions
Ticket price
Free entry. Donations Welcome.
When
- 27 June 2026 12:00 pm
- 4 July 2026 12:00 pm
- 11 July 2026 12:00 pm
- 18 July 2026 12:00 pm
- 25 July 2026 12:00 pm
- 1 August 2026 12:00 pm
- 8 August 2026 12:00 pm
- 15 August 2026 12:00 pm
- 22 August 2026 12:00 pm
- 29 August 2026 12:00 pm
Saturday Sessions return to The Witham this summer, bringing free live music to The Witham Garden every Saturday from 29 June until the end of August 12noon until 5pm.
Expect relaxed afternoons filled with folk, acoustic, blues, roots, singalong favourites and feel good summer sounds from a brilliant mix of local and regional artists. Whether you’re meeting friends for a drink, stopping by after the market or simply looking for somewhere to unwind in the sunshine, Saturday Sessions are all about enjoying live music in the heart of Barnard Castle while supporting local artists and grassroots music.
This year’s line-up includes:
Saturday 27 June
12noon Kiddars Luck
Canny songs….Bonny Tunes. Traditional and original folk music and song, chiefly from the north east of England. Vocals, guitar, banjo, mandolin, concertina, flutes and whistles.
1.45pm Two Local Blokes
Local Blokes singing to local folks for local charities. Memory provoking harmony and humour songs from Rock, pop and country with a couple of our own songs thrown in the mix.
3.30pm Chris Kelly
Chris Kelly is an indie singer-songwriter from Northumberland, known for his raw, heartfelt songs inspired by artists like Sam Fender, Noah Kahan, and Tom Petty.
Saturday 4 July
12noon Splinter’s
Hits from Fleetwood Mac, Johnny Marr, Depeche Mode, The Stranglers, The Foo Fighters, The Monkees and many more. Modern acoustic, covers from 60/70/80/90 and 2000’s, pop, blues, rock, alt rock,
1.45pm Hop, Skiffle, Jump
The best of 50s skiffle music. Featuring skiffle songs from the fifties with stories, dancing and lots of audience participation.
3.30pm The Allsimons
Popular resident band at Darlington Folk & Acoustic Club. Play an eclectic mix of folk/acoustic songs and tunes with vocals, accordion, whistle and guitar ranging from Americana to Irish and more.
Saturday 11 July
12noon Andy Yeadon
Piano and vocal set with a possibly invite a guest or two. No stranger to the Witham Andy has played regularly here since he was in the talent show in the 1980s.
1.45pm Richmond Hillbillies
Americana duo from the banks of The Swale playing guitars, slide and banjo with large repertoire of songs old and new.
3.30pm Angela Harland and Keith Alan
Well honed tunes, teasing rhymes and heartfelt harmonies.
Saturday 18 July
12noon The Tonges
Lively, fun music played with skill and energy
1.45pm D’Ukes of Scarth
Ukulele Band. All types of music from 50s to present day.
3.30pm Roundstone
Barnard Castle based Folk trio. Singing and playing, English, Irish and Scottish Songs and Tunes.
Saturday 25 July
12noon Pikes Peak
Duo of 5 string banjo and mandolin together with double bass, bass drum and sings lead vocal.
1.45pm Kirsty McLachlan
Kirsty McLachlan is an award-winning local singer-songwriter, delivering an exciting blend of modern folk music and her own original songs.
3.30pm Harley
One Guy. One Guitar. Real Music. Acoustic Covers & Originals.
Saturday 1 August
12noon Nobody’s Friends
From Penrith in Cumbria! North West Cumbria’s only Shanty group. The official Shanty Group for Workington RNLI.
1.45pm Making New Plans
Band playing mainly 80’s music.
3.30pm The Cloth Cappers
Good time folk song and dance. Lively folk music and clog dancing, featuring lots of audience participation and fun.
Saturday 8 August
12noon Not Going Back
A lively eclectic mix of folk-rock, Americana, tunes, and original songs from this trio; folky but with a beat!
1.45pm Oui Bee
3.30pm Glad Town Ghost
Appalachian folk – Musical storytelling built around the provincial northernisms and post-industrial landscapes of Teesside and East Cleveland.
Saturday 15 August
12noon A Couple of Culprits
Chilled out Blues, Acoustic Americana, blues, R&B.
1.45pm Malcolm Elsbury
Highly popular local musician and Old Well open mic organiser.
3.30pm Auckland Shanty Singers
The Most Motlee Krew in all the Seven Seas. A sea shanty singing group based in Bishop Auckland, Co Durham.
Saturday 22 August
12noon Andrew Riverstone
Contemporary blues & roots singer/songwriter, former Abbey Road session guitarist influenced by Peter Green, Neil Young and Howling Wolf.
1.45pm Somewhere Road
Original folk songs, tunes and stories.
3.30pm Singer of The Lakes
Combining your favourite musical theatre, big ballad, jazz and classical repertoire with a classical/vintage twist.
Saturday 29 August
12noon Liffy
Female vocal and piano various popular songs.
1.45pm Side Cafe Orkestar
A lively mix of gypsy jazz, klezmer and melodies from Eastern Europe.Klezmer, Hot Club and Balkan melodies featuring clarinet, flute, cello, accordion, violin, guitar and percussion.
3.30pm Affinity Choir
Community Rock Choir with live band. 60s to 2000s.
Free entry. Donations welcome. Henry’s Bar and café open throughout.