Dive beneath the surface of mermaid lore, tracing their long histories and what they may reveal about wider society. Followed by Q&A. Since Hans Christian Andersen turned the mermaid into a romantic heroine, shimmering sea-maidens have swum through popular culture. “Mermaiding” has even become a verb. But where do these figures really come from, and...
Schalk Bezuidenhout is back with a brand new show. His first and (hopefully, for the love of all things good) only show post divorce. Schalk hasn’t checked in with you all in sometime and he wants to talk to you. Actually… he NEEDS to talk to you! Why? Because it’s cheaper than therapy. That’s why! "Rapid-fire...
Discover the fascinating connections between vampires and the human mind, from Dracula to Buffy the Vampire Slayer. With Q&A. Why are we so drawn to vampires? What do they reveal about us? Long before Hollywood, vampires started with folklore, born out of fear and superstition. Over the centuries, these figures have evolved into a key...
Guitarist Joe Steels is based in Appleby in Westmorland and has assembled a band featuring some of the best players in the North East. Expect shimmering harmonies, intricate lines, and an instinct for space that lets every note breathe. Joe's playing moves between lyrical storytelling and fearless improvisation, drawing on influences from modern jazz, folk...
Join award-winning psychologist Dr. Lalitaa Suglani to explore women’s hidden rage, why it matters, and how to release it. With Q&A. Do you often find yourself suppressing your anger? When anger goes unexpressed, it can surface as anxiety, burnout and self-blame. Yet, anger is not something to fear, it is a powerful emotional signal. This...
Discover how early life experiences could shape long-term wellbeing, and how certain factors can support recovery. With Q&A. Why do early life experiences, especially those that are difficult, shape who we become as adults? Adverse Childhood Experiences like neglect, abuse and/or chronic stress can alter the developing brains of children and adolescents. In turn, this...
Traditional Celtic / Americana acoustic folk duo. Arthur Coates & Kerran Cotterell are a two-man trad tornado tearing through the folk world with fiddle, guitar, foot percussion, vocals, and groove to spare. Mixing Scottish and English roots with modern flair, they deliver foot-stomping tunes, rich harmonies, and cheek and charm. Whether in a village hall...
From Mount Olympus to Medusa, discover the fascinating history of Greek mythology and its echoes through the ages. Followed by Q&A. For over two thousand years, Greek mythology has shaped Western imagination. Stories of Olympian gods, epic heroes, and fearsome monsters have inspired philosophers and poets, painters and playwrights, filmmakers and fans alike. We’ve seen...
Every crime tells a story. But not every story ends with justice. Behind every closed case and every cold file lies a question we can’t quite let go of… how did they get away with it? In this series, we’ll uncover the truth behind the world’s most baffling crimes… where evidence was missed, witnesses were...
Explore how punk, goth and alternative fashion turned clothing into protest and whether style still has the power to rebel today. With Q&A. Have you ever been judged for what you’re wearing? Ever dressed a certain way to belong, to provoke, or to push back? Can an outfit really be an act of rebellion? From...
Seven days... Seven events giving back... It was all building up to this. Come join Xpress Fest for our grand finale of exceptional local music talent, all to raise funds for vital mental health charities, one of which is Mind Your Music whose founders you may also know as Sarah and Elliott, hosts of our...
Discover how horror movies reveal hidden stories of sexuality, fear and identity across classic and modern cinema. Followed by Q&A. Sex and horror have always been intertwined. While the genre has often been criticised as exploitative or moralising – particularly toward women – it has also created a powerful space for audiences to explore their...
