Brewery Arts is bringing a wide-ranging programme of live music to Kendal this autumn and winter, with five announced performances spanning Gaelic folk, global sounds, indie music and electronic trad.
The season-long showcase, titled Heard It Here First, was published by Brewery Arts on 13 October 2026. The programme is designed to spotlight both established performers and artists pushing musical boundaries, giving audiences the chance to discover new sounds in an intimate setting.
Five performances across autumn and winter
The programme begins on 16 October with Scottish singer-songwriter Norrie MacIver. The former frontman of Skipinnish, described as one of Scotland’s most popular folk bands, will bring Gaelic influences, melodic songwriting and powerful vocals to the Brewery Arts stage.
Barcelona band El Pony Pisador follows on 31 October in the Malt Room, with support from Good Mojo. The group combines folk traditions from around the world with humour, adventurous arrangements and lively performances.
On 14 November, Kendal-born musician Hayden Thorpe returns home to perform The Songs of Wild Beasts. The show marks his first performance revisiting the Wild Beasts songbook in almost nine years. Thorpe will perform the songs through solo voice and instrumentation, with support from William Doyle.
The Unthanks will present The Unthanks In Winter on 3 December. Drawing on songs from the group’s In Winter album, the seasonal performance explores the colder months through distinctive harmonies and rich musical arrangements.
The programme closes on 13 December with Valtos, the Skye-based duo of Daniel Docherty and Martyn MacDonald. Since forming their project in 2021, the pair have combined traditional Scottish influences with driving electronic beats and developed a reputation for energetic live performances.
Tickets and membership
Brewery Arts says the showcase will range from intimate acoustic performances to high-energy evenings in the Malt Room. Two of the announced performances have already sold out: Hayden Thorpe and The Unthanks.
People who still want to attend either sold-out show can contact the Brewery Arts Box Office to join the relevant waiting list. Tickets remain part of the venue’s wider live music listings, while membership offers discounts and ticket opportunities across live music, cinema and comedy.
The venue says membership also helps support its diverse programme and creative learning opportunities, making the autumn and winter series part of a wider year-round offer for audiences in Kendal.