Eliza Carthy, Hope & Social, & Global Acts Announced for Whitby’s Musicport 2026
The North is filled to the brim with fast rising musical talents and Musicport 2026 is offering them a platform to share their craft and win over the hearts of the Musicport Community. Friday...
The North is filled to the brim with fast rising musical talents and Musicport 2026 is offering them a platform to share their craft and win over the hearts of the Musicport Community.
Friday October 23 – Sunday October 25
Featured Artists include (in alphabetical order):
Eliza Carthy & The Restitution (North Yorkshire)
Harry Gallagher (Tyneside)
Hase Waits (East Yorkshire)
Hector Gannet (Tyne & Wear)
Hope & Social (West Yorkshire)
Jessie Reid (Shropshire)
Mackie & The Unknown (North Yorkshire)
PitchWitches (Yorkshire)
Sätteli (Switzerland/Lancashire)
Sue Conroy (North Yorkshire)
The Ballad of Blea Wyke (North Yorkshire)
Tim Dalling (Tyne & Wear)
Community-driven Event Supporting Its Locals
Salty air and sea breezes are a given for Whitby Pavilion on the town’s West Cliff. Built 148 years ago on a foundation of Jurassic stone and shale, this iconic Yorkshire landmark provides the perfect setting for this year’s themed elemental Musicport 2026 embracing earth, water, fire and air.
Over 3 days from Friday October 23rd to Sunday October 25th, musicians, singers, poets and storytellers from across the UK, Mali, Vietnam, the Sahara, Catalonia, Hungary, Morocco, the Balearic Islands, Tibet & India converge for a multi-cultural celebration. Supporting the diverse programme of musicians is a dedicated team of volunteers. Festival Operations Director, Sue McLaughlin describes the importance of community spirit at the heart of Musicport,
“Being an indoor festival creates a really special, friendly and intimate ambience for all ages. We have people coming from far and wide in the UK and beyond, as well as those who have the luxury of being able to just “pop down the road”. Loyal returners and new faces are all welcomed and we’re constantly working to involve younger people and local communities with our workshops and pre-festival concerts in surrounding villages. We’ve learnt over the years that Whitby and Musicport can’t be separated – it’s a unique mix that makes for memorable experiences.” Sue McLaughlin, Operations Director, Musicport
This year’s line-up features emerging and established musical stars to entertain and educate, as part of a dynamic and exciting programme of family-friendly events. Visionary Programme Director for Musicport 2026, Jim McLaughlin explains,
“Every year, we endeavour to bring as wide a range of music as possible to Musicport from all corners of the planet. We are lucky to have British folk music stars Eliza Carthy & the Restitution for Musicport 2026 as well as internationally acclaimed musicians from across the African diaspora, such as
Boubacar Samake and Ibibio Sound Machine.
Diversity is the key at Musicport, this year we invited the vibrant Vietnamese rock and soul musicians, Saigon Soul Revival for their first Musicport performance. Our Saturday night headliner is Hungarian group, Romano Drom (Gypsy Road) performing in the spirited Romani language and the polyphonic vocal group, Aluca Trio from Catalonia and the Balearic Islands.”
Programme Director for Musicport 2026, Jim McLaughlin
Genre-blending Yorkshire heroes Hope & Social return to the stage at Musicport for a dynamic live performance not to be missed. Bringing sounds similar to the E-Street Band meets Elbow at a party, rowing over who gets to snog David Bowie… This is anything but “just a band”!
Breathing creative fire and charm into this year’s elemental themed Musicport is Yorkshire-born folk music star and power folk fiddle pioneer, singer, songwriter, Eliza Carthy who will be performing with her band, the Restitution. Together, they launch their new studio album, Frenemies at Musicport 2026, co-produced by Mercury nominee, Ben Seal and releasing through HemHem Records on October 30. Eliza Carthy is a powerhouse folk musician and singer, twice nominee for the Mercury Prize with an MBE for services to folk music and daughter of folk legends, Martin Carthy and Norma Waterson.
Hector Gannet is led by North Shields-based songsmith Aaron Duff who brings a modernist folk tinge to Musicport, he first started gaining attention in 2017 when Aaron composed music for a BFI project. After that, a support tour with Sam Fender soon followed, leading to his critically acclaimed debut album ‘Big Harcar’. Hector Gannet’s grown through performances alongside Richard Thompson, Sea Power, Peter Doherty & Kathryn Williams and sold out shows across the northeast!
Lancashire-raised sisters Helen and Louise, performing as Sätteli, will be joining this year’s lineup. Immersed in both the rural hills of northern England and the traditions of their maternal Swiss homeland, the duo explores the lyrical beauty of Swiss folk music and wordless vocal traditions. Having already captivated audiences across the country, Sätteli bring a deeply moving, unique vocal performance that you won’t want to miss.
Renowned Newcastle-based songwriter, accordionist, and theatre performer Tim Dalling is known for his captivating blend of virtuosic folk musicianship and heartwarming comedy. Drawing on twenty-five years as a founding pillar of the acclaimed Old Rope String Band, his solo show fuses soulful original tunes with theatrical storytelling.
Celebrated northeast poet, songwriter, and dramatist Harry Gallagher is bringing his warm, resonant performance to the Musicport stage. Blending gritty northern observation with acoustic songcraft, he captures the humour and heart of working-class life. Harry’s intimate spoken word and music spotlight community resilience with rare, captivating sincerity. Expect a thought-provoking show that masterfully balances deep emotional truth with sharp local wit.
Transporting audiences to the storm-swept cliffs of the Yorkshire coast, The Ballad of Blea Wyke arrives at Musicport as a deeply atmospheric fusion of folk songcraft and local folklore. Weaving haunting melodies, historical storytelling, and coastal atmosphere, this collaborative performance brings the rugged isolation and smuggling heritage of Blea Wyke to vivid life.
York-based a cappella quintet PitchWitches brings their stunning vocal harmonies to Whitby. Led by composer EM Whitfield Brooks, the vocal ensemble weaves rich, multi-layered arrangements that blend folk traditions with soulful contemporary artistry. Their lush, barely amplified sound and soaring close harmonies create an unforgettable, spine-tingling live experience.
Rising indie-folk sensation Jessie Reid adds her mesmerising live show and signature percussive guitar style to the Musicport line-up. Pairing intricate “lap-tap” fingerpicking with breathtaking vocals, Reid crafts deeply atmospheric songs that have earned millions of streams worldwide. Jessie’s intimate, emotionally charged performance delivers a brilliant mix of warmth, raw honesty, and modern acoustic craft.
Mackie and the Unknown deliver a rootsy acoustic sound with compelling narratives and poetic storytelling. Blending genres and building short musical stories elevated by organic grooves, expressive vocals, and dynamic musicianship, the ensemble transforms personal and observational stories into infectious live energy. Their soulful mix of folk-rock spirit and rhythm-driven arrangements creates an instantly engaging, foot-tapping atmosphere.
East Yorkshire folk outfit Hase Waits arrives at Musicport with an enchanting blend of traditional tunes and vibrant original compositions. Featuring rare instrumentation, including hurdy-gurdy, dual low whistles, fiddle, and rich percussion, the six-piece group seamlessly bridges medieval musical roots with modern folk energy.
Middlesbrough singer-songwriter Sue Conroy brings her feisty protest anthems, witty ditties, and heartfelt ballads to Musicport. Known for her crisp guitar work and distinctive voice, Conroy pairs a strong social conscience with a sharp eye for local heritage and northern life. Sue’s songs swing effortlessly between rousing, thought-provoking commentary and lighthearted storytelling. Audiences can look forward to an authentic, uplifting performance delivered with genuine warmth and passion.
The Lobster Lounge
The Lobster Lounge is a unique feature at Musicport. With its own bar and stage, the programme of speakers, musicians and poets at the Lobster Lounge is organised by Whitby Lobster Hatchery. This includes talks by conservationists, environmental speakers, and eco-conscious poetry. The Lobster Lounge is a vital and important part of the Musicport experience,
“The Lobster Lounge is where Musicport’s global spirit meets Whitby’s local heart. A relaxed, creative space to gather, listen, share and celebrate. The eclectic range of artists is programmed by Joe Redfern from Whitby Lobster Hatchery. It celebrates the town’s deep connection with the sea and brings Musicport’s elemental theme to life through coastal creativity, marine awareness and the energy of the water.” Musicport General Manager, Nikki Orrell.
Everyone is welcome. Everyone will also be welcomed by Eko, 13-foot-tall Sea Giant, brought to life by 5 world-class puppeteers and the captivating star of Austin Dance Theatre’s acclaimed show Out of the Deep Blue.
Musicport brims with atmosphere for three action-packed days under one roof, where established and emerging musical stars share their songs and culture across five stages for a massive weekend. Musicport 2026 is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.
Musicport Festival 2026
https://www.musicportfestival.
Dates: Friday October 23 – Sunday October 25
Venue: Whitby Pavilion, West Cliff, Whitby, Yorkshire, YO21 3EN
Musicport Line-Up
https://www.musicportfestival.
Musicport information
https://www.musicportfestival.
Wheelchair Access
https://whitbypavilion.co.uk/
The Whitby Pavilion has ramps and a lift within the venue giving access to all areas with the only exception being the theatre balcony.
Ticket Link
