Event type: Music

An intimate evening of songs and stories, plus an open Q&A session. 

As lead singer and songwriter of The Stranglers during their golden period, Hugh Cornwell cast a spell mixing fact, history, mythology and ideology within the lyrics of the songs. It was a heady mix, leading to the band’s success throughout the world, and they became championed for experimentation and commerciality in equal measures. 

Hugh was responsible for all the band’s most memorable songs across ten stellar albums that consolidated his stature as a unique songwriter and musician. His lyrics to Golden Brown are a songwriting masterclass. 

His solo career has led to ten albums of critically acclaimed songs, culminating in Moments of Madness, described as a ‘late flowering classic’ and a ‘modern‑day masterpiece’.  Hugh last performed acoustic solo performances in the UK in 2017 and will be heading out across the country this November 2026. 

As well as dipping into both The Stranglers’ and his own wealthy catalogue of songs, he’ll be performing new songs from his next studio album, Succubus, the follow‑up to Moments of Madness. These songs will be heard for the first time on this tour. 

There will also be an open‑mic moment in the show for the audience to ask him questions, which he will answer if possible. 

“I’m not sure how much longer I can continue to perform, and so this will be my final solo acoustic tour.” 

Take this opportunity to experience the legendary acoustic live performance of one of the UK’s greatest living songwriters while you can. 

Just Hugh, a guitar and a microphone. 

Grateful Fred’s have been pioneering Americana and Roots music in Formby, Southport and Liverpool since 2010 and during that time have presented some of the best US, Canadian and World artists.

On the first Wednesday of every month, join the Fredhead’s at The Atkinson for a wonderful night of live acoustic music. Brooks Williams and Aaron Catlow create a fiery, fearless sound of Americana, folk and country blues. Their musical chemistry is a spark that sets the stage ablaze with a spontaneous high-energy.

There literally is no one performing today creating this kind of acoustic music. Their repertoire is genre busting. There’s the bluegrass-swing of Gillian Welch’s “Red Clay Halo,” complete with aw-shucks whistling. The Celtic-blues of their self-penned “Anniesland”, a song for the late-great Rab Noakes. Their metal-like riff-driven arrangement of Molly Tuttle’s “Dooley’s Farm.” And audiences love it! At the Blue Room Sessions in The Netherlands, at Cambridgeshire’s Ely Folk Festival, at The Atkinson in Southport as well as North Yorkshire’s Victoria Hall. At Paisley’s Arts Centre and St. David’s Hall in Cardiff, audiences can’t get enough of the high-energy Williams-Catlow collaboration.

The duo have three recordings to date. Ghost Owl, from 2021, was nominated “Instrumental Album Of The Year.” Ready For The Times, called ‘a cracker’ by Living Tradition, followed in 2022. Greens And Blues came out in 2024 and was praised by At The Barrier for its ‘cosmic violin’ and ‘delicious guitar’.

In 2026 Brooks and Aaron will release their fourth recording. Tentatively called Working In Wood, the duo team up with the amazing Jon Short (John Martin Project) on dog-house bass and features fan-favourites like “London Road,” “Deep River Blues” (with full-on Everly Brothers-style harmonies), and a ‘south of the border’ reading of Emmy Lou Harris’ “Love And Happiness.” Aaron Catlow is the founder of festival-favourite Sheelanagig, celebrating 20-years on the road, and has a long-standing duo touring with guitarist Kit Hawes. Other credits including playing with Grammy Award-nominated Yola, Mad Dog Mcrea and Afro Celt Sound System. B

rooks Williams, from Statesboro Georgia USA now living in Cambridge UK, is a “Top 100” acoustic guitarist, singer and songwriter known for his solo shows as well as his collaborations with Vera van Heeringen, Hans Theessink, Sally Barker, Guy Davis and Sloan Wainwright.   

Named the “Best Live Act” by RnR, Brooks Williams and Aaron Catlow represent “live music at its best,” says Americana UK. Their shows are infused with pathos, humour and buckets of talent. Guaranteed to get you out of your seat. “A thing of beauty!” Folk Radio UK “The audience begged them to return to the stage.” Big Wheel Blues, Isle Of Man “One of the best nights ever!” Grateful Fred’s, The Atkinson, Southport “At the top of their game!” RAFA Club, Cleethorpes  “How such a complete and sensational sound can come from just two voices and two instruments is awe-inspiring.” AmericanaUK  

‘Cake & Classical Music’ takes place on the first Monday of each month, with a different ensembles, individuals and musicians performing 45 minute, lunchtime concerts.

With Nick Hardy (tenor) & Joseph Hardy (accordion). Nick takes time off from ROH Chorus and Joseph joins us from London’s West End where he has been playing in Cabaret – Kit-Kat Club.

£13 tickets include a hot drink and a piece of cake served at tables on the lower level. Refreshments are served from 12:30pm.

£10 tickets for upper level balcony seating will only be released for sale once the lower level has sold out. The balcony ticket price does not include a hot drink and a piece of cake.

Performance starts at 1pm.

Line-ups are correct at time of purchase but may be subject to change. Customers will not be notified of any changes to the line-up. No refunds will be offered for changes to the line-up, customers are entitled to a ticket exchange, credit note, or can donate the cost to The Atkinson Development Trust.

Get ready for an unforgettable night with one of the world’s most captivating performers. 

Russell Watson – the original crossover superstar – exploded onto the music scene with The Voice, a debut album that shattered records and won hearts across the globe. Since then, he’s sold millions of albums, performed for royalty, presidents and popes, and shared the stage with musical legends. 

Now, in his most intimate tour to date, Russell takes you on a journey through the highs and lows of an extraordinary life – from chart-topping success to surviving not one, but two life-threatening illnesses. With warmth, humour, and a voice that soars, he’ll share the personal stories behind the spotlight. 

Expect powerful renditions of beloved classics, spine-tingling vocals, and behind-the-scenes tales from a man who’s truly lived it all. 

This is more than a concert – it’s a rare chance to spend an evening up close with The Voice himself.