Event type: Music

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. 

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

You can’t keep a good pair of Flutes quiet for long. As always, a great programme!

£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.

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.

Max and Veronica with full supporting programme.

Once again we are absolutely delighted to welcome back to Grateful Fred’s the utterly amazing duo of Max De Bernardi & Veronica Sbergia. These two passionately play country blues, ragtime, hokum, jug band, and rural music from the 1920s and ‘30s, keeping this precious musical heritage alive while giving it a modern twist. Max is a brilliant guitarist and singer, while Veronica plays washboard (with hairbrushes!), ukulele, and brings her own beautiful vocal styling to the mix. Their trio “The Red Wine Serenaders” won the European Blues Challenge in 2013, and they’ve performed everywhere from Memphis to the Caribbean. Folk & Roots Magazine calls them “good time blues… a band with a mission,” and their shows are hip, cool, and highly entertaining. This will be pure musical joy!

Please note: 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.

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

Perello Duo comprises Mike Hughes, vibraphonist, and Eleanor Kelly, classical guitarist, a unique duo performing to great acclaim throughout the UK. Their programme will feature delicious arrangements of music by Erik Satie, Laurie Randolph, Carmen Guzmán, and more.

£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.

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

A solo harp recital by Jess Hughes, featuring works by Jacques Ibert, Caroline Lizotte and Marcel Tournier.

£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.

Renowned as the original and very best Bee Gees tribute show, and the only Bee Gees tribute show that has actually performed with the original Bee Gees!

In 1997 Gary & Darren from Jive Talkin’ performed live on Heart FM with The Bee Gees and received great compliments from both Maurice & Barry Gibb.  As with the original Bee Gees, Jive Talkin’ is very much a family affair. Brothers Gary & Darren Simmons take the roles of Barry & Maurice Gibb, with Darren’s son Jack joining the group in 2014 and taking on the role of Robin Gibb. The guys are supported musically by a four piece band with Lead Guitar, Violin, Cello and Drums, ensuring that every note in every song is just right! 

A truly amazing experience and an opportunity to hear all the great Bee Gees hits including Tragedy, Night Fever, Massachusetts, Stayin Alive and more. Jive Talkin’ is a 2 hour explosion of music and vocal harmony – a night not to be missed! 

“The soundalike quality is quite sensational” – The Stage

“Amazing similarity to the real Bee Gees” – Wakefield Express

“Absolutely Brilliant” – Maurice Gibb

“WOW” – Barry Gibb  

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.

Old Baby Mackerel with full supporting programme.

Get ready for some seriously high-energy, foot-stomping fun! Old Baby Mackerel are one of the UK’s finest bluegrass outfits, featuring a dizzying line-up of renowned musicians from some of the country’s best folk and Americana bands. Founded by banjo player Sam Garrard in 2016, the band quickly gathered a devoted following on the UK festival circuit before touring internationally across Thailand, Germany, Portugal, Italy, and Austria. They’ve headlined the Northern-Irish, Cornish, and Swiss Bluegrass festivals, and graced the stages of Glastonbury, Shambala, and countless other major festivals. Their music uses the rhythmic sounds of fiddle, banjo, mandolin, guitar, and double bass to create what’s been described as “furiously fast, knee-slapping bluegrass with five-part harmonies and raucous, over-the-top hillbilly antics.” BBC Radio Bristol’s Adam Crowther raved: “That’s the first Bluegrass track I’ve played on Upload and I love it, so, so good!” Be prepared to be transported back to early 20th century North America with songs about locomotion, whisky, and bootleg liquor – all played with blistering solos, sweet harmonies, and the kind of virtuosic musicianship that’ll have you yee-hawing harder than a nine-pound hammer!

 

Please note: 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.

 

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.

Tim Edey with full supporting programme. We’re closing out the year with the phenomenal Tim Edey – and what a way to end 2026! Tim is BBC Radio Two’s Musician of the Year (2012) and BBC ALBA Scotland’s Best Traditional Musician (2020). This multi-instrumentalist extraordinaire plays guitar, accordion, melodeon, banjo, piano, ukulele, mandolin, bass, bouzouki, and whistles – all to concert standard! He’s toured and recorded with The Chieftains, Sharon Shannon, Natalie MacMaster, Lúnasa, Altan, and countless other Celtic music legends. His live solo shows are a stunning mix of world music-inspired instrumental virtuosity with a strong Celtic theme, delivered with passion and above all, highly entertaining musical genius. Sharon Shannon calls him “an incredibly talented and gifted musician,” while Mike Harding describes him as “one of the greatest melodeon players in the world.” This will be a spectacular way to close out what I think will be a truly memorable year! Please note: 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.