Hark! The Sound of Stories feat. Barry Hyde

Hark! The Sound of Stories returns to Darlington's Crown Street library!

Hark! brings you the best music inspired by stories and poems

This time we bring history to life, exploring the industrial history and beyond of the North East, particularly Sunderland and Durham. Both artists played sold-out shows this year for Durham's Brass Festival, and we are proud to bring them to Darlington.

Barry Hyde (The Futureheads) will perform songs from his solo album Miners' Ballads. Rooted in history, yet deeply personal, Miners’ Ballads is an unforgettable musical journey through the stories, struggles, and resilience of the North East’s mining communities, weaving classical influences into the raw, storytelling tradition of folk music, and we are very excited to have Barry performing in Darlington.

This set will be introduced by a reading from Just One Man by Jim Moreland and Keith Gregson - a songbook of songs inspired by Moreland's life as a miner, published in 1980.

Hyde is support by Faithful Johannes - named 'the unofficial poet laureate of Durham' by BBC radio's Tom Robinson. Alt-rap artist Faithful Johannes will explore Durham's history through a wide range of viewpoints and stories, from the tightrope walker who fell to their death from a rope between Durham Cathedral’s towers in 1237, to the woodworm at the bottom of St Cuthbert's coffin and many more - unheard tales combined with hooks and catchy choruses.

This will be introduced by a reading from Mrs Elsie Crouch, Her Diaries, 1941 - 1942, edited by Bill Crouch.

All takes place in the surrounds of beautiful Crown Street Library, and an invitation to BYOB!

Doors at 7.30pm, performances begin at 8pm.

Our thanks to Bishop Line Community Rail Partnership and Cross Country, whose funding mean that though you need to book your seat, this gig is free to attend!

Also check out other Arts events in Darlington, Performances in Darlington, Festivals in Darlington.