Saturday Headline: Take Flight - Roy McFarlane, Randolph Matthews

Winchester Poetry Festival 2025

Saturday Headline: Take Flight - Roy McFarlane, Randolph Matthews

Take Flight is an atmospheric journey through the tapestry of human experience, touching on themes of migration, social injustice, family, love and the human spirit, using loop sampler, vocal narrative and melodies covering a vast plethora of jazz and world music.

This event is presented by National Canal Laureate, acclaimed writer and performer Roy McFarlane alongside world-class vocalist and composer Randolph Matthews, who has collaborated with luminaries like Herbie Hancock and Ed Sheeran. The show adapts poems from Roy McFarlane’s third poetry collection Living by Troubled Waters, and brings voice to the voiceless, praise to our ancestors and a celebration of hope.

Roy McFarlane is a Poet and writer often known as “the voice”. Moving and mesmerising, he has performed across the UK with appearances in festivals, clubs and on the BBC. He’s the National Canal Laureate, a former Birmingham Poet Laureate, and one of the Bards of Brum, performing in the Opening Ceremony for Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022. Take Flight is heavily influenced by his third collection Living by Troubled Waters (Nine Arches Press, 2022).

Randolph Matthews, a charismatic vocalist and composer with a 25-year career, infuses unique sophistication and elegance into his music. His velvety voice and mastery of solo looping create an ambiance of cinematic emotion. Matthews has performed at prestigious venues including Buckingham Palace and the Royal Albert Hall, captivating audiences with his diverse musical talents. Described by The Guardian as “vocally flawless, and world-class”, he’s collaborated with luminaries like Herbie Hancock and Ed Sheeran, leaving an indelible mark on the world of popular music and jazz.

Suitable for: all

Duration: 1 hour

Format: in person

Access: BSL interpreted

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