Simon Maggs & People Like Us and The Ben Poore Project join together for a dual release show!
Simon Maggs
Hampshire based, with roots from around the UK, Simon Maggs and People Like Us craft melodic, literate folk-tinged indie marked by thoughtful, wry, relatable storytelling.
Drawing lyrical inspiration from everyday life, songs weave a little jangly guitar with the occasional touch of kitchen sink drama and protest, taking inspiration from the likes of Paul Heaton, Billy Bragg, The Smiths, Martin Stephenson, John Bramwell and Frank Turner.
Recent releases like Baby Boomers, After The Grand and One For The Teenagers showcase their upbeat, melodic side, while tracks like Two Legs Better and The Art of Being Alone reveal an introspective, melancholic, more reflective edge. Office Conversations provides a sardonic glance into work place life and Last Man Standing dips a toe into rockabilly.
The lineup features Wigan’s Simon Maggs (guitar & vocals) and Gary Winstanley (guitar), Yorkshireman Jon Watkins (drums), and Hampshire locals Kev Smith (bass) and Chris Bluemel (violin & keys).
Ben Poore
Blending the grit of Americana with the storytelling heart of British folk, The Ben Poore Project are fast becoming one of the UK’s most compelling new acts. Based in the South of England, they fuse elements of rock, folk, and country, crafting songs rich in emotion, melody, and atmosphere.
Fronted by Ben Poore, the band channels influences ranging from Frank Turner and Jason Isbell to Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, and The Levellers. Their music weaves personal narratives of love, loss, redemption, and resilience into cinematic soundscapes, balancing the intimacy of acoustic roots with a confident, modern energy.
Their latest single, “One for Sorrow,” has drawn praise across multiple independent outlets. We Write About Musicdescribed it as “hauntingly beautiful” and “a dark, folk-inspired journey with a powerful emotional core.” Rock Regeneration highlighted the band’s “sinister yet catchy” sound and “skiffle-style rhythm,” while The Musical Roadcalled the track “a standout release from a band to watch in the indie-folk scene.”
Known for their tight harmonies, rich storytelling, and atmospheric arrangements, The Ben Poore Project’s live performances have also earned acclaim. From appearances at Boomtown Fair and Live & Unheard (Poole Lighthouse)to nominations in the Dorset Original Music Awards (Best Breakthrough Act, Best Songwriter), the band has been steadily building a devoted following.
With each release, The Ben Poore Project continue to refine their voice — crafting songs that feel timeless yet urgent, deeply personal yet universally resonant. Their sound stands as a bridge between the past and the present, where heartfelt songwriting meets haunting modern folk.
Siobhán & The Sunset Haze
Hailing from the rural New Forest in the South Coast of England.
Siobhán has been working in the industry for over a decade, now having created her own brand of “witchy-western” music, which is an eclectic blend of her country Americana roots mixed with her love of magic, folklore and storytelling. Creating a powerful, captivating sound, but that’s deeply rooted in emotion and truth.
If you’re a fan of artists like Florence & The Machine, Amy Macdonald, Alanis Morrisette, The Cranberries, Ella Langley, or The Levellers, then you’ll love what Siobhán brings to the scene.
A mix of bohemian folk rock and country goodness, and with a mighty fine band in tow, ‘The Sunset Haze’, since 2019, she has performed on several notable stages and in iconic venues across England. As well as performing at numerous festivals in the South, she has had multiple radio plays and recognitions on BBC Introducing.
After releasing their debut EP, “Playing the Part,” in 2022 and achieving two successful single releases with ‘Witching Hour‘ and ‘Heartbreak Mistake‘ over the last couple of years, they are back recording fresh new music to be released at the end of 2025 and into 2026.
“A mesmerising vocal presence, the band immediately grabs your attention and keeps it focused on them.”- Tim Bradford, Cursus Cider & Music Festival.
“Siobhán launches her captivating vocal and the musical accompaniment throws itself at your senses.”- David Chinery, Single Review for Rock Regeneration.
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