Named after the old Northumbrian word for twilight, ‘The Darkening’ is made up of four North-East England-based members: Kathryn Tickell (Northumbrian smallpipes, fiddle, vocals), Amy Thatcher (accordion, synth, clogs, vocals), Tim Bloomer (guitar), Joe Truswell (drums, percussion); with Stef Conner from Cambridge (vocals, lyres). Together these dazzling musicians create musical magic; dynamic and unique “Ancient Northumbrian Futurism”.

Based in the shadow of Hadrian’s Wall yet reaching out to the wider world, Kathryn Tickell & The Darkening explore the connecting threads of music, landscape and people over a period of almost 2000 years. Songs range from themes of freedom, nature and venturing out into the world after times of darkness, to a Roman inscription with links to Libya and Syria magnetically pulled into the 21st century with glorious vocal harmonies and the wildest of piping.

LIVE REVIEWS:

“…tremendously energising, polished and thought-provoking” - Americana-UK.

“Dynamic and breathless jigs and spins… this is the energy we want!” - The List (Celtic Connections 2024)

“Kathryn Tickell and The Darkening hold Cropredy in the palm of their hand..." - At The Barrier

“… a euphoric experience… edgy, dark dance-based adventures, thoughtful mystical evocations, precise virtuoso instrumental wizardry and magical, haunting soundscapes” - Fatea

Kathryn is celebrating her 40 year professional career with her latest album 'Return to Kielderside' receiving rapturous reviews.