10 July 2026
Welcome to Friday Feature – our top picks of upcoming events that showcase the very best in rural and small-scale touring.
This July: Storytelling in Somerset with a feminist twist, folk and fiddles in Dorset and ballooning around in Lancashire.
If you are interested in having your show featured here drop deets to Dickie: press@nrtd.org.uk
NRTF spotlights hip happenings along B-road Britain
Debs Newbold – ‘Hot Crones’
Take Art goes on a Somerset pub crawl with Debs Newbold’s wonderful retelling of old myths with a feminist twist. Come and see this Brummie Bard spin amusing, rawkus and rowdy stories and joy in the chaos she brings. A glorious 90 minutes of medieval bawdy, gleefully reclaimed for 21st Century feminists.
Debs Newbold knows the meaning of the word ‘bawdy’ as well as any woman who has five aunts and a problem with Chaucer possibly can.
In this ripe and juicy nugget of stand-up storytelling, the old tales get a feminist reworking: Knights are shy, wood nymphs are ruthless businesswomen, and romance endures despite flatulence. All this, along with a glorious dollop of Debs’ masterful Birmingham ribaldry. Warning though: this set is crafted strictly for adults.
Weds 29 July 2026 at The George, Croscombe and Friday 31 July at The White Hart, Trudoxhill.
Magic Gareth – ‘Balloonatic’
Ever wanted to see a balloon fly on its own? Or witness one of the biggest balloons in the world? Spot-On Lancashire brings Magic Gareth to Great Harwood.
Get ready for a high-energy, laugh-out-loud magic show packed with incredible tricks, outrageous balloon antics and plenty of audience interaction.
Singing and Music Making with Samia Malik
This weekend Creative Arts East presents Singing and Music Making with Samia Malik. And then there’s a further 11 dates across the summer.
Samia will promote a deeper understanding and appreciation of South Asian music and singing. The event is part of ‘Creative Socials’ – monthly creative workshops for people aged 50+. Activities change month-to-month and range from dancing and music, to arts, crafts and creative writing. A welcoming and inclusive group for anyone who wants to try something new, make new connections and have a cup of tea and a slice of cake! The social runs from 1-3pm.
Rachael McShane & The Cartographers
Artsreach present renowned folk singer, cellist, fiddle and viola player from the North East of England, Rachael McShane gained fame as an original member of the award-winning folk band Bellowhead. A much sought-after performer and recording artist, her 2009 debut solo album, No Man’s Fool, established impressive credentials that led her to signing with the prestigious Topic Records, the oldest independent record label in the world.
Rachael is also the leader of The Cartographers, a band that brings together the exceptional talents of guitarist Ian Stephenson (Kan, Baltic Crossing), and melodeon player Julian Sutton (Kathryn Tickell, Sting). Playing with expertise and sparkle, their music is a powerful blend of traditional folk and contemporary sounds.
Hannah Scott
Applause presents songwriter Hannah Scott at Staines Library Hub this Saturday.
In the 15 years she has been writing and performing, Hannah has become an exceptional storyteller.
Career highlights include having her song No Gravity featured on the hit international TV series Grey’s Anatomy, recording a live session on BBC Radio 2 with Dermot O’Leary and opening for Madeleine Peyroux, performing to an audience of 2,000.
Her music is shaped by human connections, with family, in all its chaos and glory, sitting at the heart of her work. Her lyrics are powerful and poignant, and her voice feels strangely familiar, though you can’t quite put your finger on why.
Saturday 11 July, 2pm, Staines Library Hub. Tickets HERE.