On May 3rd, in celebration of the VE Day anniversary, internationally-renowned squeezebox player John Kirkpatrick brings to Berwick “Tunes from the Trenches” from the two World Wars. There’ll be a fair old smattering of the popular hits of the day, designed to keep the spirits high, to raise a smile, and find the heart to keep going. Threaded through these selections, John will also give an airing to some of the songs sung on the Front Line by the service personnel themselves: tunes on everyone’s lips wedded to new words, conjured up far from home by an army of ordinary folk doing their best to be good soldiers. You’ll hear how experiences on the front were dealt with and described with great directness, wit, robust humour, and, occasionally, very fruity language!
John Kirkpatrick has performed with many famous artists in his varied career, such as Steeleye Span, Richard Thomson, Pere Ubu, Gerry Rafferty, Brass Monkey and many others. He was made an MBE in the 2021 New Year Honours for services to folk music.
Carol Whinnom, of promoters The Ukulele & Other Machines says:
“We are really building up a good head of steam in attracting top artists to Berwick, with the help of Create Berwick. Watch this space for more to come in 2025!”
The Straw Yard’s Artistic Director, Ben Humphrey added:
“The Straw Yard is delighted to be hosting yet another of the UK’s finest musicians in our unique venue. Due to limited availability of tickets we would advise early booking for this gig.”
John Kirkpatrick appears at The Straw Yard, Parade, Berwick-upon-Tweed TD15 1DF on Saturday 3rd May. Doors open 6pm.
Tickets: £15 from www.thestrawyard.co.uk/whatson
Parking: on Parade public car park
Accessibility: the venue is in an historic building so the toilets are not yet wheel-chair friendly. Please contact us to discuss any accessibility needs.
Seating is unreserved and there is a licensed bar.
Location: What3Words ///oppose.double.apple
Queries: telephone 01289 390109
