Live Dates: 2025
An update on my aim to have performed in every English county by the end of the year
Last week I announced the first wave of shows I’m going to be playing across the UK during 2025. It’s not an exhaustive list as there will still be quite a few additions, but it feels good to get things out there nice and early.
Here’s the list so far:
I’ve mentioned previously about my determination to reach every part of the country when I’m touring, principally so that everyone has access to live music without having to spend a fortune to visit a big city, take time off, stay over etc.
Whilst there’s of course something fun and exciting about making something special around an important occasion, I think there are plenty of danger signs to be aware of around music tourism - not least the gradual erosion of localised music scenes - but especially regarding wider accessibility in the current economic climate.
As part of my attempts to reach so far and wide, a few years ago I set myself the target of attempting to play in every English county over a three-year period.
Without getting bogged down into a discussion over the complex vagaries of English local administrative processes including historic counties, ceremonial counties, unitary authorities and metropolitan/non-metropolitan districts (fun times), this is clearly an ambition that must be lightly held! However, as there are people who get VERY exercised about this, if you must know, I’m broadly following the ceremonial counties in this endeavour.
We are also, of course, the United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland (currently), a union of constituent nations which all have their own administrative divisions, and there are many additional complexities and fervently-held views involved in this discussion, which necessitates a delicate approach.
Update
I’m sorry to say, as yet, I haven’t been to play in Wales or Northern Ireland (or indeed the Republic of Ireland) in this period. Not for lack of trying, I might add.
Taking into account the live dates I have lined up for 2025, the English counties which I will still not have managed to perform in will include:
Berkshire, East Sussex, Herefordshire, Northamptonshire, Staffordshire, Derbyshire, Cheshire and, unsurprisingly, dear old Rutland (for US-based readers, Rutland is England’s version of Rhode Island).
There are a number of things which I’m working on to try and address this, but if you live in these counties and you know of any good venues, promoters or places which would be a good fit for me to look into, please do get in touch. Local knowledge is really helpful and important, especially when people are already invested in local music scenes.
It’s also a good time to mention again about requesting a show. This has been a really helpful thing in recent years, and a number of things have worked out super nicely as a result. If you have an idea for a venue or space (preferably with a piano) that would work for a show let me know. Or, if you want to host a living room show at your house (or maybe in a wealthy friends’ big house!), that’s also such a nice way of doing things.
I would greatly value your help to achieve this endeavour. Whilst perhaps slightly vain, it is, however, the intention behind this which is the most important thing: reaching every part of the country with my music, and as far as I’m aware or have been able to establish, it is one which hasn’t been done previously.
2025 LIVE DATES
Here’s where I’m going to be this year. It’s already looking fun, and I’m excited about visiting a number of places which I haven’t been to previously, whilst taking in visits to some places I have been to before, and had such a great time, I wanted to try and return.
If I’m coming near to you, I really hope you’ll be able to come and say hello. Some of these are ticketed shows, whilst others are free entry/donation-based lunchtime concerts. All of the information and ticket details are on my website…
It would be so good to see you. Performing live is the very best thing, and it’s so lovely to go round the country and catch up with those of you who are based in all kinds of interesting places and locations.
If you’re based in Europe, I’m hopeful I’ll be able to come and see you again soon. If you’re based in the US or Canada, it remains extremely complicated and expensive, but it is something I would dearly love to be able to do at some point. Let’s keep our fingers crossed on that one (please no tariffs on entertainment work visas 🤞🏻)
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