Friday 15th January 2027, 8pm
The Carlile Institute, Meltham, Huddersfield
Ticket link
I’m really excited to announce that our next gig will feature sensational Australian trio The Maes, who bring their exquisite blend of folk-roots, Americana and indie-pop to Yorkshire in their only England performance on this run, alongside appearances at Glasgow’s mighty Celtic Connections festival! Sisters Maggie Rigby and Elsie Rigby were born in the Australian state of Victoria, grew up immersed in a melting pot of folk traditions, and formed the band back in 2011. They bring modern folk music to life with superlative songs, gorgeous singing and acoustic mastery on guitar, mandolin, fiddle and banjo. The touring trio is completed by talented double bassist Isaac Gunnoo, who also adds to the band’s spine-tingling vocal harmonies. The Maes are hugely impressive in live performance, with engaging storytelling and a witty, warm stage presence complementing their fabulous musicianship and songwriting.
The Maes have toured throughout North America, the UK, Australia and New Zealand, playing numerous headline shows as well as renowned festivals including Telluride Bluegrass in the US, Vancouver Folk Festival and Edmonton Folk Festival in Canada, numerous Australian festivals including Dorrigo and the National Folk Festival, and our own WOMAD and Celtic Connections. In 2025 The Maes toured the UK as special guests opening for folk favourite Grace Petrie, winning many new fans in the process. The band’s fourth studio album Abreast was released in August 2025 to widespread acclaim, and The Maes celebrated its release by curating Abreastival, a one-day festival held in Castlemaine’s iconic Theatre Royal. Their previous albums won Music Victoria’s Folk/Roots Album of the Year among a host of other accolades, and more recently The Maes were awarded the Australian Folk Alliance’s 2026 Duo of the Year Award. Elsie and Maggie also organise and lead One More Chorus, a hugely popular community choir based in Melbourne.
Tickets £16 (£10 for under 23s) available on Wegottickets >> Ticket link