Aerial Festival (online)

Johnny James, Managing Editor

Visit now

Aerial Festival

26 September-2 October 2020

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Aerial Festival
John Shedwick
Book now

While Aerial Festival’s live events are unable to go ahead this year, the organisers have commissioned some great artists to create new work for online release this September.

More than just a festival, Aerial is a platform for new work that talks to the natural, cultural and social history of Cumbria, where 2020’s inaugural festival was due to take place. The music, poems, essays, sound art, films and podcasts that will be released from 26th September will stay true to that ethos.

Hayden Thorpe is at the top of our list in terms of the musical happenings. The ex-frontman of Wild Beasts (one of the most original and inventive British guitar bands of the noughties) launched his solo career just last year. Comprising elegant piano, glistening synths and dulcet vocals, his debut album Diviner pulsates with a tender mysticism, and won rich critical and popular acclaim. We’re expecting great things from his new commission – a collection of songs inspired by the South Lake.

Another exciting commission is Marra by artist Natalie Sharp AKA Lone Taxidermist. This will come in the form of short films that reimagine the multi-sensory installation and performance Sharp was planning for the Ambleside Tavern this summer. They reflect on life growing up as a first-generation immigrant in West Cumbria, set against the esoteric rituals and traditions of the area. Expect music, art and general all pervasive weirdness.

We also look forward to Caught by the River  – a fusion of words and sounds featuring the BBC’s Stuart Maconie, author Roy Wilkinson, the UK’s foremost field recording artist Chris Watson, and Sheffield poet Helen Mort. This commission will also feature music by Jack Cooper, formerly of the much-loved band Ultimate Painting. These days, Cooper blends bucolic folk, experimental jazz and psych-tinged indie rock with Modern Nature, whose debut album How To Live sounds like Beak> via Radiohead circa In Rainbows.

There are a number of literary commissions to look forward to, too. Autumn Richardson and Richard Skelton will celebrate 10 years of their work at Corbel Stone Press in the form of music and film, plus spoken word contributions from many of their acclaimed poets and writers. We’ll also hear a set of commissions presented by The Quietus and The Willowherb Review, which will see ten international artists respond to the events of 2020 in words and sounds, inspired by Wordsworth’s epic poem The Prelude.

Head to Aerial Festival’s website to see the full schedule of online releases, which will be accessible via the same site, all for free.

Where to go near Aerial Festival (online)

Leeds
Gallery
The Sculpture Gallery

The Sculpture Gallery is an outstanding new gallery, of pure sculpture, showcasing the work, not only of the six owners but guests also.

A club bedroom at Malmaison Leeds
Leeds
Hotel
Malmaison Leeds

Malmaison Leeds is a historic and dramatic building, full of character and individual style. Beautifully refurbished quirky bedrooms with power showers, blackout curtains and great beds.

On The Wall is a funky independent shop that sells a wide range of creative and artistic items including, posters, art prints, canvases, greeting cards and merchandise/gifts. They also offer a bespoke framing and canvas printing service and a screen printed t- shirt service. If you are looking for something more unique and inspiring they also sell work by local artists.
Leeds
Shop
On The Wall

Bright, bold and full of character, On the Wall pairs expert framing with prints, posters and gifts inside Leeds Corn Exchange.

Leeds
Restaurant
Canned Heat

Canned Heat is an independent bottle-shop & bar in the heart of Chapeltown, Leeds. Born out of a passion for Music, Art and Community.

Chorlton
Restaurant
Yane

Friendly neighbourhood restaurant in Chorlton, specialising in authentic Japanese cuisine such as donburi, katsu kare and traditional pickles, made in-house.

Creatures Comedy Club
Manchester
Theatre
Creatures Comedy Club

Whether you’re a die-hard comedy fan or just after a spontaneous night out, there’s something here for everyone. Open 7 nights a week.

The Loft
Manchester
Music venue
The Loft

The Loft is an intimate, industrial-style club tucked away on the edge of Manchester city centre. Known for its impeccable sound system and low-key vibe.

Stables Tavern
City Centre
Restaurant
Stables Tavern

The Stables Tavern is an olde style pub in the St John’s neighbourhood of Manchester, where the Rovers Return once stood.

What's on: Music

Music
MusicStockport
That Night In Manchester

Join the electrifying musical ‘That Night in Manchester’. Immerse yourself in the vibrant Manchester indie scene. Step into the Madchester time machine as you hear a father recount the highs and lows of his life to his only son during the Madchester era spanning his life through the 70’s 80’s & 90’s as you experience the music performed live on stage.

Culture Guides

Theatre in Manchester
Theatre in the North

Summer signals theatre festivals, world premieres and open-air spectacle - from MIF25 to comedy, outdoor circus and beyond, here’s what we’re looking forward to.

Cloudwater Production One
Tours and Activities in the North

Go forth with wild abandon to dance the pavements, dabble with the paint and down the pints in this month's tours and activities guide.

Star Nhà Ease
Cinema in the North

July's cinema highlights include spotlights on international cinema, a new cult classic, plus a visit from one of our favourite directors.

Harry Baker
Literature Events in the North

From environmental to experimental, our poetry and prose picks from around the North are focused on the unusual and the fun.

Exhibitions in the North

Captivating, urgent and intimate - we bring you our top exhibition picks, with even more art festivals, artist-led shows and new venues.

Helena Hauff
Music in the North

Shape-shifting bands, scorched-earth techno, and off-grid festivals. Our latest music picks catch the live scene at its most urgent, inventive and alive.