Folk With Eight Sides
About
The Friends of Heptonstall Chapel and Sunday School are proud to present Folk With Eight Sides.Sarah Loughran (fiddle) and Paul Young (melodeon and guitar) are a York-based duo known and loved in Yorkshire and the northeast for their stunning arrangements of trad Irish and English tunes, also enjoying notoriety further afield in the European bal folk scene. The latter completes the trifecta of inspiration for the original tunes which they were recently invited to Tanz Im Moos in Switzerland to perform and which we will be treated to at Heptonstall's historic Octagonal Chapel. Expect warm, rich tunes by turns adventurous and familiar, and a highly refined folk idiom.
Opening the night is recent local boy John Manning whose name is making the rounds in the valley. Armed with a bag of whistles, wickedly quick fingers and profundity of expression, he will perform contemporary arrangements of traditional tunes in his new duo Calling Corvids. With the addition of upright bass (Lloyd Degler), the duo exploits the contrast of the highest and lowest whilst joyfully exploring the middle ground.
The Octagonal Chapel has stood in place since 1764, its design and construction being overseen by John Wesley, who frequently preached here. Having already tested the acoustics, the 'Men are delighted to open up for the year's eight-sided programme series by warming these beautiful old chambers with heart, song and history. Come sing heartily, and support the Friends of Heptonstall Chapel and Sunday School's work to preserve this Grade II listed building and secure its future use and benefit to the public.
Timings
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The doors of the chapel will be open to the public from 17:30 and the concert will begin at 18:00. Seats cannot be reserved in the chapel, so please do arrive in good time to ensure you are seated comfortably and so that you don't miss a single tune!
Parking
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There is a free public car park with an entrance right next to Towngate Tea Room, but spaces are limited. Otherwise there is free parking (with suggested donation) offered by Heptonstall Social and Bowling, just 10 minutes walk away, at the other side of the village.
Access
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Access can be gained one of two ways. The first is the easiest, especially in winter weather; I would not advise the second unless you are quite sure-footed!
1) Turn on to Northgate from Towngate (in front of The Cross Inn). You will eventually see an old archway on your left and a small cobbled lane descending to your right. Take this right turn and go through the gate close by, ahead, on the LEFT side. The steps lead you down to the chapel.
2) There is a path at the far end of the public car park near the café, on the left. Simply follow that path, turn left up the snicket, then turn left through the archway. The chapel is on your right.
Accessibility
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We regret that, whilst the Friends of the Chapel and Sunday School are making efforts to modernise the chapel, its age and location currently represent a significant obstacle to wheelchair access.
Date
Sunday 10 May 2026 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (UTC+01)Location
Heptonstall Methodist Heritage Chapel
Northgate, Heptonstall, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire HX7 7ND
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Folk With Eight Sides
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