Hark! The Sound of Stories presents 'On Sycamore Gap'

Hark! The Sound of Stories returns to Darlington's Crown Street library for the first time in 2026 to present an incredible collaboration between some of the North East's finest writers and musicians.

Words and music of loss, hope and renewal

Join poet Kate Fox and duo Staithe (Bridie Jackson and Nick Pierce) in a performance of music and poetry, based on Kate’s most recent publication, On Sycamore Gap.

Inspired by the shocking act of vandalism in 2023 that resulted in the felling of the world-famous tree that stood in a gap on Hadrian’s Wall, Fox’s poetry book was published on 26 September on the eve of the first anniversary of this criminal act.

Kate’s collection of beautifully crafted verse, supported by the haunting and intimate music of Staithe, echoes in the empty space we now encounter and helps to fill the void with hope.

With a separate support set from Staithe and a special guest reader.

Kate Fox is a stand-up poet, spoken word artist and broadcaster. She is a regular contributor to Radio 4's spoken word cabaret “The Verb”, has made two comedy series for Radio 4, been Poet in Residence for the Glastonbury Festival and the Great North Run and completed a PhD in stand-up comedy. She is the author of “Where There’s Muck There’s Bras: True Stories of the North of England’s Women” published by Harper North, and poetry collections including "On Sycamore Gap" (Harper North, 2024), "Bigger On the Inside" (Smokestack Books, 2024) and "The Oscillations" (Nine Arches Press, 2021). She is also a neurodivergent advocate whose latest show “Bigger on the Inside" explores neurodiversity through the lens of Doctor Who. https://katefoxwriter.wordpress.com

Staithe (Bridie Jackson and Nick Pierce) produces evocative, minimalist music that interweaves voice, classical guitar, viola, piano, and electronic textures. Staithe began as an informal collaboration during the 2020 lockdown and officially formed as a duo in 2023. Since then, they have been performing, self-recording, and composing commissioned works for a variety of creative projects. Their work often crosses disciplines, collaborating with film makers, performance artists and theatre and dance companies to create immersive soundscapes and emotive scores. In May 2025, they released their highly anticipated self-released debut album, ‘Flowers’ to critical acclaim. https://www.staithe-music.com 

This event takes place in the surrounds of beautiful Crown Street Library. Though soft drinks will be on sale, if you would like to drink alcohol, we invite you to BYOB!

Doors at 7.30pm, performances begin at 8pm.

Our thanks to Bishop Line Community Rail Partnership and Cross Country and of course Darlington Libraries, without whom this event couldn't take place.

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