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Cunning Folk of the Forest, Crown & Sceptre, Ross-on-Wye, 19/05/26

Events

Having told the tale of the sin-eater of Ross, and the naming of Old Maid’s Walk, along with the story of the May Hill sensation, featuring wise woman “Old Ellen”, on my last visit to the Crown & Sceptre, I thought I’d dip into the newspaper archives again to find more tales of the cunning folk of the forest, as well as telling a few more of my favourite traditional stories.

Tales of Old Newport, Wheatsheaf, 11/05/26

Events

Always up for trying something a little different, I’ve reserved the small side room at the Wheatsheaf Hotel, in Newport, Isle of Wight, for the evening of Monday, May 11th, 2026, to tell a few tales of old Newport (which is to say, tales predominantly from the first half of the nineteenth century; although who knows, we could end up anywhere!).

An Evening of Traditional Tales, Solt, Huddersfield (Almondbury), 24/04/26

Events

Another first for me, a “hometown gig” in the village where I grew up, Almondbury, near Huddersfield, at the Sôlt bar and restaurant, where I generally go for a rather splendid breakfast whenever I’m “back home”.

Monty + The AnyWhens — Faery Tale Blues — St Lawrence, April 2026

Events

Following on from a pretty much sold-out show at Brading Roman Villa, I’ll be making a return visit to St Lawrence Village Hall with Glenn and Sue, aka The AnyWhens, for a set of turn-taking songs’n’stories we’ve been calling Faery Tale Blues.

Tunes, Tales and Tapas

Events

One of the settings we’ve been considering for Monty + The AnyWhens shows are food and performance matinées, so we’re delighted to be able to announce a mixed songs’n’stories set at Brading Roman Villa, with added tapas. (This was originally pitched as cream teas — sweet or savoury — but it seems there’s been a menu change… Let us know which you’d prefer if we get to run this again…)

Tales At The Crown & Sceptre, Ross-on-Wye

Events

Whenever we’re in Ross (-on-Wye), I tend to have a pint or two in the Crown & Sceptre in the Market Place, tellin’ a tale at the open acoustic Sunday or Thursday sessions if I get a chance. (I also try to make the Forest Folk Club sessions - first and third Sunday, 7.30pm, Orepool Inn),

Two Appearances at Three Rivers Music Festival

Events

More exciting news on the festival front, with a couple of sets booked in to the Three Rivers Music Festival, at Porchfield, over the weekend of 29-31st of May.

Kashmir Fringe Set, 2026

Events

What a fantastic weekend — Kashmir Fringe at Quay Arts, a fabulous free weekend of music from island (and mainland) bands, good beer (until it ran out!), and the perfect room for tellin’ some tales in — The Rope Store Gallery acoustic stage.

'Tis Tales presents Tall Tales and Tiny Truths

Events

Getting the old gang back together for a new show at Department, Ryde, I’m looking forward to getting back to tellin’ a few tales alongside Holly Medland and Sue Bailey in our guise as the original Isle of Wight storytelling trio, ‘Tis Tales for a set of tall Tales and Tiny Truths.

Appearing at Kashmir Fringe, 2026

Events

I’m really excited to have been invited to a do a slot on the acoustic stage at the Kashmir Fringe at Quay Arts, Newport, Isle of Wight, on Saturday, February 7th, 2026.