In this special edition, we present the artists behind PASSENGERS & PIONEERS – a project of original music and poetry inspired by the history of the Stockton & Darlington Railway in this, its bicentenary year, and inspired by the stories of the people who ride that railway line today. Supported with original music from Darlington folk-fusion legend Phil Cox, and a reading from a piece of railway history to set the mood.
Held in the beautiful surrounds of Darlington Library, with refreshments available from Crafty Merlin’s pop-up bar, Hark! is a special night that always captivates audiences. With thanks to Crossing The Tees for asking us to be part of the festival this year, and to S&DR200 for their support!
Passengers & Pioneers’ is a new album of original folk songs by Sam Slatcher featuring poetry from Lizzie Lovejoy, Carmen Marcus, Rowan McCabe and Harry Gallagher. The album celebrates the bicentenary of the Stockton & Darlington Railway, the railway that began the modern passenger railway.
The album tells the story of how this short line, connecting two North East towns changed the shape of the region, the country and the world. It draws on insights from 18th century historical archives along with stories of passengers today who commute, holiday, encounter strangers, meditate from train windows, find love, pride and belonging and homecoming, on those same 26 miles of track. It is the culmination of the ‘Storylines’ project commissioned by the Bishop Line Community Rail Partnership that sponsored an artist in residency programme.