The Straw Yard

05/09/2026

LIVE MUSIC 🎶
Friday, 11th September
Grace Smith Trio & Archie Churchill-Moss
Join us at The Straw Yard for another evening of exceptional music, this time with the incredible Grace Smith Trio and Archie Churchill-Moss.
Wielding the distinct voices of fiddle, concertina and mandolin, the Grace Smith Trio brings together three like-minded musicians to create one dynamic and expressive musical dialogue.

Acclaimed fiddle and viola player Grace Smith is joined by Sam Partridge (concertina) and Tom Kimber (mandolin) in this innovative ensemble, which offers a fresh take on folk. Drawing deeply from tradition, whilst also expanding their repertoire with new melodies of their own, the Grace Smith Trio explores the boundaries of what folk can be to mesmerising effect; their music will stay with you long after you finish listening.

Their debut album Overleaf was released in Autumn 2023 to great critical reception. In their review of Overleaf, Klof Mag said; “If you’re looking for the exciting future of instrumental folk music, you need search no further.”

Archie Churchill-Moss’s journey through the musical landscape is one of rich collaboration and unwavering commitment to the diatonic button accordion—a craft that has earned him widespread acclaim and reverence.

A pioneer in combining folk music with live electronics and a celebrated composer, Archie’s innovative approach seamlessly blends traditional idioms with contemporary composition. His keen attention to modern influences has enabled him to create soundscapes that expand the horizons of folk music. His music has resonated widely, receiving multiple plays on Sky Arts, BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 3.

Archie’s career as a session musician is a testament to his versatility and skill. He has collaborated with esteemed folk and traditional artists such as Seth Lakeman, Sam Sweeney, Cara Dillon, Jim Moray, Eliza Carthy, Blair Dunlop, Sam Kelly, and Sam Carter.

www.thestrawyard.co.uk

04/09/2026

NEXT WEEK!
An Introduction to Intuitive Drawing
with
Welcome to The Workshop Series - An Introduction to…
The Straw Yard would like to introduce you to your new creative skill.
This series of evening workshops will be led by local creative practitioners offering you an introduction to their chosen craft. As well as supporting the local creative community you’ll learn new skills, meet new people and have a laugh at the same time…oh and did we mention that a complimentary welcome drink and nibbles are included in your ticket price!
This creative workshop will show you the joy of drawing with your intuition.
Abstract, following no rules of classical drawing, inspired by the Japanese concept of Wabi-Sabi - you will create beautiful art works that find beauty in imperfection, impermanence and simplicity.
Walk away with a beautiful piece of work where you don’t need any drawing skills, just a sense of creativity!
BOOK NOW:
www.thestrawyard.co.uk

02/09/2026

In Conversation With…
David Roberts: A Life in Clay
Monday 26th October
This is a very exciting collab with 27 Art House & David Roberts
Amy Izat

An intimate Q&A at The Straw Yard with internationally acclaimed Raku Artist, David Roberts reflecting on his remarkable five-decade career, creative process and the work behind his final solo exhibition. This will be followed by a Private Exhibition Preview at 27 Art House.
Join us for a very special evening celebrating internationally acclaimed Raku artist David Roberts and the opening of his final solo exhibition. The evening will begin at 5.30pm at The Straw Yard, where David will be joined in conversation by Gerry Foley for an intimate artist talk and Q&A. Together they will reflect on David’s remarkable career spanning more than five decades, exploring his distinctive approach to Raku, the landscapes and natural forms that have inspired his work, his creative process, and the evolution of his practice over a lifetime of making.
Following the talk, guests are invited to continue the evening at 27 Art House, where the private preview of David Roberts’ final solo exhibition will begin at 7pm.
This is a rare opportunity to hear directly from one of Britain’s most celebrated Raku artists before experiencing the work itself in the intimate setting of 27 Art House.
Tickets: £15 per person
The £15 ticket includes admission to both the artist talk and Q&A at The Straw Yard and then the private exhibition preview at 27 Art House.
BOOK NOW:
www.thestrawyard.co.uk

01/09/2026

❓❓❓
Who’s the next Artist in Residence
at The Straw Yard???
We’re not going to tell you just yet…
…but we CAN tell you that this artist will be with us in October, there will be an evening “in conversation” with them, a week long exhibition AND a one day workshop!
Watch this space!

01/09/2026

NEXT FRIDAY!!! (11-09-26)
Grace Smith Trio & Archie Churchill-Moss
Friday 11th September
The Straw Yard
Join us at The Straw Yard for another evening of exceptional music, this time with the incredible Grace Smith Trio and Archie Churchill-Moss.
BOOK NOW:
www.thestrawyard.co.uk
Wielding the distinct voices of fiddle, concertina and mandolin, the Grace Smith Trio brings together three like-minded musicians to create one dynamic and expressive musical dialogue.
Acclaimed fiddle and viola player Grace Smith is joined by Sam Partridge (concertina) and Tom Kimber (mandolin) in this innovative ensemble, which offers a fresh take on folk. Drawing deeply from tradition, whilst also expanding their repertoire with new melodies of their own, the Grace Smith Trio explores the boundaries of what folk can be to mesmerising effect; their music will stay with you long after you finish listening.
Archie Churchill-Moss’s journey through the musical landscape is one of rich collaboration and unwavering commitment to the diatonic button accordion—a craft that has earned him widespread acclaim and reverence.
A pioneer in combining folk music with live electronics and a celebrated composer, Archie’s innovative approach seamlessly blends traditional idioms with contemporary composition. His keen attention to modern influences has enabled him to create soundscapes that expand the horizons of folk music. His music has resonated widely, receiving multiple plays on Sky Arts, BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 3.

30/08/2026

DAY 4 ✅
That’s all folks!
Today marks the final day of our Stone Carving Workshops and as you can see, Sunday’s carver’s did magnificently!
A HUGE thank you to all of you who took part in these brilliant sessions, we really hope to see you back at The Straw Yard soon!
These workshops wouldn’t have been possible without the Stone Carving Genius that is Josephine Crossland
THANK YOU! 🔨🙌
Big thanks also to Luke Batchelor .
Luke was of great assistance to all our participants.
When are the next Stone Carving Workshops I hear you ask??? Well, keep an eye out in 2027!
For now make sure you head to our website to see the other workshops that we have in-store! Intuitive drawing, willow weaving, ceramics! What a variety!
FOR MORE INFO & TO BOOK:
www.thestrawyard.co.uk

29/08/2026

DAY 3 ✅
The third SOLD OUT Stone Carving Workshop was another success!
It’s so wonderful to see all of the incredibly imaginative designs and the quiet focus (apart from the tinkering of the carving!) that comes from these one day sessions.
Thank goodness for the Stone Carving Leader that is Josephine Crossland plus her skilled side-kick Luke Batchelor
Another group of very happy customers!
Tomorrow is the final day of this series of fantastic Stone Carving Workshops!
www.thestrawyard.co.uk

29/08/2026

WEST END WORKSHOP 🎭🎼
Here’s a Oli performing The Smell of Rebellion from Matilda the Musical.
Join The Straw Yard’s very own West End Performer, Oli Brooks for a fabulous day of musical theatre!
Seriously, you will laugh all day!
Oli has been working in professional theatre for 20 years and will teach you the songs, scenes and steps from two globally renowned musicals…
Matilda the Musical

and…drum roll…

Hairspray!
.
This is a brilliant opportunity for you to learn what it takes to be a performer in the West End and on Broadway.
You will get to sing some of the fantastic songs from these two iconic shows, as well as learning some of the choreography and working on the scripts under Oli’s professional direction.
He will share some of his tips & tricks in how to hone your unique performance skills…and he might even share some behind the scenes (or BTS as the kids say) knowledge and funny backstage stories as well!
Oli played multiple roles, including Miss Trunchbull in The Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Matilda the Musical in the heart of the West End for two glorious years. He then went on to play Edna Turnblad in the Broadway version of Hairspray, performing in America and for Royal Caribbean Productions.
This workshop is for people aged 18 years and above.
You do not need to be a professional performer to take part, but it would be great if you have a real interest and passion for musical theatre!
This is for all abilities, whether you simply just LOVE musicals or you are wanting to work professionally in the musical theatre industry, this workshop is for you!
BOOK NOW:
www.thestrawyard.co.uk

29/08/2026