Higher Ground
Northern Cultural presents Higher Ground,
an intimate evening of live music and contemporary poetry
Saturday 16th May 2026 730pm
Northern Cultural Limited presents Higher Ground, an intimate showcase of northern music and contemporary poetry set within the atmospheric surroundings of Millgate Arts Centre. Bringing together emerging voices from across Saddleworth, the event offers a carefully curated exploration of sound, voice, and place—where the energy of the nearby city meets the stillness of the moor.
Higher Ground forms part of Northern Cultural’s ongoing mission to champion grassroots creativity through the creation of meaningful platforms for northern artists. We want to celebrate regional identity, foster collaboration, and build generational connections between audiences and performers. The night will feature a blend of spoken word and live music, with each act contributing to a wider expression of landscape and shared northern experience.
Featured Artists:
Poppy Fletcher: Poppy Fletcher is a songwriter hailing from the hills of Saddleworth, known for penning songs that encapsulate the beauty and struggle of youth, captured in her own intimate style of open-tuned Noir Pop. She is currently amassing songs for her forthcoming debut album to be released later this year.
Charlie Lawless: Charlie Lawless is perhaps better known for his role in reggae/ska revivalists Madame Claude – Charlie is also a talented solo musician currently engaged in producing his first album, Imaginary Brother (also to be released later this year). His songs move away from reggae labels, combining complex chords with thoughtful lyrics to form a blend of folk and Americana more in tune with his rural surroundings.
Charlie Lawless: Charlie Lawless is perhaps better known for his role in reggae/ska revivalists Madame Claude – Charlie is also a talented solo musician currently engaged in producing his first album, Imaginary Brother (also to be released later this year). His songs move away from reggae labels, combining complex chords with thoughtful lyrics to form a blend of folk and Americana more in tune with his rural surroundings.
Christian Bell: Christian Bell is one part of the ascendant indie trio, The Sly, recently described by John Robb as ‘too good to fade away’ in Louder Than War magazine. Chris will be playing a stripped-back acoustic set that blends a unique use of dynamics, tempo and rhythm to convey the emotional rush of growing up in the hills.
Elenor Prestwich: A familiar face to many Millgate patrons through her leading roles in the recent production of Once Upon a Time in Wigan and many more; perhaps lesser known is Eleanor’s poetic talent. For Higher Ground she will be performing intimate pieces from her growing collection that address womanhood and coming of age.
Plus special guest: Matty Dagger (Poor Effort) “Matty Dagger certainly has some unique tales to share and, paired with his engaging and languorous way of delivering them, he’s an unstoppable force”
Tickets £12.50 / £7.50
Introducing our performers
Poppy Fletcher Eleanor Prestwich Christian Bell Charlie Lawless Matt Dagger
Higher Ground is part of a wider effort by Northern Cultural to amplify local voices and reimagine where and how art is experienced in the North. Moving beyond traditional venues, the company seeks to create spaces where local poetry and music can are accessible, immediate, and rooted in place.
The event aims to be the first of many that bridge generations, spotlight new talent, and contribute to a growing cultural movement grounded in northern identity and expression.