The Hub in Lichfield is preparing to host two captivating live events that promise to blend the spirit of epic exploration with the soul of world-class folk music. This unique double bill forms part of an exciting programme designed to inspire and entertain audiences in Staffordshire.
An Explorer's Tales of True Grit
Award-winning explorer, author and speaker Charlie Walker will transport the audience on a remarkable journey. He will share extraordinary stories drawn from over 15 years of undertaking human-powered expeditions across the planet's most isolated regions.
Charlie's incredible travels, spanning more than 60,000 miles, have been achieved by foot, bicycle, horse, kayak, ski, and even dugout canoe. His routes have crossed diverse and challenging landscapes including the Tibetan Plateau, Mongolian Steppe, Congolese Jungle, Arctic Tundra, New Guinean Highlands and the Sahara Desert.
His presentations are known for mixing thrilling, often humorous anecdotes with profound insights into resilience, determination and surpassing personal boundaries. His accolades include being a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, a Scientific Exploration Society Explorer Award winner, and a four-time recipient of the Transglobe Expedition Trust’s ‘Mad but Marvellous’ award. He is also the author of Through Sand & Snow and On Roads That Echo.
Renowned explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes has praised Charlie's 'true grit and rabid perseverance', while TEDxIndiana highlighted his power to motivate people to leave their comfort zones.
The Dynamic Sound of RANT
Also taking to the stage at The Hub is RANT, one of Scotland's most celebrated chamber-folk fiddle quartets. The group creates rich, atmospheric soundscapes using nothing but four fiddles, masterfully blending melody, texture and rhythmic drive.
The quartet features four exceptional musicians, each bringing their regional roots to the ensemble: Bethany Reid (Shetland), Anna Massie and Lauren MacColl (Black Isle) and Gillian Frame (Arran). Their repertoire showcases music deeply connected to their home areas alongside contemporary compositions, resulting in a sound that is both spacious and lush, yet retains the raw energy and spark of traditional Scottish fiddle playing.
With a decade of touring and three critically acclaimed albums to their name, RANT continues to lead the Scottish fiddle scene. Their most recent release, SPIN (2023), revisits influential tracks from their formative years with a fresh and confident approach. Their debut album, RANT, won a Herald Angel Award in 2013, and they have since graced major festivals across the UK, Ireland and Scandinavia. The group has also recorded strings for Julie Fowlis and contributed music to BBC and ITV programmes.
Inspiring Adventures in Music and Life
Anthony Evans, The Hub’s creative director, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming events. "Life is an adventure, so come and be inspired by a true explorer who pushes himself to the limits," he said of Charlie Walker. Speaking about RANT, he added, "Their love for Shetland and the Highlands shines through RANT’s performances with exuberance and elegance. They are four fabulous musicians."
Tickets for these events are priced at £18 and can be purchased online at thehubstmarys.co.uk or in person at The Hub's venue. For the full details on these and other events, visitors are encouraged to check the official website.
