Narc. Magazine Online
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On Friday 15th May at Crown Street Library, Darlington, Tracks presents an evening of poetry inspired by the felling of the Sycamore Gap tree, accompanied by music inspired by the poems
Tracks’ Hark! The Sound of Stories returns to Darlington’s Crown Street Library on Friday 15th May with a special collaboration between poet Kate Fox and North‑East duo Staithe. Together they present On Sycamore Gap, a performance of poetry and music shaped by the loss of the iconic Sycamore Gap tree and the emotional aftershocks that followed its felling in 2023.
Fox’s recent collection, published on the eve of the first anniversary of the incident, reflects on grief, renewal and the strange emptiness left behind. Staithe — Bridie Jackson and Nick Pierce — weave her words with intimate, minimalist soundscapes of voice, guitar, viola, piano and electronics, creating a piece that sits somewhere between lament and quiet resilience.
The evening also features individual sets: Staithe perform with guest author Bridget Hamilton, while Fox reads from across her back catalogue, drawing on her work as a stand‑up poet, broadcaster and long‑time voice of the North.
Set within the warm surrounds of Crown Street Library, the event keeps things relaxed — soft drinks available, and a BYOB invitation for anyone wanting to settle in with something stronger.
