HEXHAM singer Katie Doherty and the Navigators will kick off their UK tour at Sage Gateshead this May.

The folk outfit - formed of musicians Katie Doherty, Grace Smith and Dave Gray – will use the 14-date tour to showcase their upcoming new album FLOW.

The album was inspired by how people engage with music and involves community collaboration, which saw early demos of the songs shared with people from North-East community groups who were then asked to respond to them.

“It feels wonderful to have dates in the diary again after such a long time away and we definitely appreciate being in front of an audience on a whole new level,” said Katie.

“We’re looking forward to celebrating being back on stage with everyone and introducing them to FLOW.

“Community outreach, participation and education has always been a big part of my 'other' work away from performing. I felt and feel the need for it more than ever in the last few years.

"My work feels much more purposeful if I can reach further. In fact, it's nothing without that connection.”

Members of Tin Arts in Durham, Odd Man Out in Darlington, Stage in Tynemouth and people from Katie’s local community in rural Northumberland worked with award-winning playwright Laura Lindow (The Snow Queen, Northern Stage; Beyond the End of the Road, November Club; Sugar and Key Change, Open Clasp) to facilitate and collect the reactions and responses which then influenced the development of the songs.

Since their album And Then was released in 2019, Katie Doherty and the Navigators have enjoyed extensive airplay all over Europe, including live sessions on BBC Radio 2 and 3, and performances across the country.

The opening date (May 13) on the tour at Sage Gateshead will feature a community choir.

For tickets, visit katiedoherty.co.uk/live