Listed church in Northumberland to host summer concerts

Kirkharle Courtyard, which comprises distinct businesses, galleries, and the listed St Wilfrid's Church, will bring 'an eclectic mix of live alt-folk, contemporary and classical music' to the historic Northumberland estate.

The 18th-century farmstead is 'a place to eat, shop, unwind and explore', its website said.

Performer Clara Hyder at St Wilfrid's Church (Image: Supplied)

Few concert venues can offer lunchtime recitals surrounded by Northumberland countryside, independent artists’ studios and one of the region’s best-loved cafés.

Perched above the courtyard, St Wilfrid’s Church from the 14th century is best known as the place where a young Lancelot “Capability” Brown was baptised. For centuries, it has overlooked the landscape that shaped Britain’s most influential landscape designer.

The Ceitidh Mac Trio (Image: Supplied)

This summer, it hosts a 'carefully curated concert series celebrating live music, place and the pleasure of slowing down', organisers said, with the programme curated by internationally acclaimed trombonist Ian Sankey. 

The Kirkharle Summer Concert Series opened with the Ceitidh Mac Trio. After a recent performance at FreshWales, Ceitidh played a 'beautiful set, enrapturing the audience with the rich tones of her cello and melodic harmonies'. Clara Hyder travelled from London to perform her recital Woman&Water.

The Kirkharle Summer Concert Series opened with the Ceitidh Mac Trio (Image: Supplied)

Clara and Peter delighted with their multi-instrumental recital rich in storytelling, Celtic themes and harmonies. 

Organisers said the concerts will continue through June and July, bringing an 'eclectic mix of folk, classical and contemporary performers to one of Northumberland’s most atmospheric venues'.

Sunset over the lake on the estate (Image: Tripadvisor)

"The church’s intimate scale and excellent acoustics create a listening experience larger venues often struggle to match. Audiences sit close to the performers, and the historic setting becomes part of the performance."

Kirkharle Courtyard, just 30 minutes from Hexham and Newcastle, has become a distinctive rural destination in the Northumbrian landscape.

Kirkharle Courtyard (Image: Tripadvisor)

Alongside the concerts, visitors can explore independent galleries, artists’ studios and craft businesses, browse handmade work, enjoy refreshments at The Running Fox, or wander through the landscape that inspired Capability Brown’s vision.

"Many visitors now choose to stay longer. With accommodation available on site, a concert can become the highlight of a countryside escape rather than simply an afternoon out. Arrive early for lunch, explore the courtyard, enjoy the performance and spend the night beneath Northumberland’s dark skies before waking to the peace of the surrounding countryside.

Kirkharle Courtayrd is set in the Northumberland countryside (Image: Tripadvisor)

"In an age when so much entertainment competes for attention, Kirkharle offers something refreshingly different: a chance to slow down, listen carefully and enjoy world-class musicians in a unique setting," organisers added.

Inside St WIlfrid's (Image: Tripadvisor)

The 2026 Summer Concert Series features performances from Ceitidh Mac Trio, Clara Hyder, Neil Sutcliffe and Roo Geddes, the Da Vinci String Quartet, Ian Sankey and Anna Michels, and Adam Wood and Celia Bouch.

Tickets are £15, including refreshments, with a season ticket available for those wishing to enjoy the full series.

For more information and bookings, visit kirkharlecourtyard.co.uk/events.