Tenterhooks

Join us on an extraordinary journey with Tenterhooks, a groundbreaking collaboration between Marsden-born Poet Laureate Simon Armitage, the acclaimed band LYR, Marsden Mechanics and, most importantly, the people of Marsden. This visionary project invites the local community to take part in a series of creative workshops and events, where together, we will work the rich heritage of Marsden into a new series poems, songs and works of art.

In the first instance, the project invited the people of Marsden to engage in a series of discussions, where together we uncovered untold stories of Marsden’s rich heritage to inspire a series of new poems and lyrics to be written by Simon. These co-created poems have now been  gifted back to the community for personal or group interpretation and performance, and you can find them below on this page. If you are interested in creating a response to the poems then contact our Programme Manager on: jonny@marsdenmechanics.co.uk

The adventure culminates in what will be an unforgettable Cuckoo Day Festival in April 2025, where Marsden’s collective voice will resonate in celebration of its past, present, and future.

Tenterhooks is more than just an event—it’s a happening, a shared experience, and a legacy in the making. Be part of the story.

Tickets for this are free, however booking is essential

 

Community groups and local artists that are responding to the poems are:

Supriya Nagarajan and Duncan Chapman

Supriya Nagarajan has a unique voice in the British music scene and creates concept driven immersive music productions that push boundaries and encourage thought. She has performed across the world in various venues and festivals like the Harpa in Reykjavik, Royal Albert Hall, WOMAD, QEH Southbank Centre, Casa Da Musica and the Zee Jaipur Litfest music stage. Her works like Lullaby Sonic Cradle, Meltwater, Sound of Tea and Bollywood Jazz project have won critical acclaim and earned her a niche reputation in the UK and beyond. Supriya has been named in the Kings Honours list in June 2024 and been awarded a British Empire Medal for her services to music.Supriya is regularly supported by PRS Foundation, Jerwood Foundation and Arts Council England. Her music is a blend of her South Indian classical traditions and Western contemporary styles and she has released albums under the Manasamitra label, Tokuroku and Come Play With Me.

Duncan Chapman: composer / musician based in Lincolnshire.  Recent projects include online live events, a residency at EMS in Stockholm, curating a concert for the Aural Diversity project and performances (with Supriya) at the Jaipur Literature Festival in India. Current projects include online performances with Comb Filter and Humbox and an album of marimba and live electronic pieces with Simon Limbrick.

Unity Voices
Marsden’s own Unity Voices brought warmth, harmony and community spirit to Tenterhooks. This friendly female choir comes together to sing, share and connect through music, welcoming new members with open arms — whether they’re seasoned singers or simply love to raise their voice. Their performances as part of the project have been a celebration of togetherness and the power of song to reflect place and belonging.

O’Hooley & Tidow
O’Hooley & Tidow added lyrical depth and folk-rooted resonance to Tenterhooks with their distinctive sound and thoughtful songwriting. Known for their rich harmonies and quietly powerful delivery, the duo explore themes that range from the personal to the political, always with clarity and heart. Based in Yorkshire, their contribution to the project felt deeply connected to the landscape and stories that inspired it.

Marsden Infant and Junior School
The children of Marsden Infant and Junior School have been at the heart of Tenterhooks, offering their ideas, energy and local knowledge to help shape the project. From writing poems to taking part in performances, pupils have responded with creativity and confidence, strengthening their connection to the village and discovering new ways to tell their own stories.

B Heys School of Theatre Dance
Bringing energy and movement to Tenterhooks, B Heys School of Theatre Dance interpreted local stories and Simon Armitage’s poems through choreography and performance. Based in Marsden, the school supports dancers of all ages in building confidence, imagination and expressive skill. Their involvement has brought a physical, visual life to the words and music that define the project.