SKIPTON-based singer, cellist and environmental activist Sarah Smout, is due at Skipton Town Hall on Thursday, May 4 with a performance inspired by her month-long stay in Iceland.

The show is part of her debut solo tour after a decade-long stint as a session cellist in the folk and roots scene. Armed with just her cello and loop pedal, Sarah promises to create a transportive and mesmerising solo show that explores connections to place.

Titled ‘Eyjar’ - Old Norse for islands-, it is inspired by her month-long odyssey to Iceland by boat, via Orkney, Shetland and the Faroes, and interweaves poetry, looped soundscapes and deeply felt lyrics in perfect harmony, creating a truly unique sound.

As an environmental activist, climate change lies at the heart of her work, and she presents it in a way that celebrates nature, while at the same time posing urgent questions.

She will bring to the audience her experiences from remote islands, including local dialect words for nature, stories about species of birds from islanders she met, and even traditional tunes.

Sarah said: “I made this journey to Iceland to listen and collect – to travel slowly. So often tours are about covering as much ground as possible, without really experiencing any of the places.

"I think that when we slow down, we can uncover stories that are important and urgent, and even more profoundly, find our own place in nature.

"This connection to nature is something that helps me navigate an uncertain world, and by travelling in these remote islands, I got to experience something that was very special, and it made me even more determined to do what I can to protect nature and the future of all life upon this earth. I hope that my music can uplift, challenge and inspire change.”

Also coming up at the town hall is Skipton Comedy Live on Friday, May 5, featuring Roger Monkhouse, Gavin Webster, and Steve Harris, and hosted by Colin Manford.

Skipton Rotary presents an 'evening of musical entertainment' on Friday, May 12, featuring community choir, Voices of Yorkshire and a rip-roaring Swing Band. The event will support Rotary's efforts to eradicate polio in the world.

On Wednesday, May 10, primary school teachers are invited to take part in a free event aimed at enhancing aspects of the curriculum. There will be a short online overview of everything the museum can offer to support classroom history teaching, with opportunity to ask any questions.

Find out more at: https://skiptontownhall.co.uk