Pop-up Proms 2026-27

The Pop Up Proms are free 30 to 40 minute concerts held in public spaces, bringing outstanding live music to town centres, libraries, family centres and community venues. With three concerts each month and a changing line-up of performers, audiences can discover everything from harp, tabla and tuba to saxophone, violin and drums, showcasing the rich variety of classical and jazz music.

No tickets are required. Audiences can drop in, stay for as long as they like, and enjoy performances in a relaxed, informal setting. Our aim is to make professional live music accessible to everyone.

We’re delighted to return in 2026-27 with a new series of free performances. Details of performers and venues can be found below and will be updated as and when venues/performers are booked.

With thanks to Broxtowe Borough Council, Ashfield Creates and Cllr Teresa Cullen’s Councillor Divisional Fund for making this series possible.

Saturday 3rd October 2026

Tala Tarang return to Nottingham for three more free performances. Anyone who saw them last time will tell you it was well worth a trip to see them, so drop in to any of the performances below and catch them doing what they do best. A fantastic unique sound.

Performers: Tala Tarang – Eleanor Turner (Harp) and Mendi Singh (Tabla)

Translating to “Rhythm Waves”, Tāla Tarang brings together East Midlands based musicians, Mendi Singh and Eleanor Turner, blending classical, pop, world, and original music into something truly unique. Their improvisations are captivating, pairing ancient instruments in a fresh, surprising way. They’ve toured across the UK and Europe and now you can catch them for free in Beeston this 10th July.

Performance venues and timings

Stapleford Library – 10am
The Beeston Social (For Oxjam festival) – 12pm
Attenborough Nature Centre (outside, front of the centre) – 2:50pm

September dates in Ashfield 18th & 19th September 2026

It’s a brass double header this September as we’re partnering with Ashfield Creates to bring two pop up proms to Ashfield. Free to the general public, stay as long as you like, we hope you enjoy the show. Details and what three words location below, look for the Ashfield Creates banners and follow the music.

Friday 18th September, Sutton-in-Ashfield Market Square

Friday will feature a local professional trumpet and trombone duo, Becky Pepper and Sean Pepper.
They’ll be performing three sets outdoors in Sutton-in-Ashfield Town Market Square (what3words: nation.stores.bugs). Set times: 10:30-11:10, 11:40-12:20 & 12:50-13:30

Saturday 19th September, Hucknall Central Walk

Then on Saturday, it’s professional Tuba and Euphonium duo, Ben Armstrong and Charlotte Burton.
They’ll be performing three sets outdoors in Hucknall on Central Walk (what3words: hangs.decreased.stands) Set times: 10:30-11:10, 11:30-12:10 & 12:40-13:20.

Wednesday 5th August 2026

Ben Armstrong and Adam Rutter – Tuba and Euphonium duo

Ben and Adam are experienced performers and educators with careers spanning classical, jazz and popular music. Ben has performed internationally at high-profile events as a military musician, while Adam is an award-winning euphonium soloist who has appeared at major UK venues and festivals. Alongside their performance work, both are passionate about teaching, conducting and community music-making.

Performance venues and timings

Toton Library – 11-11:30am
5&2 Stapleford Community Group, 2 Montrose Court, Stapleford – 12:30-1pm
The Willows, Beeston, assisted living venue (residents only) – 2:30-3pm

Friday 10th July 2026

Performers: Tala Tarang – Eleanor Turner (Harp) and Mendi Singh (Tabla)

Performance venues and timings

Humber Lodge – Beeston (Assisted Living Venue) – 11:00-11:40am
Beeston Library – 1:15-2pm
Beeston Rylands Community Centre – 2:45-3:30pm

Past Pop-Up Proms

March 2026

Performers: Inspire Broxtowe Swing Band fronted by professional Jazz singer, Jeanie Barton

Jeanie has worked with notable artists including Georgie Fame, Luddy Samms of The Drifters, and even caught the attention of Samuel L. Jackson. Her Bond‑theme performances have connected her with icons like Shirley Bassey and Pierce Brosnan. She has appeared at major UK venues such as The Jazz Cafe, The 606 Club, Ronnie Scott’s, and the National Theatre and she earned the title of “Best Newcomer” at the Marlborough Jazz Festival.

Inspire Broxtowe Swing Band are a band comprised of talented 14-18 year old musicians playing classic style jazz standards, funk inspired tracks and the original works of jazz.

February 2026

Performers: Eleanor Turner and Clare O’Connell – Harp and Cello duo

Eleanor is an award‑winning harpist and composer whose career launched at fifteen with a London concerto debut broadcast on Classic FM. She champions new music through electro‑acoustic performance, multidisciplinary projects, and initiatives such as the world’s first Electro Harp Day. Her recent work includes performing on Dave’s “The Boy Who Played the Harp” and publishing Lullabies for the Land, raising money for children’s charities.

Clare O’Connell is a performer, arranger and curator whose work spans solo and chamber performance. Her work has been heard at venues such as Westminster Abbey and Wigmore Hall and broadcast on BBC Radio 3. Clare’s diverse recording career ranges from contemporary chamber music to collaborations with artists including Jonny Greenwood, Radiohead, Arcade Fire and Sir Paul McCartney.

January 2026

Performers: Meera Maharaj and Lucy Nolan – Flute and Harp duo a.k.a Hathor Duo

Hathor Duo enjoy exploring the enchanting range of repertoire available to the pairing of flute and harp, spanning from their own arrangements of popular works and folk music to contemporary works. They are both passionate chamber musicians and have performed at venues including Bridgewater Hall, Cadogan Hall, Stoller Hall and the Royal Albert Hall.

December 2025

Performers: Rosie Rutherford and Nicole Rossi – Clarinet and Flute duo

Rosie Rutherford (clarinet) and Nicole Rossi (flute) are musicians based in the Midlands. They are two thirds of contemporary classical trio The Willow Ensemble, and alumni of Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.

Nicole works as Assistant Head of Woodwind for Birmingham Music Service. As a performer, she regularly plays with Sinfonia of Birmingham. Rosie works as a freelance musician and composer. She is a third of acoustic fusion trio Threaded and has worked and toured as a theatre performer. She is currently a musician in residence for Nottingham University and works as a Musician in Healthcare.

November 2025

Performers: Ben Armstrong and Adam Rutter – Tuba and Euphonium duo

Ben has performed at high-profile events worldwide as a military musician and continues to perform across classical, jazz, and pop genres. Alongside his performing career, Ben is deeply engaged in education and community music making.

Adam is an award-winning euphonium soloist. He has performed at major UK venues and festivals, including the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival, and continues to teach, conduct, and perform in both educational and professional settings.

October 2025

Performers: Gareth Humphreys and Jemma Freestone – Bassoon and Flute duo

Gareth is a freelance orchestral bassoonist, Gareth has performed with many of the UK’s top orchestras, including trials for positions in the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Philharmonia, BBC NOW, Royal Ballet Sinfonia and the Halle Orchestra.

Jemma is a freelance flautist, workshop leader and educator. Her orchestral work includes performances with BBC Symphony Orchestra, BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Orchestra of Welsh National Opera and BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.

Photo credit: Raphaël Neal.