Rook Lane Blog

March 9, 2026

Spafford Campbell are twenty-something mould-breakers, fiddle player Owen Spafford and guitarist Louis Campbell. 
The two first met as teenagers playing traditional music. The connection, they say, was immediate. The duo Spafford Campbell began playing live in 2018, prompting double takes with their delicacy, dynamism and seemingly telepathic exchanges, with the startling intimacy of musical conversations nurtured in improv-led writing sessions. 

March 9, 2026

Boubacar Samake, son of the late Malian music legend Sibiri Samake, carries forward the deep spiritual tradition of Mali’s donso (hunter) music — a lineage of ritual melodies and rhythms played for courage, healing, and connection to the natural world. 
A virtuoso of the ngoni, the plucked lute at the heart of donso music, Boubacar is also one half of electro-afro innovators Siraba. He performs in this new line-up with Louis Campbell (electric guitar, from alt-folk duo Spafford Campbell), Ben Nicholls (bass) and master percussionist Seydou Kienou from Burkina Faso, whose djembe, calabash and karagnan bring a visceral, ancient pulse. Together they reframe this ancestral sound in a hypnotic, blues-tinged dialogue that bridges West African tradition and modern experimentation.

March 4, 2026

Come and discover the untold history of these intriguing warrior-monks who have fascinated the world for over 700 years. In our day of talks, our expert speakers will reveal the stories behind the conventional history: what were the knights really doing in Jerusalem during the Crusades, why were they called the guardians of the Holy Grail, and why are the Cathars also important in this story?

May 16, 2025

Join us at the stunning Rook Lane Chapel (Frome, Somerset BA11 1DN) for an unforgettable family-friendly party packed with festival vibes. This year, we’re going all out with two stages, an outdoor chill area, and live graffiti art to create an immersive experience for all ages.

May 2, 2025

Rokia Koné, one of Mali’s most beloved artists and a member of supergroup Les Amazones d’Afrique, blends griot-infused vocals with Malian guitar and West African percussive pulse, reconnecting with her roots. The concert opens with master Moroccan gnawa musician Mohamed Errebbaa’s captivating trance vocals and guembri accompaniment. 

May 2, 2025

Wasted degree in opera. Teacher’s Pet. Born in Kent, raised in Japan. Amy’s new show is a witty musical comedy about bringing your heartfelt teenage lyrics to life. Come along for a deep dive into a disastrous and hilarious series of events in this messy modern world. Expect bangers.

May 2, 2025

Best known as the harpist for Florence + The Machine, Tom Moth presents a rare performance of
solo work juxtaposing the sublime with the jarring. With electronic effects and soundscapes, he
pushes the harp into new sonic realms. Support from alt-folk violinist and songwriter boci, who
uses loops and effects pedals to craft intricate, layered arrangements.

May 2, 2025

An evening with multi-talented British-Palestinian musician Reem Kelani,accompanied by pianist Bruno Heinen. Reem encloses a nation in her voice, fusing the rich songbook of the Middle East with contemporary jazz practices. It’s hard to find a more poignant figure of musical unity right now.

May 2, 2025

This isn’t your average pub quiz! We Hear You has teamed up with Bucks Quiz for a fast-paced, interactive evening with creative challenges, brain-bending puzzles, and team showdowns. Expect unexpected twists, great prizes, and a few beach party surprises along the way.

May 2, 2025

Step into deep relaxation with a heart-opening cacao ceremony and transformative sound bath. Experience the healing vibrations of crystal bowls, gongs and more as you reconnect with yourself. Hosted by Ali Hutchinson & Lisa Rothnie, passionate energy healers. Bring a yoga mat, blanket and anything you need to stay warm.