David Neil Crabtree & Hayley McKay Live at Barnoldswick Music & Arts Centre, Lancashire, Barnoldswick
David Neil Crabtree and Hayley McKay come together in an inspiring partnership that taps deeply into the UK’s growing affinity for country and Americana music. Each artist brings their distinctive strengths to this collaboration—Crabtree with his introspective, narrative songwriting and McKay with her clear, emotive voice—forming a sound that reflects their Northern English roots while embracing the wide, melodic appeal that UK country fans cherish.
David Neil Crabtree has established himself as a subtle yet significant voice in the modern UK country scene. His 2023 album I Just Want to Tell You marked a notable evolution in his artistry, blending acoustic intimacy with profound emotional themes across standout tracks such as Divide, Haunt Me, and Be Houdini. Listeners are drawn to his grounded, storyteller-first approach, which melds seamlessly with the rising wave of homegrown country talent. His melodic EP, A Girl Named Whisky, helped solidify his reputation for crafting songs that feel both personal and universally relatable.
Hayley McKay’s dynamic vocal style and songwriting prowess have earned her recognition across the UK country circuit, including the UK Entertainer of the Year title at the Hot Country TV Awards 2022. Her latest single, Adrenaline, released in early 2025, showcases her infectious blend of pop melodies with country influences. McKay’s career highlights include co-writing with distinguished Nashville songwriters and performing at notable venues and festivals such as Glastonbury and the O2 Arena’s C2C Festival, where her live presence is as compelling as her studio work.
Together as the project North Riding, Crabtree and McKay fuse their talents into performances that balance reflective songwriting and vibrant vocals, creating an engaging and authentic UK country experience. Fans of acoustic-driven storytelling and bright, melodic country-pop orchestration will find much to admire in their joint work.
Barnoldswick Music & Arts Centre, Lancashire
This event takes place at the Barnoldswick Music & Arts Centre, a venue noted for its classic acoustic setting nestled in the heart of the Pendle Hills. The centre offers an intimate environment well-suited to the detailed artistry and nuanced performances that Crabtree and McKay bring to the stage. Recently, seated tickets sold out swiftly, underlining the strong local and regional demand to experience this distinctive pairing in a venue that fosters a close connection between artist and audience.
