Wirral promoters Events 471 are set to deliver a truly special celebration of music and art as folk legend Kathryn Williams comes to Birkenhead’s FutureYard for an unforgettable night of sound, story and soul. Headlined by the acclaimed Kathryn Williams, the evening also features stellar support from Matt Deighton and Wirral favourite Mike Ryan.
Kathryn Williams: A Folk Legend
A true artist in every sense, Kathryn Williams is a Mercury Prize–nominated singer-songwriter, novelist, painter and podcaster whose career spans almost three decades and 17 albums. Renowned for her delicate melodies, emotionally rich songwriting and quietly powerful voice, she has long been regarded as one of the most respected and influential figures in UK folk music.
Her most recent solo album Night Drives debuted at No.2 in the official folk charts, while her collaborative project Willson Williams with Withered Hand earned nominations for both the SAY and AMA Awards. Beyond music, Kathryn’s creativity flows effortlessly into other art forms — from her acclaimed novel The Ormering Tide to her much-loved podcast Before the Light Goes Out, and collaborations with artists including Paul Weller, Chris Difford and Beth Nielsen Chapman.
Recognised as the only woman in the Top Ten Greatest Liverpool Songwriters of All Time, Kathryn continues to innovate, inspire and redefine what it means to be a multidisciplinary artist. This special FutureYard performance celebrates the release of her new album Mystery Park, promising an intimate and emotionally resonant set that brings together music, words and visual imagination.
Matt Deighton: Revered By Paul Weller & Noel Gallagher
Joining Kathryn on the night is Matt Deighton, a musician with a remarkable musical pedigree. Known for fronting Acid Jazz favourites Mother Earth, playing guitar for Paul Weller, and even being personally chosen by Noel Gallagher to replace him on tour, Deighton brings depth, history and soulful musicianship to the bill.
Matt Ryan: Multi-Award Winning Wirral Artist
Opening the evening is Wirral’s own Mike Ryan, a two-time Liverpool Acoustic Songwriting Challenge winner. His indie-folk and melodic-rock sound has lit up venues including the Liverpool Philharmonic Music Room and FutureYard itself. His latest album The Space Where You Should Be showcases his gift for heartfelt songwriting, warmth and melody — making him the perfect artist to set the tone for the night.
Striking Features: Kathryn Williams art exhibition at Start Yard
The celebration doesn’t stop at the stage. As part of this unique music-and-art experience, Events 471’s community arm 471 Routes C.I.C. are hosting Striking Features, a brand-new exhibition of Kathryn Williams’ visual artwork at StartYard.
Running from 16th January to 24th February, and open Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm, the exhibition offers a rare glimpse into Kathryn’s world as a painter. Best known for her music and writing, she is also an accomplished visual artist whose work captures character, emotion and quiet beauty.
Striking Features showcases an intimate collection of portraits painted on matchboxes, alongside delicate watercolours and limited-edition prints. Small in scale yet rich in personality, each piece reflects Kathryn’s instinctive, thoughtful style — sitting beautifully at the intersection of music, storytelling and visual expression.
From the live performances at FutureYard to the quietly powerful artworks at Start Yard, this is more than a gig or an exhibition — it’s a celebration of creativity in all its forms. A night, and a season, where music meets art and poetry under one roof. For anyone who loves words, sound and soul, this is an experience not to be missed.
Kathryn Williams / Tues 24th Feb, 7pm / FutureYard, Birkenhead, Argyle Street, Birkenhead, CH41 6AP
For more information and what’s on visit Events 471’s WEBSITE
