Charlie Wood Booked To Headline at September Celebration 2026
- Karin Blak
- May 5
- 3 min read
Bringing an internationally acclaimed musician to Market Harborough is no small feat! But that didn't stop Creative Harborough's Joe Liptrot from getting together with Steve Cook from Harborough Live Events to organise a very special concert for the town's September Celebration this year.
Charlie Wood and his seven-piece band will be performing live at the Octagonal Theatre at Welland Park Academy, 7.30 pm on 19th September.
Book your ticket here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/harboroughliveevents1/2113298
“Charlie Wood is a singer/songwriter and keyboardist whose eclectic musical style incorporates elements of jazz, blues, traditional R&B and popular music. Born and raised in Memphis, TN, Wood’s early musical development was steeped in the blues and R&B music of his hometown. At seventeen, he headed down to New Orleans, spending several years soaking up the exotic piano traditions and lush lifestyle of the Big Easy.”
If you haven't heard Charlie Wood and his band yet, here is a snippet:
This is a chance to experience world-class musicians right on our doorstep. But what makes this story even more powerful is how it came about.
Behind this achievement is Joe Liptrot, a Creative Harborough volunteer, whose passion for live music has quietly shaped a musical landscape in the streets of the town centre. Under the banner of Busk! - a Creative Harborough project - Joe's steady determination has so far brought over 35 open-air performances to the Undercroft, situated beneath the Old Grammar School, and also in St Mary's Shopping Arcade. Another 20 acts, so far, are already booked for the remainder of 2026!
Joe first became involved with Busk! in its infancy. “Two performances had happened,” he recalls, “a Morris dancing troupe and the band Soul Patrol from Robert Smyth School, not together, I hasten to add!” Since then, buskers have created a magical town centre atmosphere with shops reporting increased footfall, visitors stopping to enjoy performances, and musicians finding new opportunities.
Busk! is available to all types of performances: Charity events, artists exhibiting their creations, and solo musicians, right through to big bands that overflow the Undercroft stage onto the church square.
There have been memorable moments along the way, including a freezing late-night Christmas shopping event with six acts from Somewhere Records - a local record label - all trying to keep warm in November's sub-zero temperatures, carrying on regardless. Then there's the challenge of finding enough chairs for Harborough Band's 25 members!
Busk! has also featured local artists like Ele and her talented guitarist, Steve, who grew from a busking duo to recording and releasing their own music. Their success hasn't stopped them from regularly honouring Market Harborough's busking scene, delighting shoppers with cover versions as well as their own music.
It’s these moments that show what Busk! is really about: creating opportunity, making local musicians visible, collaboration and connection. A side effect is undoubtedly the relaxed yet uplifting atmosphere throughout the town. This is also the backdrop to the upcoming September Celebration, filled with local artists offering workshops, exhibitions, performances, gigs and concerts.
Creative Harborough launched its very first September Celebration in 2025. Now, in only its second year, the month-long 2026 event is already growing, drawing in more artists, more collaborators, and more ambition. Local artists are stepping forward, keen to be part of something that is clearly building momentum. There are no limits to the creativity on offer during the celebration, and all artists and creative individuals are welcome to join in.
Joe’s role in bringing Charlie Wood to the programme feels like a big, bold step, certainly, but also a sign of what’s possible when a good idea strikes, and collaborators step forward. And this is what Creative Harborough does best: collaborate with and promote artists and creative individuals.
The Charlie Wood concert will put a spotlight on Market Harborough and will draw in visitors from far and wide, bringing business to local shops, pubs, and cafes. The concert itself will employ local technical and support crew, as well as highlight the creativity at the heart of Market Harborough and its history. Everyone benefits!
Looking ahead, Joe hopes this is just the start. As more artists take to the Busk! stages, the energy will continue to grow. He says, "I’m hoping this will result in a snowball effect and encourage more local talent to get out there and perform for us!"
From busking slots to big stages, something is happening in Market Harborough.
And this September, you can be part of it!
Tickets to Charlie Wood and band, September 19th:
Somewhere Record Label:
To book a Busk! performance:
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