The Skapones UK Tour 2026 with Cian Downing

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THE SKAPONES,

2026 UK TOUR 

With support from

CIAN DOWNING 

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What a special night we have in store for you on Saturday 12/09/26 at The Beeches.  

Headlining tonight as part of their 2026 UK tour, we bring you The Purveyors of The North East Ska movement, The Skapones
The band got together one day back in 2013 in Darlington, the market town based in the Tees Valley in the north east of England. A few members came and went during rehearsal until they were at a stage to seriously think about gigging. Some highlights so far - They have supported acts like Bad Manners, The Lambrettas, The Beat, (Both Roger & Daves) The Hotknives, Bombskare, The Toasters, Vin Gordon, Dennis Alcapone, Roddy Radiation of The Specials, Bruce Foxton's From The Jam at venues like ARC Stockton On Tees where they had a successful performance and successful performances at the 02 Academy Newcastle. They have also played with members of The Specials, Bad Manners & The Selecter. They also have played at festivals such as Stone Valley, YSA Invasion 12, the Great Northern Mod & Ska Festival, The Lindisfarne Festival, the Woodhorn Festival and the prestigious gig at the Feuerwerks Open Air Festival at The Reduit in Mainz, Germany amongst many other successful gigs. They have recorded tracks in the past for the Specialized Project that raises money for Teenage cancer Trust & Youth Music UK- " Police On My Back" for the Specialized project album " Combat cancer- A tribute to The Clash", "Midnight Ravers" for the 2016 "One Heart - A tribute to Bob Marley" album and "Smithers Jones" for the 2017 Specialized tribute to The Jam. Also, they have also headlined events for March Of The Mods, Our House all dayers in York and Barnard Castle Big Day Out, The Leadgate Big Bash and sold out twice and had turned people away at their hometown gig at The Forum Music Centre in Darlington.They've also released 2 CD Eps "The Tommy Gun EP" and latest " Rudys Return " EP which features Lynval Golding & Jon Read of The Specials. They have also played many festivals with and January 2020 saw them just edged out in the semi-final heats to play the prestigious Glastonbury Festival- into the last few from 1000s. They 've played at prestigious venues like The Dublin Castle, Hope & Anchor in London and played the 100 Club supporting Lee Thompson of Madness in 2017 with the band The Silencerz. They returned to The Dublin Castle where Lynval Golding of The Specials joined them onstage and Lee Thompson of Madness danced in the crowd.In January 2018 saw the release the title track of their forthcoming album "From Cradle To Grave" which hit number one in the UK Reggae Charts and this was followed up in May 2018 by their second single "The Ghost In Me" which hit the Top 10 in the UK Reggae Charts - a fantastic start for the original stuff and this was followed by a Top 5 placing in the reggae charts for the follow up "Betrayal Of Trust" .The debut album "Cradle To Grave" was released in September 2018 and sold out the Cd runs three times over and was followed by the 12" vinyl gatefold album which has continued to sell well, picking up rave reviews in magazines such as Vive Le Rock and other online blogs and sites. In December 2018 a remix of their track "Skapones A Go Go" hit the No,1 spot in the UK Reggae Charts, knocking The Specials from the top spot. Our last single "When Its Gone Its Gone" also hit the Top 3.We have undergone a massive UK, Ireland, Europe tour in 2019 and spent 2 weeks touring the USA in August 2019 which resulted in them being invited back in 2020 BUT THE HIGHLIGHT WAS BEING MADE SUPPORT FOR THE SPECIALS ON THEIR 40TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR IN MAY 2019 - WHAT AN OCCASION. They have released 19 singles in on their discography to date, and In 2020, the band released their first ever USA release in a split 7" vinyl shared with the Detroit Riddim Crew which saw the track "The Girl Inside" which simultaneously was picked up by Spinning Riot Records in Mexico for Mexican distribution. A cassette version of "Cradle To Grave" also was released in 2020 as was their documentary "Way Out West" , the story of their 2 week tour of the USA. The cassette sold out, and a book about the USA trip and Specials tour was published and released to great reviews.They have also been included in many Ska music compilation albums 2022 saw the title track of their 2nd album "Northern Gods" released as the 14th single whilst they were touring the country as support to Dave Wakeling's The Beat on their 40th Anniversary Tour. The bands second album “ NORTHERN GODS” was released in March 2023 and was critically acclaimed. 2023 amazingly, saw the band celebrate 10 years together. As well as dates gigs around the UK, the band embarked on a 2nd USA tour, staying on the East Coast of the States and opened the humongous Supernova Ska Festival on the beach in Fort Monroe,Virginia.In a great end to the anniversary year, the single “Windrush” was released ,topping the UK Reggae Charts and hitting the National Charts, making the tune the best selling Skapones single to date. A 3rd album “Ascension” was released in early 2024. A new 2025 single “The Fear” released May 2025. A 4th album was released in October 2025 called "From The North East  with Love". 

And if that's not enough for you

First on tonight, we welcome the highly acclaimed singer songwriter Cian Downing and his band. Cian is an emerging British indie singer-songwriter originally from Stevenage, Hertfordshire, now based in North London. His music is characterized by a blend of mod, indie, and ska, drawing comparisons to artists like Paul Weller and Billy Bragg.  With a sound that is at once nostalgic and modern, and with his stagecraft honed in the pubs of London town, Cian Downing, is emerging onto the British indie scene with his infectious energy and refreshing melodic songwriting in the style of Billy Bragg, Paul Weller and The Specials. Cian has toured the country over the past 12 months alongside his superb four-piece backing band selling out of tickets in many venues compounding his popularity and professionalism. Cian’s unique blend of mod, indie and ska music is best exemplified by his debut album The Grassroots to the Sky, released on Cian’s own label Loft End Records, to much fanfare from his devoted fanbase. Cian’s previous live and festival credits include Isle of Wight Festival 2023, Brighton Mod Weekender 2024, London’s 100 Club, Blam Blam Fever Weekender, and many more! 2026 will see Cian gigging relentlessly across the UK as he continues to make waves in the industry, as a self-promoted, DIY musician with a unique sound and a sheer determination to succeed. The 23rd January 2026 sees his latest single released on Loft End Records , called "Come Around" a blend of Reggae, Indie and Ska influences. 

MERCHANDISE 

Both bands will be bringing their merchandise and will be available to buy throughout the event. Please help by directly supporting the artists by purchasing your favourite items. 

Information.

Free parking on site. Modern building with disabled facilities. Licensed Bar, Beautiful location.

PLEASE NOTE: This event is OVER 18's ONLY. 

DOORS 7PM. CLOSE 11:45 PM

This special evening is provided for you by "The Bay", in association with The Beeches, Isleham.

Visit thebeechesisleham.co.uk for a 360° tour of this amazing venue and more information about what it offers the community.