Northern Folklore Panel Discussion

Sunderland Lit & Phil presents: Northern Folklore

On the evening of June 18th (just in time for the Solstice!) at Pop Recs, we invite you to explore the realm of Northern Folklore with local experts.

There is a resurgence in interest in folklore, so let’s talk about it.

What is it, and what folklore is specific to us here?

What can we learn about people of the past from the folkloric evidence we have?

And what can we draw from to deepen our connection to our home?

How are Folklore traditions adapting in the 21st century?

Joining Auburn Langley this month will be Nikki Bell, of the North East Folklore Society, Nathaniel Spain of Carnyx Press, and Jake McWilliams of Wyrd North. Local author Nathan Cole will be there to introduce his book, A Raven's Prayer, a fictional tale set in 7th-century Northumberland, along with local artists and the curious residents of Sunderland.

Nikki Bell

Nikki (she/her) is a community builder, folklore researcher, and founder of the North East Folklore Society. Working with local archives, publications, and interviews with local folk, she brings people together to celebrate the stories, people, and landscape that have shaped our region.

Nathaniel Spain

Nathaniel Spain is a writer and publishing professional. He is the editor of Oaths and Offerings: A Carnyx anthology of folklore, which brings together folklore-inspired tales from writers across the North of England. Copies of the anthology Oaths and Offerings will be available at the event.

Doors open at Pop Recs at 6:30 pm on Thursday, June 18th, with the panel discussion starting at 7 pm, a break at 8 pm, followed by the audience Q&A. At 9 pm, we usually sojourn to the Bridge Hotel Vaults across the road to honour the old Lit & Phil tradition.