Press room

Rich(ard) Dawson - Delight is Right  

Newcastle songsmith Rich(ard) Dawson and the Barbican announce all-dayer event Delight is Right, taking place on 22 March 2026. A familiar performer to the Barbican, Dawson returns next year with an eclectic line-up of friends and favourites that encompass the breadth of his influences in an afternoon and evening of powerful and unpredictable music across the Barbican Hall and FreeStage.

In the evening, Rich(ard) Dawson opens the Barbican Hall performances in duo with drummer Andrew Cheetham playing material drawn from recent album End of the Middle. At the other end of the evening, Dawson reunites with Finnish experimental rockers Circle, taking their first steps on a stage together since touring 2021's botanical prog classic Henki. With a history spanning thirty-five years Circle are among the most prolific, idiosyncratic and thrilling outfits performing today.

Joining them on stage is gothic folk band ØXN – featuring members of Lankum and Percolator – whose sound exists somewhere between the traditional, the future and the eternal; plus The Hameed Brothers Qawwal from Bradford, who will perform Islamic Sufi devotional music with a history dating back more than 700 years. Further guests to be announced.

Earlier in the afternoon, the Barbican’s FreeStage will host an eclectic and free-to-attend showcase of exploratory sounds. Artist line up to be announced at a later date.

Together, the artists brought together by Dawson form a meeting of kindred spirits — musicians who, though rooted in different traditions, are united by a shared commitment to exploration, intensity and emotional truth.

Produced by the Barbican in Association with Upset The Rhythm
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