Local success stories are precisely what we like to share and promote at Nub News, and this musical example is no exception. And yes, that also includes your local band - get in touch if you'd like us to write about you by emailing [email protected].

Glastonbury, Eurosonic, the Isle of Wight - it's a joy to see great bands rocking out on these festival stages. All the more so when it's a band that you've watched grow from the local circuit - a band which starts in sticky floor pubs, playing on foot-high stages, and battles a way to the top flight of the music industry.

Meet one such homegrown band from our Nub News network - Hardwicke Circus. This quintet can command a presence on the big stages, whilst remaining firmly by and of their local scene.

The group's next big UK gig is supporting Madness in Leeds. The show takes place on 26 July 2024 at Kirkstall Abbey - find tickets and more information HERE.

It comes not long after The Hardwickes played a blinding gig with Madness in Plymouth on 15 June. Lead singer Jonny said it feels good to be back on big stages, and promised fans all the energy and tightness of preceding shows and more for this upcoming July gig.

Hailing from Carlisle, The Hardwickes have played gigs all over the world, in pubs, parks, and even prisons. But everywhere they go - in their converted police van, that is - they do so with a big piece of home in tow.

In the words of one critic, The Hardwickes bring "the brio of the E Street Band and the dark passion of classic Doors, but with plenty of British authenticity in their high-voltage attack".

Now in the process of recording their third studio album, the group is riding an ever-growing wave of momentum, off the back of a string of huge gigs alongside some of music's greats.

Think Bob Geldof, Rival Sons, and even a support slot with Neil Young and Bob Dylan at Hyde Park. Does any more need to be said?

And you can expect more tour dates across the UK this year, as the band prepares to blast some old and new tunes in a string of gigs across the country. 

With 50 sites across the country, we like to share success stories from across our network - the story of Hardwicke Circus is one of them (Image - James Vincent)

Underwriting this blinding progress is the band's own staunchly independent record label, 'Alternative Facts Records'.

The label was founded on the principle of upholding and celebrating the local scene.

In its own words, the label aims to showcase "artists from the north of England who might not be heard above the rabble of the London-centric scenes".

This can include the best of local talent, from the brassy rock and roll of The Hardwickes, through to metalheads, modal jazz, and everything in-between.

Currently in the process of recording a new album, the Hardwickes will soon be touring in a town near you (Image - James Vincent)

The five-piece continue their rocking and rolling in earnest under the management of renowned music veteran Dave Robinson. Co-founder of Stiff Records, Dave has worked alongside the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Elvis Costello, The Pogues, and Motörhead, to name a few. He aims to get the Hardwickes to a similar level of prestige as this star-studded cast.

Speaking of the importance of keeping rooted in the local scene, Hardwicke's guitarist and lead singer Jonny Foster said: "If we play a gig in a town, we like to know a bit about the locality: the industry, the football team, the local music scene. We try and belong. We don't just turn up, play our set then drive on."

At its core, Nub News is about supporting local people, businesses, and artists. Hardwicke Circus is no exception, and we want to share their incredible story with our local readers.

Stay tuned for updates, or, if all this has piqued your interest, find Hardwicke Circus gig dates HERE.