A popular acoustic music night is celebrating two years of bringing acclaimed artists to an intimate Chester stage with a special anniversary event.

Husband-and-wife duo Katie and James McGregor, who perform as Wrexham-based band Igloo Hearts, launched The Blue Lantern Sessions in collaboration with Storyhouse in 2024.

Two years on, the sessions have established a distinctive format, with Igloo Hearts creating an immersive experience designed to recreate the cosy atmosphere of an artist performing in a living room.

To mark the second anniversary of The Blue Lantern Sessions, a special evening of live music will take place at Storyhouse's Garret Theatre on Tuesday 15 September.

Staged monthly in the intimate surroundings of Storyhouse's Garret Theatre, The Blue Lantern Sessions have built a loyal following and welcomed a wide range of acclaimed performers.

Next month, Katie and James will be joined by Welsh singer-songwriter Georgia Ruth, a Welsh Music Prize winner from Aberystwyth who has sold-out shows across the country and collaborated with the Manic Street Preachers.

The evening will also feature Panedeni, a cross-cultural ensemble fronted by Yasmine Latkowski, known for its distinctive vocals, melodies and songwriting.

Based in North Wales, Panedeni blends Arabic and Welsh music to create a distinctive folk-fusion sound. Performing in four languages, the ensemble combines belly dance rhythms, Welsh border pipes, original compositions and reimagined folk styles. The group most recently appeared at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod.

advertisement

Katie and James said: "When we founded The Blue Lantern Sessions in 2024, we wanted to create something a little different from a traditional gig.

"Our aim was to create a Jools Holland-style setting, where audiences are close to the performers and the atmosphere feels almost like artists are playing in your living room.

"For us, that is what live music is ultimately about: connection, emotion and feeling part of something."

The couple describe the Blue Lantern Sessions as "much more than simply watching a gig", with audiences continuing to grow as word has spread about the monthly events.

"We've had some truly magical evenings, there have been standing ovations, tears, laughter, hands-in-the-air moments and plenty of goosebumps," they added.

"We can't wait to celebrate the sessions second birthday with what promises to be an eclectic evening of live music, including a very special Blue Lantern Sessions finale."

More details and tickets can be found here.