Wakefire: An Incantion to Summer

On Saturday, 20 June 2026, the Brighton Dome Studio Theatre is hosting a folk collaboration titled Wakefire: An Incantion to Summer. This project brings together the trio Lady Maisery—comprising Hannah James, Rowan Rheingans, and Hazel Askew—with the duo Jimmy Aldridge & Sid Goldsmith. For those who have followed their previous work, this new show serves as a seasonal counterpart to their winter production, 'Awake Arise'. Instead of focusing on the darkness of December, this performance shifts the focus to the summer solstice, celebrating the longest days of the year. The event is scheduled to begin at 20:00, right as the midsummer sun begins to set over Brighton.

The programme is structured as a multi-layered exploration of summer through various artistic mediums. It incorporates traditional music and spoken word alongside elements of ritual, morris, and mayday traditions. The content draws on specific cultural touchstones like 'Cider with Rosie' while moving between rural and urban imagery, featuring field cuckoos and city foxes. Beyond the historical and natural references, the performance addresses contemporary concerns such as global warming, balancing these heavier themes with the more traditional folk focus on the promise of ripe fruit and the ebullience of summer nights. It is described as an alchemical collaboration, aiming to provide a multisensory experience rather than a standard concert setlist.

For those looking at the practical side of things, the venue is located on Church Street in the heart of the city (BN1 1UE). Tickets are priced between £22.50 and £23.00, and bookings are handled through the Brighton Dome’s website. The Studio Theatre setting offers a particular atmosphere for this kind of collaborative work, which relies on the vocal harmonies and instrumental interplay between the five performers. While there isn't a specific age restriction, the artistic nature of the show and the evening timing suggest it is geared towards adults and families who have an interest in how traditional culture intersects with modern environmental themes.