Red Balloon Music presents… Lauren Housley & Natalie McCool LIVE

Red Balloon Music presents…Lauren Housley & Natalie McCool (Co-Headline Show)

Sunday 22nd February 2026, 1pm – 5pm

Two powerhouse voices. One epic venue.

Red Balloon Music brings together Laura Housley & Natalie McCool – two of the UK’s most exciting contemporary singer-songwriters – for a co-headline show in the jaw-dropping surroundings of The Great Nave at The Monastery. Expect soaring vocals, killer tunes and lyrics that hit you right in the feelings.

Supporting artists TBC

Lauren Housley

Yorkshire-born, award-winning and armed with a voice that can both punch and soothe, Lauren Housley blends country, soul and raw storytelling into something seriously special. With BBC Radio 2 playlisted singles and praise from legends like Bob Harris, she’s shared stages with Van Morrison, Jack Savoretti, Vintage Trouble and more. Live, she’s magnetic. On record, she’s unstoppable.

Uncut
“A bulldozing Country-Soul sound” 

Bob Harris, BBC Radio 2
“One of my favourite UK artists. I really love her sound”

Louder Than War
“Lauren is one of our most talented new singer songwriters, blessed with a sublime voice, and a natural rapport with audiences.”

RnR Magazine
“Lauren Housley’s blend of material is both thrilling and tender, propelled by a voice that stirs and soothes”

More info about Lauren here.

Natalie McCool

Dreamy but dangerous, Natalie McCool weaves together Buckley, Cocteau Twins and PJ Harvey energy with shimmering guitar lines and fearless songwriting. Champion of BBC 6 Music, Radio 1 and tastemakers across the UK, Natalie’s sound is both delicate and explosive, the kind that sneaks up on you and refuses to leave.

Huw Stephens – BBC Radio 1
“I love Natalie’s song-writing.  It’s perfect pop with a subtle twist”

The Sunday Times
“Natalie McCool – Dig It Out.  The Cheshire singer’s new single is a mesmerising KT Tunstall-like lilt-pop gem”

The Skinny
“Bearing metric tons of charisma, Natalie McCool’s clearly on the road to win hearts and minds.  Our bet is that she’ll triumph, and then some”

Hunger Magazine
“Natalie McCool has been on our radar for a little while now with her pure-as-ice vocals and unique yet irresistibly catchy melodies”

More info about Natalie here.

PLUS FEATURING TWO BRILLIANT SUPPORT ACTS

Caitlin Gilligan

Scottish folk musician Caitlin Gilligan hails from the rolling hills of rural Galloway. Now based in Liverpool, her songs still carry the wildness of her youth, weaving age-old folk traditions into bare-boned, poetically crafted originals.

Drawing inspiration from Anne Briggs, Nick Drake, Lankum and traditional vocal music from Scotland, Ireland and America, Caitlin’s sound feels both timeless and quietly radical. Her live sets blend skilled guitar work, haunting harmonium and, more recently, the soulful drones of viola player Charli Wild, creating stirring, immersive performances.

She has shared stages with the likes of Martin Carthy, Nora Brown, The Unthanks, Sam Amidon and Jerron Paxton. In 2024, Caitlin released her acclaimed EP Thin Places, inspired by her childhood home in Galloway.

She is currently recording her debut album at Sloe Flower Studio in Chester, due for release in 2026.

RGM
“Caitlin Gilligan creates truly timeless ballads, from classic storytelling to quiet protest songs. A celebrated performer wherever she appears.”

More info about Caitlin here.

Jake Mattison

Manchester-based singer-songwriter Jake Mattison crafts raw, soul-rich songs rooted in honest storytelling and emotional depth.

His debut EP, featured on The Guardian’s F&M Playlist and played on BBC Radio 6 Music, introduced a distinctive voice that blends vulnerability with melodic finesse. Since then, Jake has supported an impressive list of artists including Roy Ayers, James Bay, Jake Bugg, Emeli Sandé, Animal Collective, Imogen Heap and James Yorkston.

Twice featured by Record of the Day and a former songwriter for Sony BMG, Jake has honed a sharp ear for atmosphere, melody and emotional impact. His live performances are known for their intensity and intimacy.

Firmly rooted in Manchester’s creative scene, Jake continues to write songs that are deeply personal yet universally resonant, capturing the beauty, fragility and fire of being human.

More info about Jake here.

What to expect

→ Four full live sets
→ Big voices, bigger atmosphere
→ Indie, soul, alt-pop goodness
→ An unforgettable afternoon gig in a legendary space

Why you’ll love it

Because discovering artists before they blow up is a power move.
Because live music hits different in a cathedral-like venue.
Because Sundays deserve soundtracks too.

Practical details

Doors open: 12.30pm
Music from: 1pm – 5pm
Location: The Monastery Manchester, M12 5WF
Entry: £20 + booking fee

Booking essential – grab your ticket early.

Tap here to book your ticket

Directions to the Monastery here.