After a ‘first of its kind’ tour to Ukraine Carlisle based Hardwicke Circus are to give a one off performance of the music and documentary made on tour.

The group headed over to Ukraine playing shows and workshops in Kyiv, Lviv, Ternopil, Vinnytsia, Dnipro, Kharkiv and at a military base which was recorded for a new live album.

Of their Songs of Freedom performance they have said: “This is a real one off gig in the heart of Carlisle. And it’s free entry – theres no excuse.”

Taking place in Carlisle Cathedral on Tuesday, September 16, the band explained why they chose the historic building.

“Carlisle Cathedral has stood at the centre of Carlisle for almost 900 years. It’s the focal point of our border city.

“Coming back from Ukraine we wanted to commemorate this first-of-its-kind tour with the people of Carlisle in the city’s most important and spectacular building.

“It’s the perfect place to play a concert, host a Q&A, screen a tour documentary, and spread a message of hope through music.”

In a quick interview with The Herdwick News the band shared their thoughts on touring Ukraine saying: “We thought it was an important thing to do. We are musicians and music has no border.

“As a group we have always talked about supporting Ukraine in whatever way we can, so we decided to put our music where our mouth is and go there.

“It wasn’t about danger. It wasn’t about us. It was about highlighting Ukraine and giving the Ukrainian people an enjoyable time for the evening.”

When asked would the band look to head back while the conflict is still ongoing or after peace had been secured their answer was resounding yes.

“Yes absolutely – we are already planning our return tour in October, and we’d encourage more bands to do the same.

“We hope to go out there with an emergency evacuation vehicle and deliver it to the front line.”

The Songs of Freedom will take place at Carlisle Cathedral on Tuesday, September 16, for free.

To secure tickets head to Hardwicke Circus’ website here where you can also buy the Ukraine album and donate.