A seven-piece art band are the special headliners as Lancaster Music Co-op returns with its monthly free music night.
The Arcane Hope take to the stage of the upstairs room at The Pub on China Street in Lancaster as part of the showcase, which runs from 7.30pm tonight (Friday 24th April 2026) and is likely to appeal to fans of folk, psyche and indie.
Their appearance comes as the co-op, homeless since 2018, fundraises towards the re-opening of its rehearsal facility, recording studio and music space on Lodge St.
Extensive structural repairs have been taking place, funded by £1.2m from the government’s Community Ownership Fund, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Lancaster’s High Street Heritage Action Zone and the city council.
There remains a £100,000 shortfall, however, and the co-op is now preparing to submit an Arts Council bid.
The Arcane Hope
Lancaster-based The Arcane Hope will deliver atmosphere and eccentricity in spades at the latest monthly fundraise. The outfit, who record in Salford, emerged from an art project and grew from collective spirit, involving over 45 fantastic collaborators and spanning generations.
They are united by a passion for melodies that resonate with the soul and draw on the landscapes and culture of Lancashire.
Their growing catalogue, available on Bandcamp and streaming platforms, includes evocative tracks such as Nature Prayer slash Lunaria Annua, Guillemot, A Good Life and more, blending expansive moods with thoughtful composition.
Rooted in an art-driven approach to songwriting, the band’s music leans toward the weird, embracing unconventional structures, rich textures and dynamic contrasts that challenge and captivate. Expect plenty of depth, with textured keys, layered guitars, evolving harmonies and a rhythm section that shifts from quiet nuance to compelling drive.
Bailey Moore
Second on the bill is the wonderful Bailey Moore. With infectious passion and relentless energy, Bailey has already forged a cult following in his native Lake District, selling out concert halls and performing at countless festivals, including Kendal Calling.
He’s been working with his current band for just under two years, crashing post-punk, grunge and indie sleaze with sharp-edged Britpop and power pop to create his own unique sound
Growing up in a busy Lake District B&B, Bailey brings together stories from all walks of life into his songwriting. Blending this with current events and his own personal life, he strikes a chord with anyone passing by. Debut EP Suburban Dream is due soon.
Rachel Wyche
Opening up events is the homegrown talent of singer-songwriter, Rachel Wyche. Rachel is a local folk-rock legend who regularly performs gigs in Lancaster and across the local music scene.
Inspired by the raw honesty of Alanis Morisette and the gritty warmth of Sheryl Crow, Rachel is currently working towards the release of her debut album before the end of the year, while also forming a new duet act, Day for the Ducks, with fellow musician Joe Butler.
Support the Co-op
Co-op director, Derek Meins, said: “We have a specially curated line-up this month that we’re sure won’t disappoint.
“The Arcane Hope are expansive, emotive and unashamedly distinctive, and this gig will be another exciting step forward in their unfolding journey.
“With the extraordinary talent of Bailey Moore and Rachel Wyche in support, this is definitely a night music aficionados will want to savour from start to finish.
“And of course, with every night of support from our amazing local community like this, we edge one step closer to re-opening our precious co-op, hopefully later this year.”
Lancaster City Council, owner of the co-op’s Lodge St premises, issued it with an eviction notice in 2018, but it was eventually granted a long-term lease following a community campaign and support from city councillors.
The major renovation which was needed is making good progress, with the rehearsal rooms and recording studio having now been rebuilt. But funding is still needed to allow heating, air conditioning, a full electricity supply and lighting to be installed, flooring put in, and the public areas and office completed.
You can donate to the fundraising campaign here, and Co-opilation Vol #1, a compilation of tracks donated by artists who have used and supported the co-op over the years is available to download on Bandcamp here on a ‘pay what you feel’ basis with a suggested donation of £5.
More information on this week’s bands can be found at:
• Follow The Arcane Hope leader Alice on Instagram @alice_evans_artwork | Arcane Hope on Bandcamp
• Follow Bailey Moore on Instagram @baileymooremusic
• Follow Rachel Wyche on Instagram : @rachel.wyche