The Tangent + Rebel and the Banned
In support of CARP
St. George’s Hall, Bewdley, on September 12th 2026
In support of CARP (Campaign Against River Pollution)
Led by composer and lyricist Andy Tillison, the North of England collective has been active for 20 years, releasing 12 studio albums and three live albums. Their new album, Was, is due for release on White Knight Records on October 2nd.
Drawing inspiration from the imagination and cinematic ambition of 1970s Progressive Rock, The Tangent take cues from bands such as Yes, Van Der Graaf Generator, Return To Forever and ELP, while remaining firmly rooted in the present. This is no nostalgia trip: their music and lyrics explore contemporary life through a progressive, counter-cultural lens centred on peace, equality and freedom of choice.
The Tangent will be joined by Bewdley indie-punk activists Rebel and the Banned, fresh from an appearance at the Green Gathering in Wales.
Tillison said: “The Tangent are more than delighted to be supporting the work of CARP and indeed will this year be releasing a song called ‘Follow The River’ – written a couple of years ago to affirm my own relationship with the River Wharfe alongside which I have lived for most of my life.”
He adds that rivers have provided communities with “life, sustenance, industry, income and beauty” for generations, and says: “It’s time for us to realise that the only beings who can protect the rivers need to start that right now.”
Rebel and the Banned’s John Frost said: “The Severn runs through all our lives, whether you are on stage or on the riverbank. We are playing this gig because a river that’s been part of Bewdley’s story for centuries deserves a fight for its future.”
CARP chair Dee Edwards welcomed the event, saying the organisation is “delighted that such a high-profile band as The Tangent are playing a local fundraising gig”. CARP is a local citizen science project working to restore a clean, healthy River Severn and campaigning for a ‘Rights for Rivers Charter’ to protect the river from pollution.
Tickets for this unique event are available via the The Bewdley Hall website.