Matthew Crampton reviews the all day event that took place at Middlesbrough Town Hall on Saturday 15th November, celebrating 20 years of the Young’uns

Watch The Young’uns and you’re likely to laugh, cry, then laugh again. Imagine a whole day of this. Their Big ‘Boro Bash on 15th November promised four concerts in one day – and delivered exactly the emotional rollercoaster that fans crave.

Organised by Hudson Records to celebrate the Teesside folk trio’s 20th year of performing, it kicked off with hilarious children’s songs (Harriet’s Magic Hair, anyone?), followed by Mike McGrother and the Infant Hercules men’s choir. Cue tears before midday. Lunchtime saw an anarchic recording of The Young’uns Podcast, featuring Blind Tennis, Ruth from The Archers (Felicity Finch) and the heroes from three of Sean Cooney’s most moving songs – Ghafoor Hussein of the Feeding Humanity project, Andy Airey from Three Dad’s Walking and legendary Teesside GP Dr Ifti Lone. Again, giggles and sniffles.

The afternoon saw a full performance of The Ballad of Johnny Longstaff, which gets better each time. Early evening the boys took a break, inviting lovely sets from Jez Lowe and duo Jon Doran & Janice Burns. Then the thousand strong audience at Middlesborough Town Hall enjoyed a full concert from the trio, culminating in a mighty John Ball and their gorgeous encore of James’ Sit Down. What a day.

Twelve hours of smart, funny and moving engagement with the important things in life, channelled through some of the finest folk songs and live performance you can enjoy.

Thank you Sean, David and Michael. Here’s to the next twenty years!

The Young'uns will be taking their Christmas show on tour in December, and their new T-shirts, Beanie hats and Limited Edition Blue Vinyl are now in stock over at the Hudson Shop. Limited T-shirt sizes available so grab them whilst stocks last!