Simon Armitage
Simon Armitage - An Unnatural History
Simon Armitage, England’s Poet Laureate, took up a residency in Barnsley as part of the Eldon Street High Street Heritage Action Zone. In his role, Simon will created a series of new works inspired by the stories of Eldon Street, one of Barnsley’s most important historic high streets.

A stunning lightwork ‘sunset’ has been created as part of the residency, by local artist Patrick Murphy. The multi-coloured neon piece uses Simon’s words and evokes the history of Eldon Street as a party street, and the much-loved Benj Harral’s ring shop, where generations of Barnsley people bought their engagement and wedding rings. Watch a video on YouTube
Simon's residency culminated in a perforformance by LYR band at The Parkway Cinema on Eldon Street in September 2022
The Ballad of Eldon Street

(Introductory paragraph) Listen again on BBC Sounds
You can also listen to the Unnatural History album on Bandcamp and buy a limited edition signed vinyl album
