Gig Review: Bella Hardy - Kitchen Garden, Kings Heath, Birmingham. Thursday 12th March 2026

 

When you have a song easily ranked in the top echelon of 21st century contemporary folk compositions flaunting it at every opportunity is a given. ‘The Herring Girl’ has looked after Bella Hardy for around fifteen years and any live airing never fails to move especially the final line. True to form it appeared deep in the second set of her return to the Kitchen Garden. An evening when the howling wind and driving rain resembled her beloved Peak District.

Bella Hardy’s status in the folk world is secure even if wider activity has taken a backseat letting other duties and activities take place. The fact she returned to Birmingham a little over a year since making her Kitchen Garden debut in November 2024 and shared a few new songs suggested a more prominent future. Prior to this larger venues were the domain and the resultant popularity garnered a near sell out for what was a show with little narrative attached.

This time the trio format was assembled with Danny Wallington joining on piano and guitar. Previously it was just Bella and Jen Butterworth, with the latter moving up the gears as a solo artist in her own right since the last show due to the successful release of a highly acclaimed record. This evening she reverted to guitar sidekick and if there is a more consummate support player on the folk circuit then they must be at an exceedingly high level.

Bella Hardy has many musical fortes. Accomplished fiddler and gifted vocalist lead the way, harmonium player, songwriter and traditional song arranger closely follow. All were on display across two sets showcasing a performer of rich essence.

It was a case of a show of two halves with a tricky start exacerbated by an unfortunate late sound check delaying venue entrance and start time by fifteen minutes. It took a while for things to gel on stage, maybe a case of performing rustiness and a trio assembled on a part time basis. This led to a slightly flustered first set slowing piecing itself together.

After the break it was full sail and an extended set time providing good value. Tunes, songs and unaccompanied ballads flowed. We saw the full repertoire of hugely talented musicians and a renewed appetite for connecting through live music. You sensed the show didn’t want to end which is a good feeling to communicate to the audience. As earlier mentioned, a handful of new songs were played without further insight to whether a return to recording is in the can. We can only wait and hope. Bella Hardy may well be content with her stock but many others would welcome a resumption of music on a wider scale.

An artist as good as Bella Hardy will always retain that dash of gold dust. True talent can skate over tricky situations and leave everybody in a good place. With Peak District-style inclement weather lashing the venue exterior, the warmth within prevailed. Kings Heath and Bella Hardy are gelling nicely. The larger venues in Birmingham may once again be her domain. A final take is attacking an herring girl in an alleyway with always have consequences. Folk music murder balladry at its finest.