Free live music series returns to Royal William Yard this Friday

Royal William Yard’s popular Yard Sessions return for summer 2026 with another handpicked programme of free live music in the Yard’s ‘Secret Garden’. Kicking off this Friday 5^th June, the series brings six evenings of live performance to one of Plymouth’s most distinctive settings, running through to September.

The Secret Garden is tucked behind Residence 1 – home to Maison Pierre hotel by Bistrot Pierre – reached through an archway into a landscaped walled garden just metres from the sea. The historic buildings form a dramatic backdrop, with elevated views over Plymouth Sound from the garden steps known as ‘the lookout’.

Sessions run from 5:30–8pm on Friday evenings throughout the summer. Visitors are welcome to settle into Royal William Yard deckchairs or bring their own picnic blankets. If wet weather is forecast, sessions will move indoors to Melville – where the winter markets are held – keep an eye on Royal William Yard’s social media channels for updates on the day. Le Vignoble, the Yard’s independent wine bar, will run a licensed bar within the garden throughout the series.

This summer’s programme spans blues, folk, jazz, soul and alt-funk, with a mix of established local artists and acts making their first appearance at the Yard:

• Friday 5 June – Alex Hart
• Friday 19 June – The Andy Quick Trio
• Friday 3 July – The Busketeers
• Friday 17 July – Rue
• Friday 14 August – Thomas Ford and Becca Langsford
• Friday 11 September – Russell Sinclair

Devon-born singer-songwriter Alex Hart opens the series, widely regarded as one of the UK’s finest country and roots voices. The Andy Quick Trio follow with their infectious retro alt-funk and blues, before The Busketeers join the line-up for the first time. Four singer-songwriters and multi-instrumentalists who swap instruments freely throughout, drawing on folk, rock, pop and indie to produce a show that is never quite the same twice.

Rue performs in July – a gifted vocalist, songwriter and guitarist whose soulful voice and rhythmic playing are laced with a rich jazz sensibility. In August, brother and sister duo Thomas Ford and Becca Langsford bring their energetic jump blues back to the Yard having appeared in the 2025 series. Closing the summer is Scotland-born blues guitarist and singer Russell Sinclair, who has built a strong following on the South West blues circuit.

Grab dinner, snacks or drinks at one of the Yard’s waterfront restaurants and bars before or after the show. Or relax in front of the music and order a takeaway using the QR codes provided. Find out more about Yard Sessions and all summer events at Royal William Yard at www.royalwilliamyard.com/whats-on