Kes: Live Soundtrack

**Kes: Live Soundtrack** Step into the world of Ken Loach’s enduring 1969 coming‑of‑age classic *Kes*, where a Yorkshire boy named Billy seeks hope amid the bleakness of local mines. When Billy discovers a fledgling kestrel and begins to master the art of falconry, the bird becomes his lifeline—lifting him above the despair of his surroundings and soaring with the human spirit. This beloved film, hailed as a definitive piece of Yorkshire cinema, now arrives on the big screen accompanied by John Cameron’s resonant soundtrack performed live by the innovative Elysian Collective, and an opening address by the indomitable Jarvis Cocker, frontman of Pulp. At the heart of the program is a collaborative ensemble that grew from the experimental Elysian Quartet in 1999 to the fluid, multi‑instrumental collective we know today. With a history of touring and recording with acts as varied as Pulp, Fontaines DC, The Last Dinner Party, IDLES, Pet Shop Boys, and Florence + the Machine, the Elysian Collective brings fresh improvisational energy to Cameron’s score—which has also graced the soundtracks of *The Lovely Bones*, *In The Loop*, and *Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man*. Rough Trade founder Geoff Travis reminds us how deeply rooted the film is in the region: *“Rough Trade has a long history with Sheffield starting with Cabaret Voltaire and continuing with Pulp, whilst Manchester was where The Fall, Blue Orchids and The Smiths all came from.”* His appreciation for the film’s native genius and its values is captured in his heartfelt dedication to celebrating it on this special night. Don’t miss the chance to experience *Kes* as never before—a moving cinematic journey enhanced by a live soundtrack that breathes new life into the already touching story. Witness the soaring connection between film, music, and regional heritage, all delivered with the authentic talent of the Elysian Collective. **Details & tickets**