PROG the FOREST '26

The charity one day progressive music event PROG the FOREST returns for its eighth year at the famous Fiddler's Elbow in Camden, North London on Sunday 6th December 2026. As always, event will showcase the diversity of modern progressive rock music and adjacent genres, with all profits being donated to the World Land Trust. In order to maximum fundraising while still making the event unusually affordable, there are a range of ticket prices, to enable people to make an increased donation if they wish/are able to. Please note that the higher price levels do not come with any additional benefits, other than raising more money for the cause.

This year sees an exciting innovation - the introduction of PtF FRINGE! During the interval between the afternoon and evening sets at the Fiddler’s Elbow, supporters are invited (at no extra charge) to visit the nearby Camden Club – just a few minutes’ walk away - where there will be seating for all, a gourmet burger menu available, and entertainment with an acoustic set from JON HUNT. His music - though often described as 'quintessentially English' - is eclectic in style ranging from alternative rock and power-pop to ballads, vocal and acoustic guitar to progressive rock and psychedelia. Jon's fourth full-length album 'An Explosion Of Nothing' was released in Summer 2024.

Headliners the DAVID CROSS BAND feature of course ex King Crimson violinist David Cross, who appeared on the King Crimson studio albums Larks' Tongues in Aspic (1973) and Starless and Bible Black (1974), as well as "Providence", a live track on Red (1974), in addition to live albums USA (1975) and The Night Watch. He has also carved out a unique place in rock with strikingly original music from the David Cross Band. David was described on Facebook recently as the Mr Kipling of band leaders, ‘always an exceedingly fine band’ (Dave Derbyshire).

DORIE JACKSON fronts a dynamic, multi-generational band including her father, legendary saxophonist DAVID JACKSON (Van der Graaf Generator, Peter Gabriel), performing a powerful mix of original material drawn from her two solo albums alongside selected songs from the three albums by Kaprekar's Constant, where she shared lead vocal duties. Alongside her solo career, Dorie has built an impressive reputation as a backing vocalist, performing with artists including Chris Difford (Squeeze), Francis Dunnery and Marti Pellow. “Dorie and the musicians of Kaprekar's Constant were one of the highlights of the festival this year!” Scott Butler - Folk on the Pier, Cromer "Engaging storytelling supported by sublime vocals. Dorie is one of my favourite UK singers right now." Jason Bent - Hermon Arts, Oswestry

JOHN MITCHELL is a multi-instrumentalist and member of Arena, Frost*, and It Bites, among others, and releases solo music under the pseudonym Lonely Robot. John also masterminded the bands Kino and The Urbane and played bass for alternative rock band A. He performed live with the likes of John Wetton (Asia) and Martin Barre (Jethro Tull) to name but a few! John will be accompanied by rising star and Prog the Forest alumnus LEONI JANE KENNEDY, a young guitarist and singer who you can’t have failed to have noticed this year - aside from featuring highly in the new Band/Artist category in PROG Magazine’s recent Readers' Poll and featuring in the Limelight section, she's been out on the road performing with both Solstice and as a member of The Anchoress's band. Her debut originals solo album ‘Synthetic’ was released in June this year.

DORIS BRENDEL has worked with some notable artists over the years, including Alvin Lee, Gary Moore, Sam Brown, Joe Brown and Herbie Flowers, and has toured extensively with Marillion as well as Nils Lofgren, John Farnham and Steve Marriott. She was also invited to sing with Pink Floyd on the Great Gig in the Sky tour but had to decline due to already-contracted tour commitments. She recently sang backing vocals on Fish’s acclaimed album ‘Weltschmerz’. Doris won last year’s HRH Prog Angel Award and together with Lee Dunham has released 5 studio albums with another coming out in April 2025, but Brendel has an incredible 20 albums to her name, not counting features and session work. These include 6 ‘In-Between’ albums recorded between 2019-2025 and 3 live albums, as well as some back catalogue releases. ''Quirky esoteric singer-songwriter with a bluesy twist'' ''Highly Entertaining''

VMBRA (pronounced "umbra") is a Manchester progressive metal band known for their genre-blending soundscapes, emotional depth, and explosive live energy. Drawing inspiration from bands like Porcupine Tree, Haken, The Dear Hunter, Karnivool, and Leprous, VMBRA crafts intricate compositions that combine heavy riffs, dynamic structures, lush vocal harmonies, and soaring choruses. Their music is a journey—equal parts cerebral and visceral —balancing complexity with catharsis and melody with aggression. Umbra, Latin for shadow, is defined as the innermost and darkest part of a shadow - a term which Jack Hogg (vocals/guitars) felt particularly appropriate to represent their sound. “Our music has a constant theme of light, shade and big, dynamic ranges. We really resonated with that concept as we have a broad range of influences”. Currently preparing their debut 8-track album for release in summer 2026, VMBRA continues to push their creative limits. Their sound is defined by meticulous songwriting and a fearless approach to genre, making them a standout force in the UK’s progressive metal scene.

XANI KOLAC is an Australian violinist, composer, and improviser redefining what the electric violin can do in contemporary and improvised music. With a Master’s degree in Music Performance (Improvisation), Xani has spent over a decade pushing the boundaries of her instrument. Her unique sound is shaped by influences ranging from Jimi Hendrix and Stuff Smith to Kosmiche Musik explorers CAN, to art pop pioneers like Camille and Bjork, alongside her deep roots in jazz and improvisation. Recognised for her relentless passion, motivation and a fearless approach to musicianship, Xani performed at major festivals, and was awarded Best Musician at the 2022 Music Victoria Awards. Her work continues to uncover new possibilities for the electric violin, offering music that connects, provokes, and inspires. “Xani Kolac seems to have no problem at all using technology to achieve the highest artistic ends, while also delivering the gold standard of music-making, namely the ability to move her listeners, to transport them. She is truly exciting, engaging and inspiring.” (Paul Grabowsky)

Festival co-promoters HATS OFF GENTLEMEN IT’S ADEQUATE combine prog/alt/art-rock, with contemporary classical, minimalist, metal and electronic elements. They often explore scientific and science fiction themes. In 2025 they have released their critically acclaimed 8th album, 'The Uncertainty Principle', and their 9th album ‘Parallel Lives’ is due for release in 2026. “Spiky neo-prog and art-rock. Never less than entertaining, passionate, humorous and committed” – Prog Magazine

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All the performers and organisers are giving their services free of charge in support of our charity, the World Land Trust. “The World Land Trust buys threatened rainforest and other vital habitats, to protect in trust. Trees provide us with oxygen, without which breathing is a bit pointless. So protecting the trees is good for the wildlife, and good for our continuing existence. A win-win really” - Co-promoter Malcolm Galloway (Hats Off Gentlemen It’s Adequate) The Fiddler’s Elbow is a mostly standing venue, but some seating is available (restricted view). The event aims to be responsive to needs of attendees with disability issues; If you require a reserved seat, please let the organisers know. Prog the Forest is organised and promoted by Hats Off Gentlemen It’s Adequate and London Prog Gigs.