Bookmarked: Scratch Night

Date: Friday, September 11, 2026
Time: 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Discover something new at Bookmarked Scratch Night – an evening celebrating fresh ideas, works-in-progress and artists trying something out for the first time.

Across the evening, three artists will each take to the stage for a 30-minute set, sharing new work spanning poetry, live music and dance.

Scratch Night is all about experimentation. Expect an informal, welcoming evening where artists can test new material, develop ideas and share work with an audience in a supportive space.

You might discover a new favourite artist, hear a song before it’s released, see a performance taking shape or experience something completely unexpected.

We will be joined by Henry Raby, Laura Sutcliffe and Envisage Community Dance.

Hailing from York, currently residing in east Leeds, Henry Raby is a punk poet and gig promoter. His work has been described as playful, highly-charged, passionate and anarchic! For this event, Henry will share work-in-progress that wrestles with the twin emotions of hope and anger. This spoken word cocktail of poetry and comedy is an attempt to explore the righteous and the rotten.

Henry has performed at music, arts and literature festivals across the UK, including Edinburgh Fringe, Deer Shed, Latitude, Greenbelt and Boomtown Fair. Henry is Artistic Director of York-based spoken word organisation Say Owt and co-hosts the Vandal Factory podcast, chewing through the magic moments where art and activism meet.

Image Credit: Charlie Kirkpatrick
www.henryraby.com
Instagram: @Henry_RabyLaura Sutcliffe is a folk musician, singer and writer based in Yorkshire. Her work centres on the intersection and interdependence of biodiversity and neurodiversity, and reframing ‘wildness’ for humans alongside the land. She focuses on the detail and creative description of wildlife, particularly overlooked or endangered species. She often finds her creative inspiration by immersing herself in different wild environments whilst walking or wandering. Laura is influenced by the English, Celtic and Scandinavian folk traditions having been a member of the National Youth Folk Ensemble in 2018-19, being tutored by musicians such as Sam Sweeney, Miranda Rutter and Emma Reid. She is currently part of Community at Scargill House, a retreat centre in the Dales, where she works in the gardens and woodland, and contributes to the musical life of the programme. Laura also leads workshops in community settings, having set up a community music project in York after graduating with a music degree.

Instagram: @musicpoet_laura

Envisage Community Dance Company has been a vibrant part of the community dance world for over 33 years, bringing people together through movement and creativity. We pride ourselves on embracing diversity in dance styles, welcoming all forms of expression without limitation. Our company fosters an open, collaborative, and inclusive environment where every individual—regardless of age, background, or ability—is encouraged to explore their creativity through dance. At Envisage, there is no judgment, only support, ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to move, create, and grow. Our mission is to nurture a lifelong passion for dance within the community, providing a space where people can connect, inspire one another, and celebrate the joy of movement. Whether you are a seasoned dancer or just starting out, Envisage invites you to join us and be part of a welcoming dance family dedicated to creativity, expression, and togetherness.”#

www.envisagedance.co.uk

Come along, grab a drink and be part of the beginning of something new.

Bookmarked Thirsk is funded by the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority through the Vibrant and Sustainable High Streets Fund, led by David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire.

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Your Visit

There is no parking at The Courthouse except for Blue Badge holders who must let us know they will be needing space.
Our exhibitions are free and unticketed, so you can come along any time between 10am and 4pm, Tuesday - Saturday.
The Courthouse
Sunday, September 13, 2026

42 in stock

Price range: £9.00 through £11.00
The Courthouse
Saturday, October 10, 2026
Price range: £13.00 through £16.00
The Courthouse
Saturday, September 19, 2026

56 in stock

Price range: £13.00 through £20.00

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