Folk sisters on why home Proms is a 'big deal'

Emma WassMon, June 8, 2026 at 10:27 AM UTC

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Becky and Rachel Unthank will perform at the BBC Proms' first visit to Middlesbrough

The sisters who head-up multi-award winning folk group The Unthanks say it really feels like "a big deal" to be performing at the BBC Proms in their home region.

It will be Becky and Rachel Unthank's second time taking part in the Proms, having performed at the Royal Albert Hall with their band in 2018.

"We're very proud to be from the North East", Becky told the BBC, "and to celebrate the music here and shine a light on it is fantastic".

The BBC Proms has featured North East venues like Gateshead's The Glasshouse since 2022, but this year will be its first time in Middlesbrough where The Unthanks will perform at the Town Hall on Thursday 23 July.

The sisters grew up in Ryton on Tyneside, but Rachel said: "Our dad's from Middlesbrough and our mam's from Redcar so it's lovely that we get to do that [Town Hall gig]."

Their performance alongside the Royal Northern Sinfonia will include guests such as Mercury Prize-winning indie rock group English Teacher.

After 20+ years of performing, The Unthanks say folk music comes into and goes out of fashion

In December 2025 they celebrated 20 years as a group and earlier this week Durham University announced that this summer Becky and Rachel will receive honorary degrees for their work.

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For the sisters, the recognition came as quite a shock.

"Growing up in the North East, Durham is such a prestigious university", said Rachel.

"It's a real honour".

Talking about the popularity of folk music, Becky and Rachel agreed it really has gone in and out of fashion over the years.

"It definitely wasn't cool when we were at high school," said Becky.

"But we love it, it really connects us to the people and the history of our region.

"We'll be here for it whether it's popular or not".

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BBC Proms

The Unthanks

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