CUMBRIA is home to some truly talented people- many of which have amazed audiences with their unique musical ability.

Some have formed part of hit boy bands, while others found fame on the Eurovision song contests.

Here are four musicians that grew up in the County- did we miss any famous Cumbrian musicians off the list? Let us know in the comment section.

Lee Brennan

(Instagram/@mrleebrennan)

Lee made up one third of the boy band 911- they were a popular band in the 90s, known for tracks such as ‘The Day We Find Love’ and ‘Bodyshaking’.

They disbanded in 2000, but announced they temporarily came back together in 2012 for the ITV2 documentary ‘The Big Reunion’.

After travelling around the world for so long, Lee told The News and Star back in 2017 that he was ready to move back to Carlisle and be near his family.

He said: "I’ve moved back to Carlisle to start a new chapter and put some of my ideas into action. Life is great and I never take it for granted. I just want to achieve personal goals and help people along the way by doing that."

It Bites


(Instagram/ @francis_dunnery)

This English rock and pop band formed in Egremont.

They are best known for their 1986 single ‘Calling All the Heroes’ which made it to the UK top 10 in the charts.

The song became so successful in the region that it was voted the national anthem of Cumbria earlier this year and was even performed by the BBC Philharmonic orchestra.

(Instagram/ @francis_dunnery)

Francis Dunnery, frontman of the group, said: “It also makes me a little emotional because the song was written by the band in a squat in Peckham, when we were flat broke – we were living on hope.

“To see that song performed by the BBC Philharmonic is one of the most profound experiences of my life. I literally couldn’t be happier. Brilliant stuff. So exciting.”

Steve Hogarth


(Credit/ Stevehogarthonline)

Steve Hogarth is a singer-songwriter from Kendal- but you might recognise him best as the lead singer of the rock band Marillion.

Kayleigh and Warm Wet Circles are some of the band’s most popular songs and they have been producing music since the 80s.

News and Star: MarillionMarillion

Despite being around for decades, the band are still together and their latest album ‘With Friends From the Orchestra’ was released in 2019.

Nicki French

Do you remember when Nicki French represented the Eurovision in 2000 with ‘Don’t Play That Song Again’?

While she didn’t win, the Carlisle singer came in a respectable 16th place with 28 points.

Eurovision isn’t all she is known for- French also wrote a 1995 dance cover of  Total Eclipse of the Heart, which was a top five single in the UK and US charts.