BRASS bands, heritage crafts, history talks and even a quiz are just some of the events being staged as part of the Bromsgrove Festival in the coming days.
After last weekend’s opening with fair day and the Creative Arts Showcase, activities will now be coming thick and fast.
Sunday, June 30
The Brass Band of Central England is the latest to take centre stage at the Jubilee Bandstand in Sanders Park. The performance starts at 2.30pm and people are urged to go along and take chairs or a blanket and even a picnic.
At 4pm on Sunday, the Heart of England Recorder Orchestra (HERO) will perform ‘A Whoall Noyse of Recorders’ at St John’s Church in Bromsgrove. The music played has been written specifically for recorders and there will be a multitude of the wind instruments from sopranos to bases. Entry is free and there will be a retiring collection.
Monday, July 1
‘Button and Badge Making in Bromsgrove’ – an exhibition telling the story off the Sanders family and the business they operated with the Nicholls family – will be available to view at Bromsgrove Library. People can check out the free display during usual library open times or from 8am to 8pm for Library Unlocked members. The event has been organised by the Bromsgrove Society. Visit bsoc.co.uk for more.
Tuesday, July 2
A Heritage Craft Skills Day, organised by The Friends of St John’s, takes place between 10am and 4pm. Participants can learn about heritage skills and have a go at traditional building crafts. People can learn from experienced professionals and help with important restoration work at Bromsgrove’s historic Grade I listed building. The Spire Appeal is supported by the National Heritage Lottery Funds. Places are free but need to be booked at stjohnsfriends.co.uk as places are limited.
Wednesday, July 3
The next Festive Classics concert takes place at the New Guesten Hall with music at midday and lunch at 1pm. This week Dr Richard Jenkinson performs the second of Bach’s solo cello suites in ‘Dedicated to Pablo Casals’. The programme also includes a suite by Pable Casals’ former student Gaspar Cassado. Tickets are £15 – they are available in advance or on the door.
See festiveclassics.co.uk or email [email protected] for more information or to buy tickets. Alternatively, call Colin Butterworth on 01789 638511 or 07926 202307.
Thursday, July 4
At Avoncroft Museum at 11am, the latest WORDS event will take place with ‘A History of Jewellery from Elizabeth 1st to Elizabeth Taylor’.
Bromsgrove Folk Club and Festival will hold its Pre-Folk Festival Singin’ n Suppin’ Session at Bromsgrove Rugby Club at 7.30pm. There will be an eclectic music session in the concert room and/or an acoustic open mic in the marquee. It is a free event to which all ages are welcome. Visit bromsgrovefolk club.co.uk for more.
Friday, July 5
The Bromsgrove Folk Festival holds its Friday Concerts and Sessions from midday at Bromsgrove Rugby Club. Among those performing sets are Fairfield (Revisited), Enda Kenny, Granny’s Attic and Martyn Joseph. Tickets – available at bromsgrovefolkclub.co.uk – start at £26.
Bromsgrove’s All Saints Church will celebrate 150 years since its inauguration with an Anniversary Quiz and Beetle Drive at 7pm. The event in the All Saints Church Hall, Burcot Lane, promises fun for all the family. Tickets are £10 per person, £7 for those aged 16 and under – tickets include a quiche and chip supper but people need to bring their own glasses and drinks. Places need to be booked in advance – at bromsgrovefestival.co.uk – for catering purposes.
Saturday, July 6
The Bromsgrove Folk Festival’s Spectacular Saturday starts at 10am at the town’s rugby club in Finstall Road. The day of fun, friendship and great music will include an afternoon concert in the main marquee including sets from Silvington, Miriam Backhouse, Cohen Brathwaite, Kilcoyn, George Samson and Other Roads. The evening concert includes Dave Gibb, Vicki Swann and Jonny Fyer, Rob Barratt, Enda Kenny and Track Dogs. Tickets range from £19 to £43 and are available from bromsgrovefolkclub.co.uk or by calling 07828 716842.
Bromsgrove’s Artrix will host Fun in the Foyer between 1pm and 5pm. The free event will feature entertainment, food, a cafe/bar and backstage tours. Go to artrixbromsgrove.co.uk for more information.
The Black Cross, Worcester Road, hosts Totally 80s. Entry to this celebration of music from the 1980s is free.
* Visit bromsgrovefestival.co.uk for more on these events and others.
