THE ANNUAL Bromsgrove Festival kicks off next week with more than 60 events in the space of a month and something to cater for all tastes.
The first weekend itself is packed with six events in the space of two days.
Saturday, June 22
Next Saturday, the Court Leet Fair Day and Street Market takes place on the High Street. The event celebrates the 1199 Charter granted by King John to hold a fair on Midsummer’s Day.
It begins with a colourful and traditional procession by the Bailiff Philip Thomas and the Court Leet to the Housman Statue where the annual assizes take place.
There will also be an all-day street market with local crafters, schools and charities – some in traditional costume.
Visit bromsgrovecourtleet.co.uk for more.
The festival launch party will take place at 11am, led by the Bromsgrove Creative Arts Showcase.
Among the activities will be creative art and craft, mini low-cost taster workshops, juggling, circus skills, an ice cream bike and an art display, along with an art taster workshop.
The real AE Housman meets Azthetic Poetry in a mash-up of poetry and rap.
The party will be a buzz of colour where people can meet the Creative Arts Showcase’s jumbo mascot BArty Bee and take photographs and selfies with the character so they can post them on their social media pages.
Visit creativeartsshowcase.org for more.
‘Lloyd Webber and Friends’ – music from the musicals – will be performed by Barnt Green Choral Society. Turn to page 18 for more on that.
Sunday, June 23
St John’s Church Patronal Service with the Court Leet – in full robes and regalia – and choir will take place at 10.45am on Sunday, June 23, at St John’s Church.
Everyone is welcome to this community service.
The Worcester Concert Band will perform at the Jubilee Bandstand in Sanders Park at 2.30pm next Sunday, June 23.
The mixed group of more than 30 people, with ages ranging from 12 to 65, play a range of easy listening music, embracing songs from the stage and themes from films and TV, along with light classics.
People are urged to bring their chairs and a picnic to enjoy the free event.
The Midlands Concert Orchestra’s Summer Concert will be held at Fairfield Village Hall at 7pm next Sunday.
The orchestra will play swing and popular music from across the decades at the event, which will be compered by Peter Tomlinson. Vocalists include Claire Worboys and Jonathan Darby.
People are urged to go along and enjoy a glass of wine or two.
Tickets are £10 (free for under 16s), available from ticketlab.co.uk – visit midlandconcertorchestra.uk or bromsgrovearts.org.uk for more.
Wednesday, June 26
On Wednesday, June 26, there will be the first Festive Classics event when Michael Lunts presents the premiere of his new show based on a recording that Noel Coward made of his own songs.
The show is billed as ‘an hour in the company of Mr Howard’ rather than an impersonation.
Tickets are £30, including lunch and a glass of wine. These tickets must be booked seven days in advance.
For the show with music only (no lunch) it is £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.
For more on the events go to bromsgrovefestival.co.uk for more on these events and the others at the Bromsgrove Festival.
