Top folk singer Cara Dillon to headline at Stogumber

One of the UK’s top folk singers, an internationally acclaimed Czech pianist and a Bristol acappella choir are amongst the wide variety of artists appearing at this year’s Stogumber Festival, which takes place from Friday 7th to Sunday 9th September.

The opening concert on Friday evening features the Mela Guitar Quartet, an ensemble with a wealth of experience from BBC Radio 3 to performances in top venues such as the Wigmore Hall and the Purcell Rooms.

Prior to this, there are free events in the village square including drumming by children from Stogumber & Crowcombe Schools and a colourful Bollywood-style dance display. After the concert a variety of local musicians will play at the White Horse Inn.

Saturday, 9th September is ‘Folk Day’ with the highly original bands Velvet & Stone and Gathering Tides, plus duo Kate Griffin and Ford Collier, all performing. The headline act, however, is Cara Dillon whose exquisite voice has made her, undoubtedly, one of Britain’s top folk singers. Amongst her many awards she won the BBC Folk Award for Album of the Year in 2010 and was also shortlisted for this year’s BBC Folk Singer of the Year. She will be accompanied by her husband, the piano and guitar player Sam Lakeman. Once again, there will also be free music in the village square throughout the day.

The main concert on Sunday afternoon features the leading Czech classical pianist, Lada Valešovă, with ‘From Brezhnev to Britain’. The highly amusing recital charts Lada’s own story journey across Europe and is interspersed with carefully-selected classical pieces that have been significant to her as a musician.

Other events that day include a creative writing workshop and free music in the village square, whilst the Festival concludes with choral evensong sung by members of Nova, a Bristol based early music choir.

‘The Festival is now in its sixth year and, once again, we are delighted to have attracted some really top artists to perform in Stogumber’, said Chair of the Festival committee Lance Moir. ‘Apart from the main concerts, everyone is welcome to come along and soak up the Festival atmosphere with the free events in the village square and, perhaps even indulge in a scrumptious cream tea too!’

Full details of all concerts and events are available at www.stogumberfestival.com or by calling the enquiry line on 0845 539 0168. A free car park will be available for all visitors throughout the Festival (satnav TA4 3TG).