Three Choirs Festival

MEET THE MELLSTOCK BAND
Festivalgoers will have a number of opportunities to listen to The Mellstock Band and to learn more
about one of the lost heritages of English music. The band, take their name from the works of
Thomas Hardy, and with their authentic instruments and songs they recreate the vigour, richness
and excitement of English village band music.

As well as their concerts during the festival they will be running a workshop of west Gallery Music and their director and founder, Dave Townsend, will give a talk intriguingly entitled, ‘The church gallery, The Tinker’s Arms and the English Hymnal’, exploring the strange process of recycling the folk music of the taverns as the sacred music of the Church.

MAKE MUSIC WITH MARIANNE Marianne Olyver has been described as the leading Light Music exponent of her generation and young musicians will have a chance to tap into her talent at a Children’s Violin Workshop. Children of all ages are being invited to take their violins to Holy Trinity Church for what promises to be a lively session given the dash and sparkle for which Marianne and her seven-piece orchestra are well known. The workshop takes place on August 9th at 2.30.

BACKING FROM BULMERS
World-renowned cider makers Bulmers are resuming their support for the Three Choirs Festival. The company, now part of the brewing giant S&N UK, has long links with the event and these will be strengthened with its sponsorship of this year’s final concert. Company spokeswoman Fenella Tyler, said, Bulmers had a long association with the Festival both through the family and the company. "From Bulmers point of view we are supporting the Three Choirs Festival as it is something that is not only enjoyed by those living locally, but also attracts visitors to Herefordshire, bringing a valuable source of income for the county.