VISITORS to The Bowes Museum were treated to an impromptu recital when a group of musicians began rehearsals for a special performance later in the year.
Music at the Heart of Teesdale (M@HoT) is working to re-introduce live folk music to the Eggleston Show on Saturday, September 21.
This year’s show will have all the usual attractions but with the addition of live music in the beer tent from 4pm until 8pm.
Entry is free for show ticket holders.
The folk music played will be in keeping with the show’s aims of celebrating dale life and culture.
Patron of M@HoT project, retired vet Neville Turner, said: “I think this project is brilliant. I was thrilled to be asked to be a part of it.”
He added: “It brings together two of my greatest passions, music and the heritage of Teesdale.
“When you retire you think you are history. But this has really given me something to focus on.”
Peter Lovatt, project manager of youth folk group, Cream Tees said: “ We needed someone who could explain the project to the local community and Neville, with his close links to farming and the dale, was the natural choice.”
A new song – Dragon’s Teeth and Waterfalls – has been penned specially for this event by well-known songwriter Katie Doherty, based on ideas from Teesdale residents.
Rehearsals began at The Bowes Museum when a group of local singers of all ages joined Cream Tees under the direction of Katie Doherty and band mate Dave Gray.
Mr Lovatt said: “We are hoping that by re-introducing folk music to the show it will encourage people to stay around after the main show ends.”
He added: “The grand parade ends right outside the tent. It should be a really good event.”
Other acts performing will include High Force, Teesdale Folk, Kirsty McLachlan, and young musicians from TCR Hub, including Katie Jones and Lewis Porter.
There is still time to join the singers. To get involved, or if a local folk act and would like to perform, contact Peter Lovatt by email on info@stagedog .co.uk.
