A SIX-month project will see music reintroduced to Eggleston Show.
Officials at Music at the Heart of Teesdale (M@HoT) have worked with a number of community music groups on the initiative.
Led by folk singer Katie Doherty, adults and young people from across Teesdale have learned a new song called Dragons Teeth and Waterfalls that will be premiered at Eggleston Show, on Saturday, September 21.
Project manager Peter Lovatt said: “Be sure to join us at the beer tent where we are hosting our stage through the afternoon and into the evening. A number of local acts will be taking the stage to share music and songs with the audiences – it’s set to be a fantastic day.”
Meanwhile, M@HoT is hosting the second of its Ceilidh Project events at Mickleton Village Hall on Saturday, September 28.
The project brings top folk bands from the UK festival circuit to Teesdale.
On this occasion, the band 422 will lead a free public workshop for all ages between 1pm and 4pm before playing two full sets on the night.
Also performing on the night will be Newcastle-based women’s rapper dance team Star & Shadow.
M@HoT has also received cash to establish a monthly session aimed at folk dance enthusiasts.
Project co-ordinator Rupert Philbrick said: “Working with professional folk dance tutors, M@HoT is hosting a monthly workshop that aims to expand our current repertoire of dance styles to included rapper and morris dancing.”
The first workshop will be held on Sunday, September 15, from 1pm to 5pm at Winston Village Hall.
The workshops are free of charge to the public, and give the chance for anyone to get involved as either a musician or dancer.
Mr Philbrick sid the workshops are suitable for ages eight to 80 and no prior experience is necessary – just a willingness to work together to learn the necessary figures and manoeuvres of each dance.
“With the new school year about to begin, now is a brilliant time to get involved with Music at the heart of Teesdale,” he said.
“We have such a wealth of opportunities for people to come along and have a go.
“We’re always looking for new band members for Cream Tees – so if you have your own acoustic instrument, get in touch with us to find out more.”
For more details on any M@HoT activities, contact Mr Philbrick on 07926 076187 or email mathotinfo@gmail.com.
Tickets for the Mickleton Ceilidh are £7 adults, £5 concessions and £20 for a group of four, any age, available from 01833 640909 or online at mathot.eventbrite.com
Dates for the folk dance workshops at Winston Village Hall are: Sunday, September 15; Sunday, October 6; Sunday November 24 and Sunday December 15.
Whitby Folk Week fun for young musicians
TEESDALE’S youth folk band Cream Tees enjoyed a successful series of concerts in Whitby.
It was the group’s second year at Whitby Folk Week, during which the young musicians performed eight concerts showcasing tunes from the dale they have learnt during jamming sessions at The Hub, in Barnard Castle.
The line-up included fiddle, viola, cello, clarinet, bassoon, guitar, ukulele, cajon, accordion and melodeon, with support from band leader Rupert Philbrick and student tutors Elinor Creaby-Atwood and Anna Hughes, both graduates from the Newcastle University Folk Degree.
Some of the older members of the band also took to the stage on their own, with singer-songwriter Kirsty McLachlan and Cream Tees alumni Rachel and Fiona Todd performing at a number of different venues across the week.
Cream Tees is part of Music at the Heart of Teesdale project and is always looking for new members.
