WITH then end of lockdown in sight – subject to the easing of restrictions next week – officials at The Witham have organised a summer of free daytime weekend entertainment in the new cafe garden.
The busking sessions will be held on Saturdays and Sunday from later this month to the end of August.
The music acts will be a mix of professional and non-professionals, from the local area and further afield, and performing a variety of musical genres to suit every taste.
It all starts on Saturday, June 26, at 11.30am with Crash Jones – alias folk/rock singer Stephen Reay, whose wish to play a gig at The Witham will finally come true.
He will be followed by 2pm by young local band The Waynes.
The following day, the dale’s award-winning youth folk band Cream Tees will take to the stage at 2pm.
Saturdays will feature at least two acts, with the first taking to the stage at 11.30pm, while all Sunday performances start at 2pm.
The only ticketed event is for the visit of Opera North’s mini Magic Flute on Sunday, July 18, which must be booked in advance.
A spokesperson for The Witham said: “We think this will be a really popular way to encourage people to come and enjoy The Witham – there will be an outdoor pop-up café but our indoor café will be open as usual with seating throughout the building. It is also a great opportunity to support local musicians and see and hear the wealth of talent we have on our doorstep.”
There will be a chance to “pay what you decide” at each event, and donations will be shared between The Witham and the performers.
