The 63rd Edington Festival of Music ended on Sunday 26th August in pouring rain which absolutely failed to dampen the spirits of anyone who had taken part, whether singer or listener.
Anne Curtis reports, “Well over 3000 people attended during the week, and the director, Richard Pinel, at the helm of only his second festival, is already building on the success of this year to create something even better for 2019, the 64th.
“The title of the festival was taken from a poem by the war poet Siegfried Sassoon, who lived in later life in Heytesbury, and set the theme of commemoration of the centenary of the end of the 1914-18 War.
“It provided the framework for a programme of music which ranged deep and wide within the context of church services. Music from three choirs covered plainchant to new commissions and everything in between, focussing also on Sir Hubert Parry’s 100-year anniversary.
“One of the beauties of the festival is the opportunity it gives for some of the country’s best organists and choral singers to perform works which are at the top end of technical difficulty and which are not therefore heard that often.
“Such opportunity earns the festival a special place in the hearts of everyone who visits, as well as those who sing.
“The live broadcast on BBC Radio 3 on Wednesday 22nd August (still available on BBC IPlayer) was heard by over 300,000 listeners all over the world and was followed in the evening by the Musical Evening and Supper.
“This is an annual ‘Festival Fringe’ fundraising event for the community and was attended by record numbers who were entertained by the adults from the Nave Choir singing close harmony, and a nod to the Two Ronnies.
“The Festival lunch on the Saturday was also attended by record numbers, adding to the huge sense of community and friendship which surrounds this extraordinary festival.
“In addition, local businesses, from accommodation and restaurants and pubs to groceries and newsagents reported increased footfall and takings for the week. Truly a good news story.
“In his end-of-festival ‘thank-you’ speech to the treble chorister parents, hosts, singers, organists, clergy and all the people who work so hard to make the festival a success, Richard Pinel said he already felt that Edington was like a second home.
“This sentiment is echoed by so many of the musicians who come from all over the UK as well as those travelling from the USA, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe to listen.”
The dates for the 2019 festival are Sunday 18th August to Sunday 25th August. The website, www.edingtonfestival.org includes a contact form for anyone who would like advance information about the 2019 festival.
Above: Singers giving it their all at the hugely popular music supper.
