News from Halsway

Three exceptional world concerts bringing traditions from far flung places take place at Halsway Manor in September as part the county’s Cultural Olympiad launch, promoted with Superact! and funded by Artlife.

Greek band Trio Amanes perform a fusion of eastern Mediterranean and Middle Eastern music from Crete and southern Italy on instruments including the Greek lute, lyra and mandolin on Tuesday 23rd Sept.

Hélélé from Cameroon follow on Wednesday 24th Sept, combining a rich mix of forest rhythms and afro jazz on balafon and jazz instruments.

Folk headliners Faustus provide contrast from the British Isles with a ceilidh on Thursday 25th September. Since their formation in 2005 , Faustus have established themselves as a major force on the English roots scene. Looking forward to their third season of touring and with the debut album "Faustus" out in May on Navigator Records, the band goes from strength to strength.

The concerts form part of a world festival week with students from six Somerset schools and Somerset College learning about oral, singing and dance traditions with these bands from contrasting world regions. Students then explore their own ideas about local distinctiveness through composition and develop their musical creativity in this inspiring mix of cultures.

The week also features Belshazzar’s Feast giving a concert for Williton hospital residents.

Individual tickets for each event are £9.00 and family tickets are £20.00. Pre-concert suppers and Dinner, B&B packages are also being offered – details from the Halsway office. All concerts begin at 7.30pm.

Tel: 01984 618274