What's On section.qxp_Layout 1 17/06/2021 15:49 Page 76
MENDIP TIMES
Royal Ballet to appear at Yeo Valley
guEST artists of The Royal Ballet, one of the world’s greatest ballet companies, will travel to Blagdon in July for two special open-air performances Yeo Valley organic will be hosting the event with Muse à Muse in the Yeo Valley organic garden overlooking Blagdon lake on Saturday, July 17th and Sunday, July 18th at 3pm. The performances will feature an impressive line-up of world-class dancers and outstanding musicians and will include the work of some of the most celebrated choreographers – Kenneth MacMillan, Marius Petipa, Christopher wheeldon and wayne Mcgregor – in an afternoon of classical and contemporary dance. Yeo Valley’s creative director, Sarah Mead, said: “we are really excited to bring guest artists of The Royal Ballet to the South west for two exclusive performances in our beautiful organic garden, as well as workshops and classes for the surrounding arts community.” Johanna Adams Farley, president of Muse à Muse and senior stage manager of the Royal Ballet said: “Muse à Muse had to postpone our planned return to France, with this special group of dancers and musicians, however, what was initially a disappointing moment is now one which is extremely exciting. “we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to bring dance to this very stunning part of England in what is quite simply the truly perfect setting. A huge thank you to Tim and Sarah Mead and all at Yeo Valley organic.” Royal Ballet supporter and joint organiser, Judith Batchelar, said: “i’m pleased to be involved with Dance in Somerset. This weekend will create a memorable cultural experience in the west Country that promotes the power of the performing arts and will inspire the next generation of performers.” The venue will open at 12pm for food and drink from local producers, allowing guests time to explore the garden ahead of the performance which starts at 3pm. Tickets are now on sale at £85 per person and £50 for under 16s (plus booking fee). All proceeds will go towards supporting the Royal opera House, Covent garden Foundation – Registered Charity no. 211775. Details: https://www.yeovalley.co.uk/come-and-visitus/dance-in-somerset/
Valley Fest is go
Following the government announcement on June 14th, Valley Fest is forging ahead with plans to hold the festival between July 29th – August 1st. The team feels confident that the four-week delay and expanded vaccination programme will see restrictions fully lifted on July 19th. Valley Fest, the “best-tasting music festival in the South west”, is held alongside Chew Valley lake. As well as huge headliners such as Texas, Deacon Blue and Sophie EllisBextor, the weekend also showcases the region’s finest produce, from charcuterie to cheddars and ciders to sausages. Page 76 • MenDiP TiMes • JUlY 2021
Wake Up Wells is back
A CoMMuniTY day in wells is to go ahead in July after twice being postponed due to the Covid pandemic. “wake up wells” will take place on Saturday, July 24th – centred on wells Cathedral – with funding from the national lottery Fund. The day – featuring a community picnic – has been organised by Project Factory CiC. Kirstie Harris, director of Project Factory said: “This event has been postponed twice, so we are really excited to be able to put on one of the first community events after such a long and challenging period for most people. “we’ve seen our community in action during the pandemic working together to support each other. This is a great opportunity to celebrate that community spirit. we hope people will bring a picnic, meet up with each other again and sample some of the delights that wells has to offer.” inside the cathedral, around 50 local organisations and clubs will be exhibiting and hoping to recruit new members. There will be performances by wookey Hole Circus, Drum Together, the Beetlecrushers Clog Dancers and the wells Amateur Bellringing Society. There will also be family workshops to try Djembe drumming, Christmas Craft in the Cloisters and the chance to make a mosaic leaf with Ruth Ames-white who will be showing the progress she has made on wells in Mosaic. outside, the Rotary Club of wells is organising a country fete with have-a-go activity stalls such as a coconut shy, skittles, circus skills, pig racing with wells lions, tombolas, face painting (Covid permitting), turban dressing with Khalsa Aid and a country dancing demonstration. wellspring Music Recovery group are organising live music from wells City Band, glastonbury Male Voice Choir, Birmingham ZZ Blues Band, The Portraits and wells Jazz Collective. Mendip Community Police will also be bike marking. And look out for gert and Daisy from wells Museum wafting around the city telling stories of their life “below stairs” at the Swan Hotel and a short outdoor play “The Monmouth Pageant” with wells Civic Society. Project Factory and wells Community network are funding the Sustainable wells Fresh & good Collective Ploughman’s lunch picnic, which is bookable in advance for a donation. wells Cathedral School’s Quilter Hall will be open for percussion workshops and wells and Mendip Museum is open for free for one day only. At the Bishop’s Palace there will be four outdoor performances for children, The Magic garden (for younger children) and Robin Hood (for older children) each performing twice. These will be on the South lawn and are free for members and ticket holders. For non-ticket holders the croquet lawn will be open from lunchtime so people can bring along their own picnic. wendy Ray, president of the Rotary Club of wells, said: "wells Rotary are absolutely delighted to be joining hands with Project Factory on wells Community Day. As we all come out of lockdown, this big event will be a wonderful opportunity for everyone to celebrate, have fun, enjoy a big picnic, lots of activities to take part in, with plenty of musical entertainment in the background. we look forward to this joyous occasion!" For full details, visit: www.projectfactory.uk or on their social media @projectfactorycic
