The Blake Gardens Music Festival takes place in Bridgwater every summer, showcasing one of a talented bunch of local brass bands on the bandstand and with refreshments provided by the local Blake Museum. People of all ages gather on the grass to share picnics, enjoy the music and relax with friends and family on a sunny Sunday afternoon.
After many years of Music Festivals, we'd like to kickstart this year's series with an extra special event. The day will already feature the wonderful Chard Concert Brass and the Apple County Chorus, but we'd like to add more bands to the line-up and provide some extra attractions for the community to enjoy. There could be a range of refreshment stands, a community choir, local young people performing for the first time, a bouncy castle and anything else we can imagine up!
We just need a few more funds to make it happen.
What we'll deliver:
- Book extra bands to perform
- Provide a sound system
- Provide children's entertainments such as a bouncy castle, face painter etc.
- Support the Museum to provide an extended range of refreshments
Why it's a great idea:
Making this event an Our Big Gig will allow us to bring the community together in a celebration of local talent. It will provide an extra-special event for all ages can enjoy, and will set the stage for a fantastic summer series of concerts.
Steps to get it done:
- Book in fabulous musical acts!
- Order an extra dose of sunshine!
- Lay on special entertainments!
- Provide delicious refreshments!
Line up so far:
Chard Concert Brass band has been part of the town from the 1880s, until it
was disbanded at the outbreak of World War 2. In 1947 a group got together to form an independent town band – which became Chard Concert Brass.
Today, still made up of locals, the band is led by musical director Mike Hurley, an experienced composer, teacher and professional musician.
There is nothing like listening to a brass band playing on a summer afternoon - whether it’s the drama of Delilah, the achingly nostalgic Carrickfergus, the romance of ‘When I Fall in Love’ or a traditional march or overture. Expect to be moved to dance, to march and sometimes even to tears (but in a good way).
It’s part of our national tradition.
Apple County Chorus is a ladies group performing a variety of songs in accapella style - unaccompanied four part harmony. Songs include pieces as diverse as Adele's 'To Make You Feel My Love', The Beatles and Abba numbers and songs from the 'shows'.
