Bexhill Festival of Music

Grieg – Peer Gynt Suite No. 1
Mozart – Clarinet Concerto
Sibelius – Symphony No.5
Matthew Coorey – Conductor
Katherine Lacy – Clarinet
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Join the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and conductor Matthew Coorey for a concert full of lyrical orchestral favourites, beginning with sounds of sunrise, birdsong and a spring-like optimism in Grieg’s Peer Gynt.

We are also pleased to present the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’s very own Katherine Lacy who will perform Mozart’s ever-popular Clarinet Concerto. Widely considered one of the greatest compositions written for woodwind, it was Mozart’s last major instrumental composition.

In the second half of the concert, Coorey and the Orchestra will perform Sibelius’ Symphony No.5, filled with vivid musical depictions of the natural world from the earth to swans flying through the air. As Sibelius himself wrote in his diary while he was composing the symphony “the melodies are divine!!”

The De La Warr Pavilion, Marina, Bexhill-on-Sea TN40 1DP

Starts 7.30pm. Tickets £19, £28, £35, £44. Box office 01424 229111.
Book online at www.dlwp.com

Rother Community Choir perform live in aid of St Michael’s & Chestnut Tree House as part of the Bexhill Festival of Music.

St John’s Centre, London Road, Bexhill-on-Sea TN39 3PD

Starts 7pm, doors open 6.30pm. Tickets £10, with light refreshments included. Available from Eventbrite.com, Records & Retro, Sackville Road, Bexhill-on-Sea TN39 3JB.

Mike performs in concert to promote his latest album.

St Barnabas Church, Sea Road, Bexhill-On-Sea, TN40 1JG

Starts 3.00pm. Tickets £12 adults, £9 concessions available from wegottickets.com

The Spinning Jenny Band was originally formed in 1996, from musicians who played for Folk music and Morris Dancing. During the years it has grown in number and is now a popular band with caller, covering Hastings, Eastbourne and surrounding areas.We are supporting the WOLO Foundation who help families affected by cancer in Sussex. Donations welcome.

Bexhill Heritage Coronation Bandstand, De La Warr Parade, Bexhill-on-Sea TN40 1JS
Starts 2pm.

Create Music and Hub partner De La Warr Pavilion work in partnership to offer Outdoor Stage Takeover 2024 !

Create Music is thrilled to announce the return of the De La Warr Pavilion: Outdoor Stage Takeover, offering local bands and solo performers a free performance opportunity. For the second consecutive year, we are partnering with the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill to showcase the best local talent that secondary schools and colleges in the Hastings and Rother area have to offer. It will all take place at the iconic De La Warr Pavilion, on their huge outdoor festival stage, overlooking the sea of Bexhill. The event is not only free to attend for the public but also welcomes family and friends of performers, and we hope to see you there!

Outdoor Stage, The De La Warr Pavilion, Marina, Bexhill-on-Sea TN40 1DP

From 2pm – 6pm. Free event. Contact events@createmusic.org.uk for info.

It was on 6th June 1944 that allied service personnel risked their lives in atrocious weather to invade France. By doing so they hammered a very large mail in the coffin of Nazi rule over Europe.

Eighty years later we celebrate that great achievement and remember the sacrifices made by all sides on Normandy’s beaches. Our D-day memorial concert offers an opportunity to celebrate that wartime generation through the music of their time.

Battle u3a Ukulele Group (BUGS) – 11.30am
We are a jolly band of players, who meet weekly to play for fun and also venture out regularly to entertain – on bandstands, at rural events and in care homes. With our varied repertoire, there is something for everyone to enjoy and we love nothing more than an audience which sings along, taps their feet or even dances a little jig! Raising money for local charities and good causes is an added bonus.

Bexhill Harmony – 12.45pm
Bexhill Harmony singers believe that singing is fun and good for your health. Their style is unaccompanied two-part harmony singing and no auditions or ability to read music are required – just a love of singing in a group is needed.

Heathfield Silver Band – 2.00-3.30pm
Heathfield Silver Band is a lively local brass band that has been in existence since the 1880s.They will be performing popular band classics.

Albatross Ukulele Band – From 3.30pm
The Albatross Ukulele Band based at the Albatross Club Marine Parade Bexhill , enjoy regular social meet-ups at the club and playing for fun to local audiences.

Bexhill Heritage Coronation Bandstand, De La Warr Parade, Bexhill-on-Sea TN40 1JS

The F.O.G (Five Old Geezers) are a five piece local band playing a lively mix of 60s/70s, Blues & Country. Together for the past 5 years, appearing at various local venues. Come and join us at the Albatross Club on Sunday.

Albatross RAFA Club, 15 Marina, Bexhill-on-Sea TN40 1JS

Starts 2.30pm.

Conducted by Kenneth Roberts.

Haydn – Symphony No.44 in E minor ‘Trauer’
Hummel – Trumpet Concerto (with Andy Gill)
Mozart – Piano Concerto No.9 in Eb (with Kenneth Roberts)

St Peter’s Church, Church Street, Bexhill-on-Sea TN40 2HE

Starts 7.30pm.Tickets are £14 (£16 on the door) under 16 free, available from sussexconcertorchestra.org, ticketsource.co.uk and Second Spin 01424 210894.

A ‘musical comedy’ where adult cast members recapture their youth by playing with all the fun, awfulness and angst that everyone can relate to -‘teenagers’! With the school failing and the very caring Head nearing retirement in despair – these ‘teens’ are offered the chance to hopefully shine with their songs when entered in ‘Showtime TVs’ Inter School’s Singing Competition. Will the school’s reputation be saved? Can the Head retire happily? Book to find out…

Little Common Methodist Church, 10 Church Hill Avenue, Little Common, Bexhill-on-Sea TN39 4SG

Running nightly at 7.45pm from Wednesday 12th until Saturday 15th June.

Tickets £8 including refreshments available from Friday 3rd May at ‘Wickham Bistro’ in Bexhill or ‘Little Gem’ in Little Common.

There is a great deal of marvellous piano music either borrowed from the music of great composers or composed specially for the film industry. The 1940s were the golden years of this ‘piano boom’, and film makers of later decades employed the music of such diverse composers as Mozart and Scott Joplin. Kenneth Roberts, an accomplished pianist and entertaining raconteur, invites us to join him to discover more about this splendid music.

Little Common Community Centre, Shepherd’s Close, Bexhill TN39 4SQ

Starts 7.30pm. Tickets £12 from Second Spin, Sackville Road TN39 3JL (cash), choir members, 0333 666 3366, ticketsource.co.uk/bcs or on the door. Booking recommended.

The intention is to run mini workshops for adults and also for children in the afternoon.

St Barnabas Church, Sea Road, Bexhill-on-Sea TN40 1JG

Friday 14 June. Adults: 2pm-3pm. Children: 3.30pm-4pm and 4.15pm-4.45pm.

Saturday 15 June. Children’s morning workshops: 10am-10.30am, 10.45am-11.15am, 11.30am-12pm. Adults: 2pm-3pm.

Four spaces for children for each session. Six spaces for adults each session.
 
Email 1066harp@gmail.com or call 07973 174405 to book place. 

The intention is to run mini workshops for adults and also for children in the morning and afternoon.

In the evening there will be a showcase concert by the Harp Department of Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. The repertoire or choice of programme will be confirmed nearer the time.

St Barnabas Church, Sea Road, Bexhill-on-Sea TN40 1JG

Starts 7pm (doors open 6.30pm). Tickets £12 on the door (under 18s free).

Featuring MIke Hatchard on piano, Will Collier on double bass / vocals and Robbie Robson on trumpet.

Manor Barn, 4 De La Warr Road, Bexhill-on-Sea TN40 2JA

Starts 11am. Tickets £14, to include coffee and a pastry. Buyable in advance on 01424 220231 (during office hours only).

Sussex Day was first celebrated in Bexhill more than a century ago in 1917. Come along to the bandstand and enjoy Sussex Day 2024 with music by three of Bexhill’s favourite local bands.

The Spinning Jenny Band – 12.15pm
The Spinning Jenny Band combines musicians who originally played for Folk music and Morris Dancing. They are a popular band playing for barn dances, weddings, village fairs and parties.

Wacky Band – 2.00pm
Over 30 amateur musicians make merry music under the guidance of their lively conductor, Alun Francis. They have a vast and varied playlist so you will soon be humming along to a tune you know and love!

The Other Band – 3.15pm
Performing their rollicking repertoire of Americana, country and blues, driven by mandolin, bass and guitar rhythms coupled with vocal harmonies.

Bexhill Heritage Coronation Bandstand, De La Warr Parade, Bexhill-on-Sea TN40 1JS

The Rudes are back with their 30th production! The Dressing Book will tour to 44 venues across Southern England between June 5th and August 11th 2024. Originally written for three actors and six puppets, this new production of a Rudes Classic has now been re-written for six actors and features a cast of some of your favourite Rude performers. We have also added lots of music with some great new songs, so be sure not to miss it!

The Dressing Book is variously both an hilarious comedy, but equally provocative, poetic and tender. It is set in the late 18th Century in Tunbridge Wells but plays games with time and social status and has a twist in the tail. It follows the ‘social round’ of Maybelline Erstwhile who records whichdresses she wears for each event in her ‘dressing book’ – and the men she encounters while wearing them. The play opens a window on the way clothes were – and still are – a means by which men could control the separated public and private worlds of women. Has anything changed? Through a process of ‘magic realism’ the action changes to the 1960’s and Maybelline’s clothes, which had been her prison, now set her free. We think you are going to like it!

Egerton Park, Egerton Road, Bexhill-on-Sea TN39 3HN

Starts 7.30pm. Visit www.therudemechanicaltheatre.co.uk or ring 01323 501260. Bring your own chairs or rugs and a picnic.

The evening will be compered by the inimitable Barry Turnwell, and special guests will be joining the choir to perform songs old and new. Free entry will include a programme and light refreshments. Donations and proceeds from the raffle will go to Cancer Research UK.

St Peters Community Centre, Church Street, TN40 2HE

Starts 7pm. Free event. Last year’s concert was a sell out, so please book your place(s) well in advance. To register, please send an email with the names of people who wish to attend to: bexhillcommunitysingers@hotmail.com or call 07913 818522

Join students from Bexhill’s schools and colleges raising their voices once again at the Bexhill Festival of Music Big Summer Sing, featuring a massed choir of Year 4 children and live band.

The De La Warr Pavilion, Marina, Bexhill-on-Sea TN40 1DP

Performances at 5pm and 7pm. Tickets: Adults £7 (Under 16s free admission).

Box office 01424 229111. Book online at www.dlwp.com

As part of The Bexhill Music Festival, The Friday Singers are opening the doors at ESSPA, to allow you to observe a typical adult choir rehearsal with Maestro Roy Gregory.

Roy is a retired member of The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, the Musical Director of the famous ‘Italia Conti Academy of Performing Arts’ London and private vocal coach to the stars of Opera, Musical Theatre and the Commercial Music industry. He leads the Friday Singers through Popular and Musical Theatre songs, Operetta and Opera! This is an informal group who meet on Friday Mornings and are put through their paces.

Much fun and laughter is included, with anecdotes from the Maestro on his full and show filled life – and the characters he has encountered.

The ESSPA studio, 17 London Road, Bexhill-on-Sea TN36 3JR.

From 11am-12.30pm.

The studio space is small to accommodate an audience as well as the choir, so please book in advance to secure a place. No fee, but a gratuity will be accepted on behalf of the Festival.

Ring 07802 217840 to check on availability on seating.

Kate Daniels has a beautiful voice perfectly suited to the elegance of Gershwin, as well as an enchanting way of dropping nuggets of biographical detail. NIls Solberg, as well as being a brilliant guitarist and a specialist in music of the era also has a fine voice. Well known to Bexhill audiences, Mike Hatchard sings, plays violin and piano; his acuity on the latter will be particularly on display as he plays Gershwin’s most celebrated composition Rhapsody in Blue.

Four accomplished musicians all sharing a wonderful atmosphere of bonhomie – nearly all the famous songs (Summertime, a Foggy Day, The Man I Love etc.) are covered but this show also explores many of Gershwin’s not so well known works, including the intriguingly long-titled ‘When You Want ‘Em, You Can’t Get ‘Em, When You’ve Got ‘Em, You Don’t Want ‘Em,’ (penned by Gershwin at seventeen) and lost gems you’re not so likely to have heard of such as ‘Some Wonderful Sort of Someone’.

St Stephens Hall, Down Road, Bexhill-on-Sea TN39 4HA.

Starts 7.30pm. Tickets £15/12 available from wegottickets.com

The Christchurch Singers present Music for a Summer’s Evening, their usual mix of Christian and secular songs, music and excruciating jokes.

MC, Barry Turnwell, leads us through the evening, introducing the choir under the baton of Mr Pat Reigh, and accompanist Neil Bannock, plus some surprise musicians.

Christchurch Methodist Church, Springfield Road/Holliers Hill TN40 2BX.

Starts 7pm. Free admission with a collection for The Sara Lee Trust.

For further information contact Chris Cox on 07758 365494.

Featuring Fernando Aguera (Brazil) and Sponsored by Graham Emes Guitar Luthier

Welcome to our next meeting of the Bexhill Classical Guitar Society where we put on an afternoon celebrating, participating and enjoying all kinds of performances on the classical guitar. Members will be giving us a showcase of their hard work throughout the term performing the pieces they love for an audience of fellow guitar lovers and enthusiasts. The meeting is sponsored by the amazing luthier and maker of fine classical guitars

Graham Emes who will be providing us with an insight into guitar lutherie with a short sponsor showcase. After a short interval we will be then joined by our good friend and amazing guitarist Fernando Aguera who will give our short professional recital followed by post meeting refreshments.

St Augustine’s Church Hall, St Augustine’s Close, Cooden Drive, Bexhill-on-Sea TN39 3AZ

3pm-5.30pm (doors open at 2.45). The event is free to attend for all, members or not. Donations will be collected at the end to support the society with cash and card accepted. If you have any questions, email us at akcgs@outlook.com. There is limited seating in the hall.

As part of The Bexhill Festival of Music we are proud to present The Dreamers. Never to be forgotten, or equalled The Dreamers remain as one of the best known bands on the sixties music circuit. Formerly ‘Freddie and The Dreamers,’ changes to personnel over the past 50 years were of course inevitable but one member… Alan Mosca remains in the band today and has been in the original band, ‘Freddie and The Dreamers’ and then ‘The Dreamers’ for over 37 years, along with another original member, Bryan Byng. Along with Freddie, Alan and Bryan toured throughout Europe, Australia, America and The Middle East, sharing the stage with Gerry and The Pacemakers and The Searchers. Today, Alan and Bryan are joined by The Temple Brothers, Steve and Colin who in their own right are seasoned professionals having toured extensively, and with their unique harmonies and musicianship add an extra dimension to the Dreamers, who along with the hits of Freddie and The Dreamers perform the most popular songs of the early rock and roll days and the great songs of the sixties. We are thrilled they are joining us for a fabulous evening of the very best of the sixties! Don’t forget your dancing shoes!

St John’s Centre, Victoria Hall, Victoria Road, Bexhill-on-Sea TN39 3PD

Local on road parking is free on Sundays.

Starts 7.00pm. The link for ticket sales is www.ticketsource.co.uk/thedreamers (scan QR code) or call 07545 384336.

Sax Quartet ’23 is a recently formed, local Saxophone ensemble with a varied playlist ranging from Swing, Latin, Jazz through a bit of Classical to Contemporary Popular tunes, presented in those instantly recognisable saxophone harmonies and chords. All easy listening, un-amplified music. Featuring Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone Saxes.

This is a free event to attend, with a hat collection for voluntary donations in support of the Bandstand’s up-keep and the Quartet’s expenses…

Bexhill Heritage Coronation Bandstand, De La Warr Parade, Bexhill-on-Sea TN40 1JS

Starts 11.30am, finishes 12.45pm approx.

Traditional folk tunes have long been passed down through family generations. Learned by ear and developed each time the music reached new people, folk music is loved for its ability to tell the stories of the people who partake in its tradition. It’s no surprise that the composers in this concert felt compelled to travel the world to forge their own interpretations of the music they heard on their adventures, capturing the unique soundscape of each community, and honouring the centuries of folk tradition.

In this concert, LMP will whisk you away to the different countries that influenced these compositions, complete with short insights about the stories that inspired the music.

LMP are working with Create Music in East Sussex to deliver education projects in the surrounding area. Students from Create Music will join LMP to perform side-by-side with the players for several pieces in this concert.

The De La Warr Pavilion, Marina, Bexhill-on-Sea TN40 1DP.

Doors 6pm, Show Start 7pm. Tickets www.dlwp.com

ContraBand continues to be a 17 piece big band playing swing jazz, latin and other styles of music. We have been in our current formation since Covid. We rehearse weekly and have enjoyed gigging last year both indoors and also outdoors on bandstands. We are delighted to be involved with the festival again and this year are raising money for St Michaels Hospice.

Town Square Social Club, 4-6 London Road, Bexhill-on-Sea TN39 3JU

Starts 7.30pm. Tickets will be £7.50. Information from Ronnie Parker (bandleader) on 07973 703053. Tickets also available at the venue itself.

We are supporting the WOLO Foundation who help families affected by cancer in Sussex.

Little Common Community Centre, Shepherds Close TN39 4SQ

Starts 7.30pm (doors open at 7pm). Please bring your own drinks and snacks. Tickets £8 (£4 children) in advance from Colin 01424215258 or Ken 01424843486.

The Royal British Legion Band of Bexhill & Little Common are thrilled to be performing once again in this year’s festival, with Musical Director Martin Bunce AGSM in charge.

The band will be performing a richly varied set, including the Arromanches March, written by Albert Kelly as a tribute to fellow heroes of the Allied Normandy landings, the 80th anniversary of which are commemorated this year. The WW2 theme continues with a Glenn Miller medley – the great bandleader and composer was tragically lost ‘Missing in Action’ on a flight across the English Channel later in 1944. The following decade Dmitri Shostakovich composed his fabulously melodic Waltz No.2, used several times in TV and movies, notably in the series Bridgerton.

The 1960s get a look-in with a lively Beatles’ medley. Generation X? You’ve got the euphoric Celebration by Kool & the Gang, a guaranteed earworm – you’ve been warned!

We’d love to welcome you for our musical kaleidoscope of the 20th century.

Town Square Social Club, 4-6 London Road, Bexhill-on-Sea TN39 3JU

Starts 8pm. Tickets on the door or in advance from the club bar, price £3.

A concert to be given by the pupils of St Peter and St Paul’s school. This concert is part of a Flower Festival in St Peter’s Church from 28-30 June, 10am-4pm each day titled JUBILATE- a celebration of hymns in floral displays.

St Peter’s Church, Church Street, Bexhill-on-Sea TN40 2HE

Starts 12.30pm. Free admission.

A concert given by the soprano Caroline Charnock. This concert is part of a Flower Festival in St Peter’s Church from 28-30 June, 10am-4pm each day titled JUBILATE- a celebration of hymns in floral displays.

St Peter’s Church, Church Street, Bexhill-on-Sea TN40 2HE

Starts 10.30am. Free admission.

The Wacky Band is a local Wind Band with over 30 amateur musicians of various ages and abilities who meet once a week to make merry music and play at local festivals, events and fêtes under the guidance of their lively conductor, Alun Francis. They have a vast and varied playlist so you will soon be humming along to a tune you know and love!

The Terrace, De La Warr Pavilion, Marina, Bexhill-on-Sea TN40 1DP

From 12.00 – 2pm. Free event. Phone Brian on 07843 412966 for details.

Featuring full choir celebrating the feast day of St Peter and St Paul. This concert is part of a Flower Festival in St Peter’s Church from 28-30 June, 10am-4pm each day titled JUBILATE- a celebration of hymns in floral displays.

St Peter’s Church, Church Street, Bexhill-on-Sea TN40 2HE

Starts 10am. Free admission.

Including an opportunity for all to join in the singing of some favourite hymns. Part of a Flower Festival in St Peter’s Church from 28-30 June,

10am-4pm each day titled JUBILATE- a celebration of hymns in floral displays.

St Peter’s Church, Church Street, Bexhill-on-Sea TN40 2HE

Starts 6.00pm. Free admission.

Battle Ukulele Group will perform a range of hits from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s and perhaps some more up to date numbers too! Come and join in the fun! Any donations to Battle Food Bank.

Bexhill Heritage Coronation Bandstand, De La Warr Parade, Bexhill-on-Sea TN40 1JS

From 2pm-4pm.

Battle Ukulele Band – 12.15pm
Join this 15 strong ukulele band for a fun afternoon of music and song, performing a range of hits from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s and more. Any donations to Battle Food Bank.

Bodiam Concert Band -2.00pm
The band provide an opportunity for local amateur musicians of all ages to play in a Concert Band on a regular basis for their own enjoyment and for the improvement in their playing ability.
This is achieved through regular weekly rehearsals and by the occasional performance at local events. The Band is a not-for-profit organisation that supports other local charitable organisations by making public performances and/or making donations.

The Kukes – 4.30pm
The Kukes are an alternative folk/country/pop band, based in Bexhill, featuring melodic harmonies, ukuleles, melodeon, whistle, banjo and an eclectic song choice. Winners of the Ukulele Society of Great Britain’s Ukulele Band of the Year contest 2019.

The Other Band – 5.45pm
Performing their rollicking repertoire of Americana, country and blues, driven by mandolin, bass and guitar rhythms coupled with vocal harmonies.

Bexhill Heritage Coronation Bandstand, De La Warr Parade, Bexhill-on-Sea TN40 1JS

A concert given by society founder Kianush Robeson.

Featuring music by Tedesco, Ponce, Berkeley and more the Bexhill society founder, awarding winning classical guitarist Kianush Robeson returns to St Barnabas to present a recital featuring original guitar compositions by composers from all over the world. Winner of the John Mills Prize, IFA Gold Medal Award and Houston International competition finalist, Kianush Robeson is praised for his unique sound and often sought out by guitar makers to perform on their guitars. After his successful tour of the south coast in 2023 he has recorded last year’s programme ‘Impressions of Segovia’ in a new landmark recording CD recorded by Javier Salvador in Castellon, Spain. Kianush Robeson performs on a Woodfield guitar built in Catsfield and is sponsored by Knobloch Strings.

St Barnabas Church, Sea Road, Bexhill-On-Sea, TN40 1JG

From 3pm-4pm. The event is free to attend for all, members or not. Donations will be collected at the end to support the society with cash and card accepted. If you have any questions, email us at akcgs@outlook.com. There is limited seating.

Conducted by Kenneth Roberts

Featuring the Bexhill Festival Choirled byLorraine Barry and guest soloist Peter Grevatt.

The first half of the evening will feature lots of popular music based this year on a ‘sea’ theme, featuring music by Richard Rodgers(Overture – ‘South Pacific’), Gilbert & Sullivan(Scene from ‘HMS Pinafore’), Mendelssohn (Overture ‘The Hebrides’ Fingal’s Cave), Warlock(Captain Stratton’s Fancy), Charles Trenet (Somewhere Beyond the Sea),

Paul Lewis (Hastings Lifeboat March), Ronald Binge(Sailing By) and Franz Zimmer(Pirates of the Caribbean).

After the interval it’s time to wave your flags and sing along to all the prom favourites including ‘Follow the Fleet’, I Vow to Thee My Country, Sea Songs, Pomp & Circumstance No.1, Jerusalem, God Save the King and Old lang Syne. Union flags are available on the evening.

Our soloist this year, Peter Grevatt was born in Hastings, later studying at Kings College London and the Royal Academy of Music before embarking on a stellar singing career playing major operatic roles including Mozart’s Figaro amongst many others for opera companies ranging from the London Opera Players to the D’Oyly Carte. In addition he has over the last decade or so written and presented many recitals for the Saga Holidays Group, whilst spending 10 seasons with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and performing in various Music Festivals including the International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival.

Starts 7.30pm. Tickets £13, £18 & £23 (concessions available).

Box office 01424 229111. Book online at www.dlwp.com