The 21st Wymondham Music Festival Fortnight drew to a close on Saturday, July 16. Richard Elliott, Music Festival Chairman reflects on two weeks of music making in the town.
“We have had a brilliant fortnight, with good audiences enjoying a wonderful musical menu. Wymondham High Academy launched the Festival in style in the Market Place; a very talented group of musicians performed in a wide range of styles.”
“The Jazz Picnic was a great success this year; we had good weather, with more than 1000 people and picnics at Becketswell. It was good to see so many families enjoying themselves.”
“The Young Musicians’ concert at Wymondham Abbey was a highlight for me. The quality of the performances was superb. Andrew Harsley, Norfolk Young Musician 2016 is a fantastic talent.”
“Lady Sings the Blues, one of our recitals at the Abbey, was another great success. Three excellent local performers entertained an audience of 170.”
“ Wymondham’s Big Sing was a really enjoyable event. We could have done with more singers and will revisit the Big Sing in a different format at a future Festival.”
“Norwich Camerata, a new choral group from the Fine City, presented a concert of nonsense lyrics, sung with divine harmonies. Anna Mudeka, our music lecturer for 2016, is a natural communicator and entertainer and gave an excellent talk about the mbira and her upbringing in Zimbabwe.”
“The artists from outside Norfolk, Spikedrivers, Renato D’Aiello and Hannah & Ben Sanders all contributed richly to the musical mix and attracted good audiences.”
“The Festival is in good shape. We continue to meet our aims and objectives, by presenting a diverse range of music for the local community and at the same time encouraging local musicians. I would particularly like to thank all our volunteers who make the Festival happen. It’s hard work, but very rewarding.”
“Our heartfelt thanks also go to our business and private sponsors and patrons, who continue to support us in the ever challenging financial environment, and to Norfolk County Council and Wymondham Town Council for their assistance.”
“We will have a break to recharge batteries, before planning begins in earnest again for Festival Fortnight 2017.”
