The Ridgeway Singers & Band are once again tuning their fiddles and voices to present a celebration of Christmas past and present in a concert at St Gregory’s Church, Marnhull.
Led by folk musicians Tim Laycock and Phil Humphries, the group will perform a festive programme inspired by the rich sources of locally collected folk songs and West Gallery carols from the South Dorset Ridgeway area.

The Ridgeway singers and Band are performing in Marnhull
PHOTO: Howard J Payton

Traditionally sung by village choirs in English country churches, West Gallery music’s demise was brought about by the innovations of the organ and harmonium.
West Gallery carols and the accompanying musicians who played the fiddle, cello and serpent might have been no more than a footnote in history if it had not been for this style of popular music being recorded by writers such as Thomas Hardy in the stories and
poems in which he evoked the singers and musicians who performed it.
This year’s seasonal programme by the singers and band will include works from the Hinton St Mary and Fordington manuscripts, together with original carols composed in the West Gallery tradition, including One Bright Star by Tim Laycock. This heart-warming seasonal celebration of all things Dorset will also include sparkling instrumental pieces and midwinter stories, plus a few Ridgeway favourites.

The Ridgeway Singers & Band are performing in Marnhull on Sunday 4 December at 4pm – refreshments and mince pies will be served. Tickets and further information are available from 01258 820458 and online at www.artsreach.co.uk