At a glance

Start the festival off with a bang with the Wiltshire Chilli Fest organised by Westbury Town Council. Once again, there will be laughter and music in the streets of Westbury, along with food, drink, lots of entertainment

A great start to the lunchtime concerts series with organist David Dewar returning to the festival after many years to perform on our wonderful Bevington organ in All Saints. David has given recitals and concerts in many cathedrals and major churches all over the country and at present is Director of Music at the Dame Monica Wills Memorial Chapel in Bristol where he also teaches conducting, organ and theory of music.

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  Ballet du Roy pour sonner après

  Michael PRAETORIUS
  c.1571 – 1621

• 
  Sarabande Nr. 2 from Book 1 of Preludes & Voluntaries

  Eric Harding THIMAN
  1900 – 1975

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  Voluntary in D Op.6, nr. 6 : slow, fast, slow, fast

  John STANLEY
  1712 – 1786

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  Voluntary in D : slow – fast

  William BOYCE
  1711 – 1779

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  A sad Pavan for these Distract’d Times

  Thomas TOMKINS 1572 – 1656

• 
  Dalby’s Fancy

  Herbert HOWELLS
  Nr. 1 from Two Slow Airs 1892 – 1983

• 
  ‘Piece d’Orgue’

  Johann Sebastian BACH BWV 5721685 — 1750

We begin the Secret Cinema series with a film showing the amazing Turin cityscape but there is also a robbery and three iconic cars.

Secret Cinema – what’s the secret?

We are going to offer a free classic British film (chosen by our resident film expert) each weekday afternoon throughout the festival.

Under the terms of our generous performance licence we can’t charge (which we  don’t) and we can’t advertise the film by name. But we can promise each film is a cracker.

Join us for lots of bouncing, clapping, songs and rhymes for babies and toddlers and their parent/carer. Led by library staff and amazing volunteers, these are fun, free sessions, but as spaces are limited, please book in advance at the library from previous Monday

Beckford Strings were so good last year, we thought to invite them back again! A programme of classical favourites from Bach to Mozart and even the odd tango thrown in from this stylish and versatile string quartet.

Taking its title from Chaucer’s long poem, this 1944 British film highlights the wartime experiences of the citizens of Kent when three modern day pilgrims investigate bizarre goings-on in a small town.

Secret Cinema – what’s the secret?

We are going to offer a free classic British film (chosen by our resident film expert) each weekday afternoon throughout the festival.

Under the terms of our generous performance licence we can’t charge (which we  don’t) and we can’t advertise the film by name. But we can promise each film is a cracker.

A welcome return for Amusette who play beautiful traditional music on their bagpipes and other interesting instruments from the reeds, strings and drone family. Most countries have fascinating traditional music and Penny and Brian feel that if a tune is beautiful then it deserves to be heard! Programmes are designed to inform and amuse the audience through interaction and storytelling; see and learn about the instruments and hear the charming melodies and rich harmonies.

Told with sensitivity, awe and a fine sense of tragedy, watch the last hours of a famous ship in this classic 1958 film

Secret Cinema – what’s the secret?

We are going to offer a free classic British film (chosen by our resident film expert) each weekday afternoon throughout the festival.

Under the terms of our generous performance licence we can’t charge (which we  don’t) and we can’t advertise the film by name. But we can promise each film is a cracker.

A first time at the festival for the One Voice Community Choir which was formed in 2013 and is under the leadership of local favourite, Lee Ingram. They will be bringing a delightful selection of popular songs from the 1960s and 70s, stage musicals and recent hits.

Tthis innovative film portrays the final six years of composer Frederick Delius’ life based on the memoirs of his amanuensis, Eric Fenby. Delius’ work forms the film’s soundtrack.

Secret Cinema – what’s the secret?

We are going to offer a free classic British film (chosen by our resident film expert) each weekday afternoon throughout the festival.

Under the terms of our generous performance licence we can’t charge (which we  don’t) and we can’t advertise the film by name. But we can promise each film is a cracker.

Join us for lots of bouncing, clapping, songs and rhymes for babies and toddlers and their parent/carer. Led by library staff and amazing volunteers, these are fun, free sessions, but as spaces are limited, please book in advance at the library from previous Monday

Sadly, Sian and Rob who were advertised are unable to appear – but it has given us an opportunity to correct an oversight as one of potentials this year got lost in email and had just approached us to ask about next year!
So, we are pleased (and grateful) to announce that Eagle Alley have filled this slot.
Eagle Alley is a close harmony group based in Bath and Bradford on Avon. The group are Anne Gregson, Rob Winder and Chris Timson. We sing unaccompanied close harmony and choose our songs from the English tradition plus some from further away.  Two of them are accomplished song writers and both contribute to the repertoire too. A

nd sea shanties are never far away …

An orphan’s encounter with an escaped convict sets in train the events that lead to a mysterious benefactor offering to transform him into a gentleman and change his life forever.

Secret Cinema – what’s the secret?

We are going to offer a free classic British film (chosen by our resident film expert) each weekday afternoon throughout the festival.

Under the terms of our generous performance licence we can’t charge (which we  don’t) and we can’t advertise the film by name. But we can promise each film is a cracker.

Three history groups in the area, Westbury Area Family History Group, Westbury Heritage Society and Dilton Marsh Local History Society have united in this project to research the history of the Charles Case Tanyard and the people who worked there. They have researched the buildings, the business and the people who worked there since the business moved to Westbury, from Frome, in 1902 until they closed in 1984.

An informal open morning with coffee, biscuits and cake when members of the Westbury Quilters will demonstrate different patchwork and quilting techniques.

Jook Joint is currently a 3 piece band; Pete Driscoll (vocals, bass, guitar, mandolin); Tony Stockley (drums) and Al Summers (slide/guitar).

Music covered ranges from early down-home blues to jazz and country rock with quite an eclectic mix of quality material. The band likes to play at a comfortable volume. Expect some familiar songs from well-loved artists as well as some lesser-known gems for your listening pleasure

Combining exquisite imagery of both landscape and wildlife, this British classic gives a real insight into fox hunting and rural life and in particular the life of one young fox. A gem!

Secret Cinema – what’s the secret?

We are going to offer a free classic British film (chosen by our resident film expert) each weekday afternoon throughout the festival.

Under the terms of our generous performance licence we can’t charge (which we  don’t) and we can’t advertise the film by name. But we can promise each film is a cracker.

Please note this event IS NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
The schools involved will be making this part of the curriculum for appropriate children.

TV archaeologist Julian Richards, vists Westbury schools to explain the wonders of archaeology in fun and original ways. This is a closed event our younger schoolchildren

Join us for lots of bouncing, clapping, songs and rhymes for babies and toddlers and their parent/carer. Led by library staff and amazing volunteers, these are fun, free sessions, but as spaces are limited, please book in advance at the library from previous Monday

Festival stalwarts, the Hilperton Recorder Players  look forward to performing for the Westbury Festival again this year. Their programme is based on the theme of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and will take you on a musical tour of the British Isles.

A 1957 Hammer horror film in the Himalayas searching for the Yeti

Secret Cinema – what’s the secret?

We are going to offer a free classic British film (chosen by our resident film expert) each weekday afternoon throughout the festival.

Under the terms of our generous performance licence we can’t charge (which we  don’t) and we can’t advertise the film by name. But we can promise each film is a cracker.

A welcome return to the festival for the Songbirds Choir. Formed in January 2016, the choir is a non-audition SSA choir who meet once a week during term time to sing from a wide selection of styles including musical theatre, jazz, pop and classical. Whilst no audition is necessary, an ability to sing in tune is required.  Led by professional soprano, singing teacher and vocal coach, Lorraine Mahoney, this is a wonderful opportunity to listen to and enjoy this local choir.

The choir ladies are very excited to be singing in the Westbury Festival again. It will be their first performance in a couple of years due to the pandemic.

An American oil company representative is sent to the fictional village of Ferness off the west coast of Scotland to to purchase the town and surrounding property but gets more than he bargained for!

Secret Cinema – what’s the secret?

We are going to offer a free classic British film (chosen by our resident film expert) each weekday afternoon throughout the festival.

Under the terms of our generous performance licence we can’t charge (which we  don’t) and we can’t advertise the film by name. But we can promise each film is a cracker.

The band plays a mixture of Irish, Scottish, Appalachian & other traditional songs & tunes with a foot-tapping, down-home joy that leaves you feeling glad to be alive. For the festival a small group from the band will informally open up specially selected material and explore the rich musical heritage.

This 1958 film tells of a British Army sergeant who turns his last batch of misfit recruits into the top troops in camp with hilarious results!

Secret Cinema – what’s the secret?

We are going to offer a free classic British film (chosen by our resident film expert) each weekday afternoon throughout the festival.

Under the terms of our generous performance licence we can’t charge (which we  don’t) and we can’t advertise the film by name. But we can promise each film is a cracker.

Worried about using Apps?
In this friendly talk, we will introduce you to some of the most popular apps, explain a bit your security and help to build your confidence. Bring your phone or tablet with you if you like.

Join us for lots of bouncing, clapping, songs and rhymes for babies and toddlers and their parent/carer. Led by library staff and amazing volunteers, these are fun, free sessions, but as spaces are limited, please book in advance at the library from previous Monday

Jazz pianist Keith Harrison-Broninski returns to Westbury Festival, this year accompanied by the deep bass groove and haunting electronic sounds of Al Swainger. Fans of the celebrated Frome Jazz Club will remember legendary nights with Keith and Al in the house rhythm section.

Introduced by a Westbury resident, whose relative was  the driver of the train, Railway enthusiasts in a sleepy English village take over their local passenger train service when the government decides to shut down their decrepit railway line. But it doesn’t quite go to plan with runaway trains, sabotage, laughter and mayhem! Come and enjoy a cream tea, watch this 1953 classic British film and see if you can spot the local scenery where it was filmed.

Optional Cream Tea available for £5 – the film is still free if you don’t want a tea.

Secret Cinema – what’s the secret?

We are going to offer a free classic British film (chosen by our resident film expert) each weekday afternoon throughout the festival.

Under the terms of our generous performance licence we can’t charge (which we  don’t) and we can’t advertise the film by name. But we can promise each film is a cracker.

If you want a cream tea, please book here or at our box office. No need to book just to see the film.

It has been over seven years since these dashing young chaps broke out onto the local music scene, yet this will be their first appearance at the Festival. Their music spans blues-rock, Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin and even Abba and Britney Spears! Joined by singer-songwriter Wade Merritt, there is an extra layer of depth and subtlety to the hard rock hurricane that is Brakelight

Westbury Festival is teaming up with the Wiltshire Scrapstore and the Coalition of Superheroes once again to give local children the chance to get creative. Real life superhero characters will be there for inspiration and kids can also take part in a Frozen sing-a-long with an Ice Princess, have their face painted and also pose for a photo with a superhero!

Refreshments server

Come along and enjoy singing some your favourite hymns in our beautiful church. Afterwards, wine/juice and cheese/nibbles will be served. All welcome.

Bernard is up against red tape, Ghost Grasshoppers and London Underground when all he wants to do is fly to the moon in this superior adaptation of the BBC play.

When suggested that legendary horror icons could turn into yeti’s, one of them exclaims “Monster, we’re British you know.” Probably the greatest line in cinema… Ever…

Open Mic Night – Westbury Festival Special!  

Would you like to take to the Mic and perform?  

Maybe you’ve written your own music. Maybe you have a favourite cover song you’d like to perform? 

The Angel Inn’s Open Mic Night provides a platform to have a go! 

All standards of music welcome. It’s an open mic event after all! 

There will be a drinks promotion for spectators and performers.

Arrive from 7.30pm

Michael Rosen has agreed to perform some of his famous poems to KS2 Pupils this coming summer on a special school visit to the town! 

With over 55 million views on his YouTube Channel ‘Kids Poems and Stories with Michael Rosen’, we are honoured to have the Number 1 selling children’s author visit Westbury in July!

Don’t tell the children yet! We are yet to work on how we can make this accessible to as many pupils as possible and will coordinate with local schools over the coming weeks.

About Michael Rosen…

Michael Rosen is one of Britain’s best loved writers and performance poets for children and adults. His first degree was from Wadham College, Oxford and he went on to study for an MA and a PhD. He is currently Professor of Children’s Literature at Goldsmiths, University of London where he co-devised and teaches an MA in Children’s Literature.

Michael is also a popular broadcaster and has presented BBC Radio 4’s acclaimed programme about language, “Word of Mouth” since 1998, as well as regularly presenting documentary programmes for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Radio 3, including the Sony Gold Award-winning “On Saying Goodbye”.

Michael has published in the region of 200 books for children and adults, including “The Sad Book” with Quentin Blake (Walker Books) – a meditation on bereavement written after the loss of his son, Eddie; “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” with Helen Oxenbury (Walker Books) – made into an animated film for Channel 4 broadcast Christmas Day 2016 – and “A Great Big Cuddle” with Chris Riddell (Walker Books) . His poetry for adults includes “Don’t Mention the Children” (Smokestack) and “Selected Poems” (Penguin). Non-fiction work for adults includes “Good Ideas: How to Be Your Child’s (and Your Own) Best Teacher” (John Murray), “The Disappearance of Emile Zola, Love, Literature and the Dreyfus Case” (Faber), and his memoir “So They Call You Pisher!” (Verso).

He has written a book for children and teachers on writing poetry ‘What is Poetry?’ (Walker Books) and has done three booklets for teachers on writing and reading. These are available through his website www.michaelrosen.co.uk . He writes up a monthly news page on the website and a blog for teachers giving ideas for writing.

Michael writes a monthly open “letter” to the Secretary of State for Education in The Guardian where he critiques Government policy on schools from the standpoint of a parent. He visits schools, teachers’ conferences and university teacher training departments where he is in demand to give performances, workshops and keynote addresses. He also appears regularly at literary festivals all over the UK and Ireland.

Michael has received several honorary awards, including degrees from the Open University, the University of Exeter, the University of London Institute of Education and the University of East London/Tavistock and Portman NHS Trust. For outstanding contribution to children’s literature he received the Eleanor Farjeon Award and was Children’s Laureate 2007-2009. In recognition of his contribution to the profile of French culture in the UK, he was made Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.