The Exchange, Old Market Hill, Sturminster Newton, Dorset, DT10 1FH

Tea with William Barnes

A Celebration of the Dorset Poet

Dialect poet William Barnes relished the country dances, folksongs and carols of Dorset, and often wrote about community celebrations, where music was a key part of the proceedings.

Alongside a delicious Dorset tea, The Ridgeway Singers and Band, led by Tim Laycock and Phil Humphries, will perform traditional songs collected across the County by the Hammond brothers, play dance tunes from the repertoire of fiddler Benjamin Rose and perform an arrangement of the R. Vaughan-Williams setting of William Barnes' famous poem 'My Orchard in Linden Lea'.

Recitals of some of Barnes' much-loved poems will keep alive the rich dialect of Dorset.

Tickets include a light Dorset supper served throughout the performance

• Standard Ticket £16

For more booking information https://artsreach.co.uk/event/tea-with-william-barnes

Artsreach is also delighted to be partnering with Dorset Food & Drink to host a mini pop-up producers and makers market on the day, offering the chance to try some famous local produce or discover something brand new made in Dorset! 

Taking place in the Atrium of The Exchange, the pop-up market will be open to the public from 11am-3pm.

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