THE line-up for the Ribble Valley Music Festival has been revealed.
The event, held in towns and villages across the Ribble Valley, runs from March to December and brings artists who have been seen on world stages to perform in local churches at village hall prices.
The festival opens on Saturday, March 10 at St Mary’s Centre, Clitheroe, with Musicals in Concert performed by the award-winning Milnrow Band.
There will be series of free lunchtime organ recitals on the first Tuesday of the month from April to October in St Mary Magdalene’s Church Clitheroe.
Another first for the festival sees an Americana Music Bonanza at Chatburn Methodist Church on Saturday, April 14 featuring the Helsby Mountain String Band, Jester B, and the Haley Sisters.
Professional harpist Maxine Molin-Rose, who has performed with major UK and Russian orchestras and for royalty, will perform with the Red Rosettes Female Barbershop Chorus at Slaidburn Village Hall on Sunday, May 13.
There will be two opera performances during the festival to meet the growing demand from opera lovers.
The renowned, Encore Opera will be at Christ Church, Chatburn, on Sunday June 3 and Preston Opera will perform at St Mary Magdalene’s Church, Clitheroe, on Friday, July 13.
One of the rising stars of the classical world will be at St Leonard’s Church, Downham, on Sunday, June 24 when prospective member of the National Youth Orchestra and candidate for BBC Young Musician of the Year, Ellen Buller accompanied by Paul Greenhalgh on piano will be peforming. He will be joined by the Burwain Singers.
Whalley Abbey host two events this year starting on Friday, August 3 with a performance by soprano Elizabeth Phillips. Then on Friday, November 9 the historic setting will welcome the Flat Cap Pack and the Gaynor Sutcliffe String Ensemble for an exuberant performance of classical, jazz and pop music.
The much-loved Last Night of the Ribble Valley Proms which will have a James Bond theme takes place on Friday, September 14 at St Mary’s Centre in Clitheroe. The Wingates Band will lead a rousing evening celebrating the best of British.
The festival events raise money for churches throughout the Ribble Valley and it is supported by the Duchy of Lancaster and Ribble Valley Borough Council
Further details and tickets can be obtained from the individual venues, the Ribble Valley Music Festival facebook page, calling 01254 384893 or by email at info@ribblevalleymusic.co.uk
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