NEW FORMAT - NEW EXCITEMENT

When the decision was taken that the 2007 festival should be shorter and more concentrated, it was with some trepidation. Would the audiences still turn up? And would the events be a success?

We need not have worried.

The festival kicked off with a talk on The Four Elements by Dr James Dyson - a challenging and stimulating evening which paved the way for an exhibition and workshops, also put on by Ruskin Mill, exploring the same theme.

Other exhibitions were dedicated to the historical development of Nailsworth and commemorated the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade and the part played local campaigners; both attracted visitors throughout the festival.

On Thursday evening, the centre of attention was the Town Hall, where Instant Wit gave us a cracking evening of improvised comedy with plenty of audience participation and local references. Their skits on madrigals, folk and grand opera were a revelation for those of us who had only seen the efforts of improvisors on the television.

The following night, the atmosphere changed from that of a raucous comedy club to that of a sophisticated jazz club. The evening began with songs from the swing era, beautifully performed by Jeanne Marlow accompanied by the excellent Rod Kelly trio. This was followed by two remarkable sets from the guitar duo of the Ferré brothers. Their heritage from the French hot club jazz era was liberally mixed with all manner of other jazz styles, and influences ranging fron Bach to the Beatles.

Saturday brought us the traditional Festival Saturday mix - street entertainers, stalls, festival food, exhibitions, and craft demonstrations. The town centre events culminated in the parade to the Nailstock site where the music continued until late in the evening. (We have posted a montage of pictures of Festival Saturday 2007.)

Finally, after the traditional Festival Walk, we were honoured to have the Brodsky Quartet play for us in a packed and enthusiastic Christ Church. Their exciting programme displayed their passion both to communicate new music and to bring freshness to the more traditional repertoire. So, we had Lavista's remarkable quartet played entirely on harmonics, Barber's famous adagio, in its original format as part of a string quartet, and the programme finished with Ravel. A wonderful evening.

THANKS TO SPONSORS

Once again the Festival was only able to take place by virtue of the generous sponsorship from the Nailsworth Town Council, Ruskin Mill College, Friends of Nailsworth Festival, Nailsworth Community Arts, and many local businesses.

A Review of the 2006 festival is still available