Night of Dorset Song

Dorchester musician John Bullock, often seen with y’Strel’s Band, will be bringing the wonderful Georgian church to life with songs revolving around the day in the life of a Dorset market town.

Many of the songs are taken from his new album of traditional Dorset songs, Camera Obscura, which is the third of five planned around the county’s rich musical heritage.

John said: “I’ve been carrying this material around since my late teens, when I first got into the trad material and – like the first time I heard Martin Carthy – what a revelation it all was.

“There’s a huge tradition of narrative song in English folk song, and that’s what excites me about the Hammond Collection of songs about Dorset – there are so many good stories, let alone fantastic tunes.”

Narrating the songs on the night will be Dorchester’s award- winning town crier Alistair Chisholm.

John added: “What Alistair and I have done for the live performance is to create a mythical village, Toller Hardy, by name, and we're on the edge of the village green – just like in the Powell Pressburger movie, A Matter of Life and Death. Alistair has a Camera Obscura and likes to keep an eye on the local folk.

“It’s Market Day in Toller Hardy and everyone is coming to the Green – and that’s when the fun, and the songs, start.”

Museum Curator Emily Hicks, who will also be joining Helen Coombes for some songs on the night, said; “This is a great show that not only raises much needed funds to keep the museum free to the public, but will be a brilliant and fascinating night out.

“I would urge anyone with an interest in the songs and music of this great county we live in to come along and experience something very special.”

The event is held on Wednesday, September 21 at the Chapel in the Garden on East Street, doors at 7.30. Tickets are £6 advance and £8 on the door.

You can pick them up from Bridport Local History Centre on 01308 458703 or Bridport Music on 01308 425707.