SINGERS are being recruited to take part in an atmospheric performance of music and dance on top of one of West Dorset’s most striking natural features.

Landance, which will involve a choir of 100 plus professional musicians and 50 dancers, is taking place on top of Eggardon Hill in July, with recruitment and rehearsals taking place between now and then. Participants of all abilities and ages from 10 years old are welcome.

Lead artists Andrew Dickson, composer, Anna Golding, choreographer and Ella Huhne, director and visual artist will facilitate the development of the performances on site and in nearby halls.

They will be working with professional performers and local groups and their leaders, involving dancers, choirs and visual artists.

Dorset musician Andrew Dickson, who has worked extensively with film director Mike Leigh, said: “This is the first Landance performance I’ve been involved in and they asked me to write a choral piece for Eggardon – I said if it was a vocal piece it would need to be for at least 100 people because of the size of the place.

“So we’re aiming to get as many voices as we can.”

Rehearsals will mainly take place in village halls in Litton Cheney and Askerswell, near Bridport.

Free taster sessions are being held at Litton Cheney hall on May 23 and Bridport Arts Centre on May 29. Both events start at 6pm.

Andrew is hoping to recruit singers from local choirs and singing groups and they will be joined by professional musicians including a soprano, saxophonist and trumpet player.

“We’re hoping to hear from people who want to get involved,” said Andrew.

“At the last rehearsal there were about 20, but numbers seem to be rising as the project builds.

“It’ll be an amazing event as it is such an evocative place.”

Performances on Eggardon will take place on July 14 and 15 at 6pm. Anyone interested in taking part can contact Rose Hoskin on rose@landance.org.uk or leave a message on 07874 248530.