AWARD-WINNING band, Show of Hands, will be returning to their ‘spiritual home’ next weekend when they host their annual seaside festival at Abbotsbury Sub-Tropical Gardens.
Accompanied by a host of top musicians and friends, the band – Steve Knightley and Phil Beer – will take over the gardens for six hours of fantastic music and family entertainment where all are invited to enjoy the sun and picnic on the lawns.
This is the 15th year that the festival has taken place in the gardens and it has become something of a staple in the Show of Hands calendar.
Steve said: “It is a very special event and is very much a part of our culture. It’s become something of a cultural event for people who have supported us over the years.
“We have found that the first weekend in July is usually free of festivals and have stuck with it.”
Steve and Phil will, as usual, be appearing on stage with double bass player Miranda Sykes. Also performing will be up-and-coming folk talent Jim Moray, the newly crowned winner of the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards Horizon award for the Best Newcomer Lucy Ward and the acclaimed Welsh band Mabon.
Devon-based Phillip Henry and Hannah Martin will also be appearing, as will German-based acoustic duo Broom Bezzums.
This has been a busy, mixed year for the band, combining Steve and Phil’s solo projects with a storming gig at the Royal Albert Hall, a full touring schedule and Steve’s participation in the BBC2 series The Great British Story with historian Michael Wood. Show of Hands are also in the middle of recording their next CD.
But for both men and their friends and fans, the Abbotsbury concert remains one of the highlights of the year.
On July 7, concert-goers are invited to bring low-backed seating, rugs and picnics into the grounds and entry to the West Lawn area is from 1.30pm.
The grounds open at 10am for those interested in looking round the magnificent 20-acre gardens with one trail taking visitors to a viewpoint overlooking the Jurassic coast and Chesil Beach.
For the youngsters, children’s entertainer Rob Pudner will be on hand with his circus skills and storytelling and face painters will also be at the ready.
Show of Hands return to Abbotsbury Sub-tropical Gardens on July 7 from 3pm to 9pm. Call 01305 871130 for details and bookings.
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