CELEBRATORY evenings of traditional Dorset music are being held by a musical group that has gone from strength to strength.

The Ridgeway Singers and Band (RSB) will present two celebrations of traditional music, folksong, West Gallery carols and stories from Dorset to mark their 10th anniversary.

RSB was formed by Artsreach in 2013 to explore the musical traditions of the South Dorset Ridgeway.

Led by serpent player Phil Humphries and folk musician, actor and storyteller Tim Laycock, RSB started in Abbotsbury to research the carols and Christmas music, stories and poetry of the Ridgeway area.

The first concerts were very local, at Winterbourne Abbas and Abbotsbury. Singers are supported by a 10 piece band of musicians, in Dorset tradition.

The next year they included folk songs collected by the Hammond brothers in Dorset, and the dance tunes of the Hardy and Benjamin Rose collections. New songs and music on local themes composed by members and friends are now included, with a singalong opportunity adding to fun for the audience.

The singers and band are delighted to celebrate their 10th anniversary year by performing right in the heart of the Blackmore Vale with seasonal songs, dance tunes from local village of  Belchalwell, and readings from William Barnes and Thomas Hardy. It will be on Trafalgar Day, 21 October, and the group will be marking the occasion with some suitable musical items.

They will perform at The Old Brewery Hall, Hartfoot Lane, Ansty, near Milton Abbas, on Saturday, October 21 at 7.30pm.

It's one of two special concerts being held to mark the 10th anniversary of the Ridgeway Singers and Band, with the second concert being held at St Mary's Church, South Street, Bridport, on Sunday, October 29 at 4pm.

The 10th Anniversary Concerts will be led by Phil Humphries and Tim Laycock. 

Tickets cost £12 for adults and £6 for under 18s. Refreshments will be available on the night. 

Book via the website www.ridgewaysingersandband.org or phone 01305 262159.

Tickets are also available on Ticketsource and from Bridport Tourist Information Centre.

For more information on the Ridgeway Singers and Band, visit the website at www.ridgewaysingersandband.org