Posts

A variety of musical entertainment in the beautiful grounds of the Petwood Hotel and it is free! The Petwood is a major venue and major sponsor for the Festival.

Starring:

Saturday – Jayne Darling, Brandyn Shaw, Cleopatra Ridgeway, Minting Choir and Battlepipes

Sunday – Heather Marie, Steve Green and the DreamBelles

Saturday 11am-4.30pm

Sunday 11am – 4.30pm

We’re a big group of singers – of all ages and backgrounds – who sing together throughout the year. We sing a huge repertoire of songs, building confidence and community though learning and laughing together as we explore our voices and what we can do with them. We’re serious about great singing – but never let that get in the way of strengthening our individual and collective voices, making friends and a place where everyone can – and does – sing.

My life is embedded in music. I grew up in Greece where music is a natural part of daily life. My father’s Tenor voice sang for the BBC singers and various choruses and operas in London and Germany and I have sung in public and played violin from childhood. Although I later trained in teaching and environmental conservation, music was always there. Ultimately I decided to focus on singing and left the world of science and began classical voice training with my father Kenneth Ridgeway and Jeffrey Benton, a British Baritone who specialised in Art Song and Lieder and translated volumes of Lieder cycles and songs into English. My life is fully enriched by singing for people classical arias, oratorios, musicals and more lighthearted programs through the decades.”

‘The Vintage Vocalist’ has been wowing audiences all over the country since the year 2000! A real treat for 1940s music fans, Paula Marie possesses a rich and beautifully expressive voice that really does hark back to this bygone era! Her wartime performances feature a wonderful selection of music from the time. Including all the traditional wartime favourites and sing-along classics as performed by The Andrews Sisters, Anne Shelton, Gracie Fields and of course Dame Vera Lynn, she’s sure to get everyone joining in and waving their flags in the air! Also included are a selection of songs made famous by other popular singers of the day; the swingin’ big band sounds of Ella Fitzgerald, the classic movie songs of Judy Garland, the bluesy jazz hits of Billie Holiday… plus popular tunes from the likes of Peggy Lee, Doris Day, Glenn Miller, Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra and many more. Quite simply a 1940s wartime tribute singer not to be missed!

Website: www.thevintagevocalist.co.uk/

No strangers to Woodhall Spa 1940’s Festival, Andrew and Sandra of The Blitz Dancers have been entertaining crowds with music from the 1920’s to 40’s and dancing since 2010. Their enthusiasm for the swing music and dance styles of the era shows wherever they perform. At evening or outdoor daytime events they encourage others to join in, whether experienced dancers or novices with swing, ballroom or communal dances. The Blitz don’t mind how people dance; the main thing is to have fun trying. The Blitz Dancers are appearing at the Golf Hotel

Website: www.theblitzdancers.com/

Steve first performed at the Twinwood Vintage and Dance festival in Bedford in August 2012 and now appears at vintage festivals all over the UK. Steve primarily performs songs from the Great American Songbook as recorded by legends such as: Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin, Matt Monro and Sammy Davis Jnr. Steve also sings with the Swing Street 14 piece Big Band who are based in Bexhill, Sussex as well as performing with his own 5 piece swing/jazz band. Steve also occasionally guests with the Sticky Wicket Big Band and will be performing on the main stage with Sticky Wicket at the Twinwood Festival in August this year.

Website: www.stevegreen.co.uk

The fault has been fixed and it is now up and running