Worcester News, Worcester Sport, Worcester Leisure - From The Worcester News

Hall's history brought to life in new book

From the archive, first published Thursday 27th Jun 2002.

MORE than seven centuries of history have come under the spotlight as part of the 20th annual Harvington Festival.

And a varied range of entertainment has been arranged over two weekends to attract people of all ages to the hall, which is more than 400 years old.

Classical, jazz and Elizabethan music are all on the agenda as well as three outdoor performances of Alan Ayckbourn's appropriately titled Round and Round the Garden in the hall grounds by Birmingham-based Crescent Theatre.

This year's festival will be used as a launchpad for a new book which looks at 750 years of life in the village - a "fascinating insight into the lives of people associated with the hall over nearly eight centuries".

Life at Harvington 1250 - 2000 has been written by the hall's historical director Michael Hodgetts, and business co-ordinator Sherida Breeden is optimistic copies will sell well.

"People who come here are very interested in history," she said.

"We already have a guide book but that is more about helping people get around the hall."

The festival was founded by the late Janet Arbuthnott in 1983.

This year's event will be opened by pianist Mark Bebbington on Friday, July 5 when his programme will include a selection from Liszt and Castelnuovo-Tedesco.

The following evening sees Clent's Ad Hoc Jazz Group, who were invited back after their appearance last year was hit by heavy rain, performing in the hall gardens.

On the Sunday there will be festival mass at St Mary's Church at 10.30am and Elizabethan music and dancing in the gardens from 1.30pm.

Friday, July 12 sees the start of a three-day run of Ayckbourn's play. Families traditionally picnic before performances and bring their own tables and chairs.

Mrs Breeden said the history of the site is "quite staggering".

"Back in 1250 there would have been a medieval house here on the same site as the hall and the book covers from then right up until the year 2000," she added.

Advance booking is essential for the classical music, jazz and play.

More details are available by calling Harvington Hall on 01562 777846.

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