Traditional Music Day at the Museum of East Anglian Life – Saturday 4th September 2010
This unique and vibrant event, now in its ninth year, is run by the East Anglian Traditional Music Trust at the Museum of East Anglian Life in Stowmarket.
It celebrates traditional folk music, with a focus on the songs, music and dances from Suffolk and the eastern counties, which has a rich heritage of such material and a continuing tradition.
There is a varied programme of events, which includes lots of opportunities to have a go at playing instruments, dancing or singing, or just watching and listening. The events take place in the Museum’s historic buildings, including a stunning medieval Tithe Barn, a timbered farmhouse and an old smithy from 11am to 5.30pm.
In the evening there is one event, Traditional Night Out, held in the atmospheric thirteenth century Tithe Barn at the Museum. This concert features all the event’s special guests, plus some surprise guests.
Space for the evening event in the Tithe Barn is limited, and tickets for the Traditional Night Out in the Tithe Barn are now selling fast.
To book or find out more about either the daytime events or the evening concert, ring the East Anglian Traditional Music Trust direct on 01449 771090. Further details are on the East Anglian Traditional Music Trust website at www.eatmt.org.uk or write to EATMT, The Old Stables, Museum of East Anglian Life, Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 1DL.
The East Anglian Traditional Music Trust is supported by Mid Suffolk District Council and Stowmarket Town Council.
Further information:
There are a number of family-friendly events including a ceilidh with Four Hand Band led by caller Bobby Ritchie and storytelling with Billy Teare. There are plenty of opportunities for people of any age to try out instruments for the first time, including squeezeboxes such as concertinas and melodeons and mouthorgans. There are music and singing sessions all day to listen to or join in with, and a chance to have a go at traditional percussion in the form of characterful jig dolls.
As well as many local traditional singers, musicians and stepdancers, for which Suffolk is wellknown nationwide, there are a number of special guests from around the country. Mary Humphreys and Anahata specialise in songs and tunes from neighbouring Cambridgeshire, whilst Geordie Jim Bainbridge brings a laid-back and melodic approach to traditional songs and tunes from all over the place. Younger performers The Askew Sisters have been wowing audiences up and down the country with their lively music and songs, and Johnny Adams & Chris Coe bring music, songs and clogdancing from the Northern tradition. There are also talks on English fiddle music and legendary Norfolk singer Sam Larner.
In addition to all the special events, there are of course the wonderful displays of agricultural, rural and social life at the Museum. There’s also locally-produced food from the Museum Bistro, a well-stocked bar run by CAMRA and stalls selling music, instruments, CD and books.
In order to attend the concerts, an advance season ticket for the whole event is needed, which is available only from the East Anglian Traditional Music Trust. Alternatively, there is a great atmosphere to be enjoyed if you come in on an ordinary museum entrance ticket. Please note that there is limited access to some museum exhibits in locations which are in use for ticketed Traditional Music Day events
There are separate tickets available for the evening concert, held in the atmospheric thirteenth century Tithe Barn. Evening tickets sell out pretty quickly because of the restricted space, but as the daytime events take place all around the site, in various barns, courtyards and marquees, there’s room for plenty of people between 10.30 and 5.30pm.
