Music festival to create a buzz at county's new library (From Ledbury Reporter)

Music festival to create a buzz at county's new library

1:00pm Friday 20th April 2012 in Latest By Neil Watts

WORCESTERSHIRE'S new library and history centre will be buzzing with live music and workshops next weekend ahead of its official opening in the summer.

Organisers of Worcester Music Festival take over The Hive, in Sawmill Walk, on Saturday, April 28, offering up plenty of entertainment during a launch event from noon until 7pm.

The centre will house a quarter of a million books and more than 26,000 records of historic monuments and buildings when it opens its doors in July but the free mini festival should ensure it will be a hub of musical activity.

Live performances start at 12.15pm, featuring the likes of the Paula Evans Youth Choir and Snoezelen Rock School along with the calculated drum and guitar loops of Theo, clattering noise-pop from Das Sexy Clap and the warm, folk-tinged sounds of Richard Clarke and The Rafters.

Visitors will also have the chance to get involved thanks to a series of workshops running from 12.30pm.

They can try their hand at being a DJ with Ed Steelefox, learn to play the fiddle, sample Middle Eastern and Irish drumming or even attempt some Indian vocal percussion.

The event’s co-ordinator, Brian Hoggard, said the day was not to be missed and would provide a sneak preview of this year’s festival which runs from Friday to Monday, August 24-27.

“Whether you are fan of one of the acts lined-up or are out in town and fancy an entertaining reprieve from shopping, our event at The Hive is going to be awesome, with a diverse selection of amazing acts performing in the atrium, the sound-proofed lecture theatre and in the landscaped gardens.

“It is also a chance to check out this much-talked about, gold-roofed building prior to its official opening in July, we’ve already had a tour and it is quite impressive.”

For more information go to worcestermusicfestival.co.uk.