A NEW musical event takes place this weekend – the Exmoor Stars Spring Festival, which includes beginners, amateurs and other enthusiasts.

It opens on Saturday (May 11) with the Exmoor Community Music-Making Day when everyone is invited to turn up and play their favourite instrument or share their music as an ensemble.

Beginners will be able to try out various instruments during the day at All Saints’ Church, Dulverton. It is free, starts at 11am and the audience and players can take their own lunch to share or buy refreshments at the church bar.

On Sunday, May 12, mezzo-soprano Johanna Harrison will take a break from her studies at the Guildhall School of Music in London to perform some of her repertoire and operatic favourites at All Saints.

On both days, there will be a collection for the new Exmoor Music for Youth Fund to support a new youth choir, provide instruments, teaching and sheet music. 

The festival continues the following weekend, with a community singing afternoon from 3pm on Saturday, May 18, again at All Saints.

Everyone is invited to sing under the baton of Gary Cooper, director of music at All Saints benefice and formerly visiting professor of fortepiano at the Royal College of Music in London. He is choosing popular pieces for all voices.

On Sunday May 19 there is a repeat of a concert given last year at the Congregational Church in Chapel Street, Dulverton, and in the evening the festival concludes with choral evensong at All Saints. “This first year’s Star Festival is experimental,” said Marion Silverlock, chairman of the organising committee.

“If sufficient numbers of residents and visitors come to join in the festivities we can expand next year into literary events and art exhibitions.

“The festival is to give existing local musicians and artists a chance to meet and encourage younger people and children to take up instruments, join groups and enjoy social and cultural events in the national park and nearby.”