Rook Lane Blog

December 5, 2019

FESTIVAL POSTPONED

Following the latest advice from the government and in consultation with our venues in Frome we have, today, taken the difficult decision to postpone the 2020 Frome Ukulele Festival. As your can imagine, our venues have a large number of events to reschedule and the immediate future is uncertain so we have chosen to reschedule it to 13th March 2021. Tickets for the 2020 Festival will be remain valid for the new date, however, if you prefer a refund please contact the Cheese & Grain on boxoffice@cheeseandgrain.com or call 01373 455420.

We have asked our fabulous acts, Feral Beryl, The Motherpluckers and ukulele maestro, Danilo Vignola to join us next year and hope you will too. We are obviously bitterly disappointed but we have no choice.

If you have any questions or comments please contact us on info@fromeukulelefestival.org.

Sending you ukulele love in these uncertain times x

September 17, 2019

Pam Ayres has been making the nation laugh for over 40 years. She will be performing poems from her new book Up In The Attic, published in September 2019, along with classic poems and stories from her long career. Recent TV appearances include Springwatch, Celebrity Mastermind, and Celebrity Antiques Road Trip. Recent Radio includes Series 6 of Ayres On The Air, Just A Minute, I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue, and Pam’s second appearance on Desert Island Discs.

September 16, 2019

This promises to be lively and entertaining evening at Rook Lane Chapel. Come along early to get your tickets on the door and have a drink at the bar before the performance. But keep an eye on FSB Facebook page for more info and possible online ticket sales.

August 21, 2019

“Knight’s playing is a revelation. A world away from folky fiddling, it’s fully informed by the classical style, all long sweeping bow strokes and eloquent legato. Yet he never loses the essential folk heart of the music, tracing a graceful line of his own making”
Review of Cambridge Folk Festival’s ‘City Roots’
“John’s elegant, rhythmic and virtuoso playing and easy-going banter is a quiet triumph!”
Robin Denselow, The Guardian

August 5, 2019

Beautifully matched in their silvery, clear sound, the sopranos Angela Hicks and Penelope Appleyard will be joined by Sam Brown (lute) and Harry Buckoke (viol) in a glorious programme entitled ‘The Trials & Triumphs of Elizabeth I’ featuring repertoire by John…

August 2, 2019

Returning to Frome in trio format – with the addition of the wonderful violist Emma Purslow – we’re delighted to welcome Solovey Ensemble, one of Britain’s foremost harp, viola and flute trios. Expect sumptuous repertoire full of expansive melodies and…

August 2, 2019

Enjoying successful and varied freelance careers, Eleanor Corr and Emil Duncumb – a regular partnership – join us with Grieg’s joyful Sonata no. 2 in G major as well as gorgeous, emotionally-charged works by Lutoslawski and Weber showcasing the rapport…

August 1, 2019

“Ji Liu has a technique to match any virtuoso, however, it is his sensitive and unpretentious musicality that shines forth.”
The Pianist Magazine.

April 24, 2019

Join us for two acoustic sets, including singer-songwriter Phil Cooper, recently featured on BBC Radio 6 BBC Music Introducing show with Tom Robinson.
Sara Vian will be performing a 30-40min set at the exquisite Rook Lane

We’re also delighted to announce that local legend and the mind behind Glastonbury Festival, Michael Eavis, will be giving a talk and taking questions at WHYacoustic.
WHY receives no central government funding so relies on community fundraising and the generosity of individuals and grant-making trusts to survive.

April 8, 2019

Steve Peake, Director of Indigenous People and artistic director of the coming tour, confirmed he was delighted to be bringing the show to Frome. “I was brought up in Taunton,” he said “so the opportunity to launch what promises to be our best tours ever is an amazing one.” Tanya Sheriff, owner of Drum It Up Somerset, said “It’s a real privilege for us to welcome such amazing and accomplished traditional musicians to Frome. I am very excited to see this inspiring fusion project and to see some of Africa’s leading drummers playing in my home town. Frome Town Council have supported this cultural event by a grant of £300 through the Majors Grant, of which we are very grateful for”