Orchestra in a Field returns to Glastonbury Abbey

Somerset's Orchestra in a Field, the inspiration of Somerset-based Charles Hazlewood (classical conductor), set in the grounds of Glastonbury Abbey will return next year, and it's been confirmed the event will replace the Glastonbury Abbey Extravaganza which has run for many years.

Farmer Michael Eavis (of Glastonbury Festival) ran the Extravaganza for sixteen years, and set in the grounds of Glastonbury Abbey, it has seen many memorable performances over the years. Eavis said, "We'll do whatever we can to support Charles…he's done a fantastic job. My festival team ran the Extravaganza for 16 years and now after the success of last year's Orchestra in a Field we are handing over to Charles, who is after all the bees knees on classical music around here. I went with the kids and we simply loved it to bits."

This event promises a varied musical programme, offering something for all the family with food from local producers, a Talk Tent, kids area, lighting and projection art, and more.

Next year's main concerts will include celebrating the centenary of British composer, Benjamin Britten with a promenade performance of 'Noye's Fludde' incorportating hundreds of local schoolchildren.

Plus an 'Under the stars showcase' featuring 'Dvorak's New World Symphony', 'Wagner's Siegfried Idyll' and 'Strauss' Four Last Songs & Don Quixote'.

The festival will again feature a range of exciting one-off musical experiences with contemporary artists, last year included a performance of Mike Oldfield's retro classic Tubular Bells and there were special guest appearances by rap stars Professor Green and Labrinth.

Alongside the orchestral performances next year there will be a range of one-off musical shows including members of Portishead and Goldfrapp.

Also returning for a second year are The British Paraorchestra – the Paralympics Orchestra, who performed at the closing ceremony, and The Scrapheap Orchestra.

The event will also presenting a rare screening of the 1928 silent movie 'The Passion of Joan of Arc', with a new score performed live.

The Talk Tent will feature a host of celebrity names from TV, Film and Journalism talking about how music relates to their world.

The Tea Tent will stage a diverse and captivating programme of local talent and young musicians.

There will also be an extensive Free Kids Area complete with children's theatre, vintage helter skelter and swing-boats. Plus plenty of great local food, wine and cider to complete the sensory experience.

Charles Hazlewood, conductor and the BBC's 'face of classical music', said, "I want to take people on a musical journey and open them up to new experiences. Where else can you get world class orchestral performances, psychedelic improvisation by members of Portishead and rap stars performing live with a symphony orchestra? Orchestra in a Field has all the energy of a rock festival but with an orchestra at its heart. It's for us, it's for everyone, it's for now!

Early bird day tickets are priced at £24 for adults and £16 for teens (13–19 year olds) with 12s and under free. An adult early bird weekend ticket is priced at £45, with teen early bird weekend tickets priced at £28, camping is available just 5 minutes walk from the main stage at an additional rate of £20 per adult, £15 for 13–19 year olds and 12s and under free.

To buy tickets, click here.

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