Chattertots children’s charity

Karen Neville

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Berkshire

Karen Neville

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Thanks to an amazing local charity, children with Down’s Syndrome can enjoy therapy sessions here in Woodley

Chattertots is the wonderful Berkshire-based charity whose team support children with Down’s Syndrome.

The charity has recently relocated its weekly pre-school speech and language therapy sessions in Woodley, making these essential services more accessible to local families.

Chattertots, which supports about 30 families across Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, provides specialist speech and language therapy through weekly sessions delivered by experts from Symbol UK, recognised leaders in supporting children with Down’s Syndrome.

“We’re excited to bring our services to Woodley,” says Clare McIntosh, chairman of Chattertots. “This move allows us to reach more families in the area while continuing to provide the high-quality, specialist support that’s so crucial for early development in children with Down’s Syndrome.”

The weekly sessions, which take place during term time, focus on developing essential communication skills through speech sounds, Makaton signing, vocabulary building, and oral motor skills. For many families, these sessions provide vital early intervention that isn’t readily available through standard NHS services.

One parent, whose child has been attending Chattertots sessions since September 2022, said: “Our son has made incredible progress, learning over 50 Makaton signs and mastering 31 speech sounds. These sessions have been transformative for our whole family.”

Chattertots, established in 2015 and registered as a charity in 2022 (charity number 1198362), has seen significant growth in demand for its services. The move to Woodley represents an important step in the charity’s development, allowing it to better serve families in the local community.

The charity also provides educational consultancy, school starter boxes, summer camps, and social activities, all designed to support children with Down’s Syndrome in reaching their full potential.

Families interested in Chattertots’ services or local groups who might want to help with fundraising can contact Clare by emailing [email protected]. You can also visit Chattertots for more info.

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Historic but modern Castle Hotel Windsor

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Round & About

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The Castle Hotel Windsor, which dates back to 1528, welcomes tourists from all over the world, including the Leaf restaurant’s afternoon teas

Once upon a time (in 1528 to be exact), The Castle Hotel opened its doors, albeit as The Mermaid Inn – humbly brewing beer and cider for the people of Windsor which, at the time, was a small town of just 1,000 people.

During the 1700s, innkeeper Richard Martin was awarded the first of the hotel’s eight Royal Warrants – to provide horses and carriages for the royal household. By the 19th century, The Castle Hotel had solidified its reputation as the connoisseur’s choice of accommodation.

And today the four-star hotel, occupying one of Windsor’s most opulent buildings, still offers the same fairytale feel, with an array of fabulous rooms, many overlooking the walls and turrets of Windsor Castle, which is a honeypot for tourists from all over the world. Even if you’re more of a republican at heart it’s hard not to feel childlike glee when the changing of the guard soldiers march right past the hotel’s windows, accompanied by rousing drums, overlooking the Prince Harry pub.

With eight Royal Warrants, The Castle Hotel, which has 108 rooms, is a dream destination. The historic hotel offers quiet luxury and all mod cons including tea & coffee making facilities, hair dryers, free Wi-Fi, flat screen TVs, 100 Acres toiletries and more. What’s more, it’s studded with details that bring its royal links to life, including busts of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert that hark back to the tale of a birthday gift from the Queen to her consort. All of this makes for a right royal treat for visitors… and their consorts!

The vibey downstairs Leaf restaurant and bar offer superb breakfast all week as well as brunch, afternoon tea and all-day dining, 12-9pm. The menus showcase the finest locally sourced produce from trusted suppliers, promising visitors a tantalising tour of the globe. A popular choice is the Royal Afternoon Tea, served in the quintessentially English lounge, and rightly considered one of the best afternoon teas in Windsor (£40pp adults, children’s afternoon tea £22pp).

The Castle team, whose smiling service is second to none, also pride themselves on the Sunday roast (until 5pm) when diners can choose from beef topside, half roast chicken, seared Scottish salmon and vegetarian wellington on offer; two courses for £27pp, and three courses at £32pp.

A classic room starts at £209 per night including breakfast. To book a stay or a table to eat at the Leaf restaurant, please call 01753 252800 or visit The Castle Hotel Windsor | Boutique Hotel in Windsor, Berkshire

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Eighties fun at The Lexicon

Karen Neville

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Berkshire

Enjoy an 80s style roller disco rink, follow the sticker trail and take your seat for top class sporting action this summer at The Lexicon

Embrace the retro colour and music vibes of the 80s with a fabulous roller disco at The Lexicon this summer holidays.

The roller disco will open every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday until September 8th, with bookable 30 minute sessions throughout the day.

Sensory-friendly sessions, featuring quieter music and dimmed lighting will also be available at 11am every day the rink is open.

The Summer Sticker Trail is open to everyone guiding you around the town centre, searching for 10 huge old-style stickers placed in shop window. Not only is it a fun, free activity but there is also the chance to win one of five £200 gift cards from The Lexicon.

The sports screen on The Avenue will remain until September 8th, showing live screenings of Wimbledon, The Olympics, and the Paralympics at a temporary sports terrace located opposite Pandora.

There’s plenty of tables and chairs, so grab your favourite snacks and drinks, perhaps a couple of friends, sit back and enjoy the sporting entertainment.

For younger visitors, The Gruffalo, Paddington™ and Bluey & Bingo will all be visiting The Lexicon this summer. Meet The Gruffalo on 5th, Bluey & Bingo activation on 12th and Paddington™ story narration, 19th.

The character visits are free, but space is limited, so booking is required.

Another free favourite is also back this summer with The Lexicon Summer Proms on Saturday, 7th September, from noon to 7pm.

Sue Boor, head of marketing at The Lexicon, says: “We hope that the range of activities that we are running throughout the school holidays will appeal not only to children but also to adult visitors to the town centre, whether rolling skating, watching sport, listening to local entertainers or following the trail.”

Susan Halliwell, chief executive of Bracknell Forest Council, added: “There’s lots going on at The Lexicon this summer to encourage people to come along, get active, be entertained and explore our wonderful town centre. I hope as many people as possible come along and enjoy the fun.”

For more information and booking details, please visit The Lexicon Shopping, Bracknell, Berkshire.

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Vintage vehicles at Woodcote Rally

Round & About

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Heritage transport at its very best is on display at Woodcote Rally, July 13th & 14th, and as Andy Crockett tells us the event has much more to offer too

The Woodcote Rally is a festival of steam, vintage and veteran transport with entertainment for all the family.

We have a wide range of exhibits including large and miniature steam engines, stationary engines, cars, motor bikes, tractors, military, models and commercial vehicles. During both days, the exhibits will display in the main arena and there will be separate tractor working area.

We have a large craft marquee with a range of hand-crafted goods and an enticing food area. Outside the marquee is the country area where you can watch demonstrations of traditional country skills including wood turning, stick making, hedge laying and willow weaving. We also have a wonderful birds of prey display and a children’s petting farm.

There’s a range of trade stands including jewellery, metal artwork, garden furniture, tools, clothing and accessories, die cast models and food products including gluten free.

In the children’s entertainment area there’s a face painter, entertainer and circus skills workshop. The funfair is a great attraction for all ages.

During both days live bands will play on the main stage and continue long into the evening. By the stage you’ll find CAMRA’s famous Festival of Ale and, new for this year, an additional marquee selling a range of alternative drinks to real ale such as lagers, craft beers, spirits and wines. In this area you’ll find a range food stalls to satisfy all tastes. Look out for the Round & About logo on your beer cups.

All of these attractions combine to make the Rally South Oxfordshire’s premier event of its kind. Since 1964, the Rally Committee has donated a total of £532,000 to local charities and other deserving organisations.

This year’s event will be held over the weekend of 13th and 14th July. The Rally is located about 10 miles north-west of Reading on the A4074 Reading to Oxford Road. We are in a new field off Church Lane, Ipsden, OX10 6BZ. The What 3 Words location is “less.hoped.pens”. The car parks and entrances will be well sign posted from all directions.

Public transport is available to the site on the X40 Thames Travel bus service between Oxford and Reading which runs about every 30 minutes. There are bus stops (both ways) just by Church Lane with a short walk to the Rally site from there. (Check the bus website for times).

Please visit us at The Next Woodcote Rally for further details.

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Fresh & fabulous farm shops

Round & About

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Summer is the perfect season to sample the fare and flavours at your local farm shop, not only are you shopping local supporting homegrown growers but you’ll be helping the environment too

Farm shops are a feast for the senses from the fashion show of fruit and veg, succulent juicy meat, richly flavoured cheese and bread so fresh you can smell it as you walk through the door, what’s not to love!

Add in the high-quality fare is locally produced, often right on the doorstep, and you’re helping to protect the environment, boast personal service and by shopping there you are supporting local small businesses and everyone’s a winner.

Farm shops help produce a strong sense of community with many offering pick your own options, delis and cafes to enjoy on site and with produce available at local farmers’ markets shopping for healthy and nutritious food has never been easier.

Let Casey Fields Farm Shop off Dog Lane, Ashampstead RG8 8SJ take the worry out of supper for you with their growing range of ready to cook meals using ingredients from the farm shop and the farm’s finest meat. There are more than 50 award-winning local and British cheeses to feast on including local fave Village Maid Waterloo and pies from popular Reading maker Sweeney Todd are delivered daily, made using the same traditional methods for years. British and continental meats, fish and shellfish and fresh game all help to make this worthy of its local praise.

Nestling between Hungerford and Marlborough, you’ll find Cobbs Farm Shop & Kitchen, Bath Road RG17 0SP. The ‘ultimate food destination’, visit the farm shop for quality seasonal produce, butchery, deli, luxury ice cream, freshly baked bread, preserves, dairy goods, juices and biscuits and the cafe where the friendly team will look after you seven days a week. You can also pick up English sparkling wine from the nearby Alder Ridge Vineyard too. The children will be entertained in the bespoke wooden indoor play barn, Cobbs Play Barn. A series of converted cattle barns have been turned into a fabulous foodie destination at Englefield for Cobbs Farm Shop & Kitchen at Wickcroft Farm, Pangbourne Road, Theale RG7 5EA where you’ll find treats on a par with the Hungerford offering.

The award-winning butchery at Fernygrove Farm, Hawthorn Lane, Bracknell RG42 6HN will serve up everyday cuts, the joint for your Sunday roast and something special for when you want to treat yourself. Find fine English cheeses, locally baked breads, seasonal fruit and vegetables, as well as essential store cupboard items and sausage rolls, pate and pies in the farm shop once you’ve torn yourself away from the in-house made award-winning sausages, dry cured bacon and faggots. Their cooked breakfasts come highly recommended too!

Turophiles will love the array of cheese on the counters at Lockey Farm Shop, Sindlesham Road, Arborfield RG2 9JH with local award winners nestling among those from further afield, Barkham Blue or Stinking Bishop anyone? Cornish Pasties from Bodmin, olives and samosas also line the chillers. Indulge in lardy cake and other sweet treats and check out the wide range of beers, ciders and spirits from craft breweries near and far, who’s for Dr Squid Ink Gin?

The range of produce of offer at Hare Hatch Sheeplands would take more than one basket to carry so, deep breath, get ready to pick up fruit and veg, bakery, dairy, wines and spirits, craft ales, home baking, world foods, cold meat and fish, pies and pastries, free range eggs, honey, preserves and chutneys, sauces, snack and nibbles, confectionary, juice and flowers in London Road, Hare Hatch RG10 9HW.

A warm welcome awaits at the Wellington Farm Shop, Welsh Lane, Reading RG17 0LT, where shelves are overflowing with local food, kitchen and household essentials, gifts and grow your own herbs, fruits and veggies. Visit the award-winning butchery for your favourite cuts and ask them to prepare something for just you.

Shop in the shadow of Windsor Castle at the farm shop on the Windsor Estate, SL4 2RQ for traditionally reared local beef and pork and lamb from Bagshot Park. Handmade sausages are produced weekly and seasonal game is available too. At the deli counter choose from artisan cheeses and cooked meats and indulge in the selection of homemade pies, quiches, and sausage rolls, or treat yourself to a taste of the signature Bread Pudding. You need to be an early bird to enjoy the bread at The Jolly Baker as it always sells out before you can say “I’ll have…”.

‘What you see if Pig’ better known as WysiPig in Arborfield RG2 9JG is renowned for its pork products. While you’re buying your Sunday joint make sure you stop by the tearoom for one of the famous WysiPig breakfast baps.

A recent addition to Roves Farm Shop, Sevenhampton SN6 7QG is the zero waste pantry. Take along your own container to refill with pasta, beans, nuts, oil, grains etc and visit the Moo Station for locally sourced milk. Just buy a glass bottle from the farm shop and fill up or add a flavoured shot for a tasty milkshake to go. Artisan breads, free-range eggs, cheeses, fresh fruit and vegetables, homemade cakes, pies and quiches sit with an extensive range of store cupboard staple sauces, chutneys, pickled onions, jams and many more. Treat yourself to a craft beer, cider, ales, wines and spirits plus high quality chocolate and sweet treats.

Find more shops near you and if you’re elsewhere on holiday this summer at Fabulous Farm Shops

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Peppard writer’s inspirational love letter

Round & About

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Peppard writer Glenn Bryant has just published his first novel available now in The Bell Bookshop in Henley and Fourbears Books in Caversham

What would you do to survive if you were suddenly arrested in your own home? That’s the question posed by local author Glenn Bryant in his debut novel, Darkness Does Not Come At Once.

Four years ago he began writing inspired by a lifelong interest in the Holocaust and the question: how could ordinary people do something, in the worst sense beyond imagination, so extraordinary? Glenn learnt specifically how people with disabilities were targeted and says he knew he always wanted to write about that in this psychological thriller set on the edge of Berlin, 85 years ago.

He explains: “That deeper societal question was my motivation. My inspiration was Juliet, my wife, who has a spinal cord injury and a level of paralysis. We’re so happy together. My novel, at its heart, is simply a love letter to her.”

A “love letter” which on many occasions Juliet was unaware Glenn was writing as he would take to his keyboard first thing in the morning while she was still sleeping.

“Setting out to write a book is a commitment. It’s unavoidable. But… You can commit to it on your terms. I wrote three days a week: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, the days I wasn’t working,” he says. “I was most interested in how many words I had written. I was aiming for 1,000 a day. From my document history, I can see I was writing a touch over 10,000 words a month. And in eight months, I had reached 85,000 words and the end of a first draft. Then the hard work starts.”

But having always wanted to write since he was a teenager he wasn’t deterred by rejections and knock backs from publishers and literary agents despite constantly asking himself “is your work ever going to see the light of day?”

Glenn adds: “You’re really on your own, and you feel it, so you have to be your own life coach and therapist too, and pick yourself up from the lows. But once I was through those moments, I pretty much loved the whole experience. I’m at the beginning of my journey as an author.”

And while he has plans for no more at this stage and is 100 per cent focused on this first work, he concedes: “I’m sure I will one day. You just need that gem of an idea to lodge in your head and I will be away, starting all over again with a blank Word document.”

Join Glenn for a relaxed Q&A style talk about the book on Friday 7th June, 7pm-8pm at Fourbears Books, 20 Prospect Street, Caversham. Enjoy free entry and complimentary wine when you get there.

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Go wild this June for BBOWT

Round & About

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Berkshire

Do one wild thing every day for a month this summer, as the UK’s biggest free nature challenge returns for its 10th anniversary from June 1st to 30th.

Could you do one thing to connect with nature every day for a month and feel happier and healthier as a result? That is the 30 Days Wild challenge being laid down by Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT).

This June promises to be a bumper 30 Days Wild – people of all ages and abilities are urged to participate and BBOWT are offering free herb seeds and an inspirational guide to everyone who signs up to do one wild thing every day during the month. There are also special packs for schools, businesses and care homes.

Estelle Bailey, Chief Executive of BBOWT, said: “With wildlife in crisis across the UK, it seems fair to ask – are we still a nation of nature lovers? I believe the answer is a resounding yes. This year is the 10th anniversary of both 30 Days Wild and my own time with Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust. Over those 10 years I’ve had the privilege of seeing our communities’ commitment to restoring nature where they live and enjoying all it has to offer. While our first year of running 30 Days Wild saw just over five hundred people sign up across our three countries, last year more than four thousand took on the challenge, which is brilliant.

“This momentum comes as no great surprise – connecting with nature is so important for our sanity and general wellbeing. My top tips to enjoy 30 Days Wild: Sit, walk, run, lay on the grass, look up, look down, fix on something, don’t be afraid to touch or smell it. Smile at the sun, throw your arms out in the rain, get wet, walk barefoot on grass and bare earth, have a cuddle with a tree – be in the moment.”

Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, 30 Days Wild encourages individuals, families, schools, and businesses to connect with nature on a daily basis during what many argue is the best month for wildlife spotting. It could be going on a snail safari, eating your breakfast outdoors or closing your eyes to listen for bird song, to more adventurous endeavours such as outdoor yoga or forest bathing. This year’s participants will receive a special 10th anniversary park, designed to make their 30 days even more fun.

The 10th anniversary marks a real milestone for The Wildlife Trusts’ flagship 30 Days Wild initiative. The nature challenge has grown from 12,000 participants nationally in its first year to over half a million last year alone. 30 Days Wild has helped people to get outside, enjoy and connect with nature as part of their everyday lives.

Research has consistently highlighted the positive impact of nature on well-being. A study found a significant increase in people’s health, happiness, and connection to nature through participating in 30 Days Wild. People reported feeling more relaxed, reduced stress levels, and a greater motivation to protect wildlife which lasted long after the campaign ended.

So why not get in touch with your wild side this summer? Sign up today and receive a free pack in the post, plus lots of inspiration for activities: bbowt.org.uk/30-days-wild

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Jump into the GAP

Round & About

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Have you got your GAP Festival tickets yet? Ten day extravaganza kicks off on June 7th

The biennial cultural GAP Festival in Goring and Streatley will welcome festival goers to its incredible programme of over 50 exciting events in June.

Some events still have a few last tickets remaining. So if you haven’t got yours yet, or you are looking for a last minute opportunity to try something new, visit The Gap Festival to book yourself in and join this cultural extravaganza! As a registered charity, every ticket purchased goes back into bringing culture to the community. How about…

World-class mandolin player and wit Simon Mayor and Friends in a relaxed evening of magical music and humorous anecdotes on Friday 7th June.

The spectacular red carpet premiere of the shortlisted Children’s Film Festival short films, alongside a screening of The Super Mario Bros. Movie (PG) on Sunday 9th June.

For crime drama and true crime lovers, An Audience with Author Helen Saxton, with actors will re-enact key events and discuss the controversial story of Amanda Knox in the murder of Meredith Kercher on Monday 10th June.

Outdoor family theatre in an idyllic setting on the banks of the Thames, with a performance of The Adventures of Doctor Dolittle on Thursday 13th June.

A one hour family show of songs about science, maths and the wonders of the world around us with Helen Arney: A Voice of an Angle – as seen on BBC2, Channel 4 and Discovery – on Friday 14th June.

Step back in time, put on some 40s/50s glamour (or not!), sit back and tap your feet to the doo-wop harmonies of the Ding Dong Daddios on Saturday 15th June.

Enjoy a Glyndebourne-style opera experience, with GAP Opera: The Marriage of Figaro. Picnics, pimms, fizz and top class opera in three performances Friday 14th – Sunday 16th June.

Alongside the amazing variety of ticketed events, there are also a host of free activities and performances taking place, no ticket required – just drop in.

On Friday 7th June, pre-schoolers can bring their parents to join a morning of games, free play and interactive story with a Teddy Bear’s Picnic.

Join the cosmic fun of Saturday 8th June and experience all that Space Day has to offer, including blasting off a water rocket, space crafting, scale-model solar system treasure hunt and the chance to track the International Space Station live with local satellite company OrbAstro.

Visit Goring’s Rectory Garden on Sunday 9th June to join the Festival’s contribution to the national Great Big Green Week – The Great Green Food Day. Head down and discover creative ways to let eating and food play a vital part in helping tackle climate change, reduce waste and protect nature. Bring a picnic and enjoy live music, ask the experts question time, stalls, children’s activities and more, or pick up lunch from the collection of food and drink stalls and enjoy all the day has to offer.

Saturday 15th June hosts the return of the popular Festival Market Day. Enjoy browsing crafts, arts and skills from the local community, alongside face painting, refreshments and live music.

Meet and Greet the Owls at Withymead Nature Reserve on Saturday 15th June and learn all about owls, how they hunt, owl conservation and have a go at pellet dissection.

For art enthusiasts, there is a celebration of community art with a weekend long Art Exhibition from Saturday 15th – Sunday 16th June.

A chance to have a go at bell ringing with the Goring and Streatley ringers, followed by a lunchtime Festival Picnic Concert with Goring and Streatley concert band on the final day of the Festival – Sunday 16th June.

Plus a host of ‘fringe’ music events, popping up in local venues where you can sit back and soak up the Festival atmosphere with a drink in hand.

Find out all you need to know to make the most of this year’s Festival during the ten-day period and book your last minute tickets by visiting https://www.thegapfestival.org/

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Support Thames Valley Air Ambulance

Round & About

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Berkshire

Thames Valley Air Ambulance celebrates 25 years and you’re invited to join the party and help their life saving work

In 1999, Thames Valley Air Ambulance first took to the skies to treat patients in critical need. Now, a quarter of a century and nearly 35,000 call outs later they are celebrating this milestone with a fun-filled family day for the whole community on June 22nd at Penn Estate.

Amanda McLean, Chief Executive Officer at Thames Valley Air Ambulance said: “Both the care we deliver at the scene and the support we offer long afterwards are funded solely by our community. It’s your generous donations that have allowed us to be there for these 35,000 people in their time of need.”

Their ‘Big Birthday Bash’ will include a variety of fun activities for both kids and adults to enjoy, from circus shows and workshops to special demonstrations from their crew plus plenty of delicious food and drinks from local vendors.

Tickets start from £4 and all proceeds go to help Thames Valley Air Ambulance continue to be there for those in most need across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. More at Big Birthday Bash – Thames Valley Air Ambulance

Did you know:
• Last year, we were called out 3,293 times to help people in need of urgent critical care.
• We are called out on average 9 times a day.
• The flight time between our base at RAF Benson and anywhere in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, or Oxfordshire is just 15 minutes.
• To find out more about the work of Thames Valley Air Ambulance and donate visit Thames Valley Air Ambulance

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elbow at Heritage Live 2024

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Support acts announced for elbow at Heritage Live 2024

The line-up for Heritage Live 2024 at Englefield Estate is absolutely stellar! Villagers and Hamish Hawk are both incredible acts that promise to deliver an unforgettable experience alongside elbow.

Villagers’ upcoming album “That Golden Time” sounds like it will be a masterpiece, blending Conor O’Brien’s lyrical prowess with his signature melodic finesse. The inclusion of renowned musicians like Dónal Lunny and Peter Broderick only adds to the anticipation for what promises to be a collection of songs shimmering with vulnerability and authenticity.

And Hamish Hawk’s “Laziest River” EP seems like it will offer a deeply introspective journey through his soulful lyricism and stripped-back instrumentation. His commitment to artistic integrity shines through, making his performance a must-see for anyone attending the concert.

Of course, elbow’s presence is the cherry on top. With their recent number one album “Audio Vertigo” showcasing a departure in style while maintaining their signature sound, fans can expect a dynamic and captivating performance. And classics like “One Day Like This” and “Grounds for Divorce” are sure to get everyone singing along.

Heritage Live 2024 at Englefield Estate is shaping up to be a concert for the ages, blending extraordinary talents and iconic sounds for an evening of music, emotion, and transcendence. It’s an event not to be missed!

For more information and to buy tickets visit: elbow tickets in Berkshire at Englefield House

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