Special guests to star at festival celebrating nature, music and arts
The Harmony Festival will take place at St Mary's Church on Edward Road in Dorchester from Wednesday June 11 to Saturday, June 14.
Filled with energy and creative expression, nature will take centre stage quite literally with the church to be adorned in a plethora of colours depicting elements of art and music. The floral designers are previous Chelsea Flower Show medal winners, Jo Richards and Helen Joyce , principals of the Academy of Floristry in Bournemouth.
Local artists will be displaying their works both inside and outside the church, giving visitors the chance to wander through the gallery of paintings and sculptures.
Sculptures on display will include Robert Marshall's installation of a front door scorched and bombed during war in Ukraine. It was previously on display in Bridport.
Landscape Artist of the Year Ben McGregor will be on hand on Friday for a live paint-out in the grounds. His painting will be auctioned for Weldmar Hospicecare.
Guests will be able to enjoy musical performances from individual artists and choral groups.
Tik Tok and YouTube star Matt Walters, aka Reductiomusic, is fitting in an organ recital at the festival on Saturday in whilst he is on his UK-wide Cathedral tour.
Other concerts include the West Dorset Singers, Broadoak Choir, Dorchester Rock Choir and Encore Singers.
Supporting the end of life charity Weldmar Hospicecare, the festival will also feature a selection from the baby herd of Stampede elephants created by local schools before they make their way to the Corn Exchange.
On top of all this, an artisan pop-up market will join the final two days of the festival for those on the lookout for a gift.
A spokesperson for the event said: 'Bring friends, family and an open heart, and be transported into a realm where creativity flourishes, harmony abounds and friendships blossom amidst the backdrop of one of Dorchester's beautiful landmarks.
'Mark your calendars and be part of this magnificent summer event – let the Harmony Festival awaken your spirit and reaffirm the connections that unite us all.'
Full information on all events can be found at www.artattheduchess.com
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