Featuring Steve Wharton, presenting material from his Lake District Songs & Stories album
A 12th century Cumbrian church will be filled with poetry and song for a special fundraising concert on Friday 9 November.
On that evening Steve Wharton will be performing material from his recently released Lake District Songs and Poems CD in the atmospheric setting of St. Michael’s Church, Burgh-by-Sands. Proceeds from ticket sales will help with urgent repairs to the church’s historic tower. Built on the site of the Roman fort of Aballava, the historic building was at the centre of national events in 1307, when King Edward I (Longshanks) lay in State there, following his death on nearby Burgh Marsh, on his way to wage war against Robert the Bruce.
Churchwarden Carolyne Baines explains that “as a Grade I Listed Building any repairs to the church are inevitably very costly, as they have to be carried out to the highest Conservation standards, and there is a considerable amount of urgent work to be done to the tower to maintain it for the future – we are very grateful to Steve for so kindly offering this concert and are very much looking forward to it”.
The church is open daily all year round, for its local community and for the many visitors – around 8,000 from this country and all over the world – it receives annually, many of whom are walking the Hadrian’s Wall Path or using the Hadrian’s Cycle Route.
Described as “full of vitality and variety” by Cumbria Life magazine, Steve Wharton’s Lake District Songs and Poems CD has gained a 4-star review in national music press and airplay on BBC Radio.
As a performer of Cumbrian heritage material, whether songs, stories, dialect or poems, Steve says that he is “very excited to be able to perform at St. Michael’s” and hopes that the concert raises funds which will enable many more visitors, from Cumbria and beyond, to enjoy the site for years to come.
Tickets £5 including tea/coffee and shortbread (14s and under free) are available from Burgh-by-Sands Post Office 01228 576342, or from 01228 576301, or 01228 576387, also on the door subject to availability.
