We were pleased (and relieved!) to take part in this delayed event which was organised by Southover Bonfire Society and took place next to the ruins of the part-demolished medieval Cluniac priory. The event had been planned for the previous week but was postponed due to torrential rain, and we nervously scanned the weather reports in the following days.
The weather was kinder today when ten singers from the Lewes and Worthing local groups arrived for the sound check in blazing sunshine. After lining up at the Helmet statue (presented by the local MP to commemorate the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Lewes), we were met by people dressed as monks and carrying flaming tar lanterns, who escorted us along the path lined with hundreds of fairy lights back to the stage area.
We sang eleven of our best loved songs including “Country Life”, “On Sussex Hills”, “Pleasant and Delightful” and “Rosebuds in June”. Our set had started late so apologies to those who had wanted to hear the two Belloc and Kipling songs which we skipped to finish on time. The audience was spread out in small groups throughout the large Priory Park. Those in the front rows nearest to us appeared quietly appreciative. Although they were a little shy when invited to join in on choruses, we could see lips moving and people nodding in time. Dusk fell just as we sang “Fade slowly in the dying light as darkness folds around” in “Fields Lie Silent” and when we ended with “Thousands or More” bright Phoebe had long departed from the sky.
The other acts, the Archway Choir and Lewes Goes Gospel, followed in darkness to end a magical and atmospheric event, where the plentiful and varied food and drink from the stalls dotted around the park were equally welcome.
Tina
(Thanks to David, Jerome & Rebecca for photos)
The weather was kinder today when ten singers from the Lewes and Worthing local groups arrived for the sound check in blazing sunshine. After lining up at the Helmet statue (presented by the local MP to commemorate the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Lewes), we were met by people dressed as monks and carrying flaming tar lanterns, who escorted us along the path lined with hundreds of fairy lights back to the stage area.
We sang eleven of our best loved songs including “Country Life”, “On Sussex Hills”, “Pleasant and Delightful” and “Rosebuds in June”. Our set had started late so apologies to those who had wanted to hear the two Belloc and Kipling songs which we skipped to finish on time. The audience was spread out in small groups throughout the large Priory Park. Those in the front rows nearest to us appeared quietly appreciative. Although they were a little shy when invited to join in on choruses, we could see lips moving and people nodding in time. Dusk fell just as we sang “Fade slowly in the dying light as darkness folds around” in “Fields Lie Silent” and when we ended with “Thousands or More” bright Phoebe had long departed from the sky.
The other acts, the Archway Choir and Lewes Goes Gospel, followed in darkness to end a magical and atmospheric event, where the plentiful and varied food and drink from the stalls dotted around the park were equally welcome.
Tina
(Thanks to David, Jerome & Rebecca for photos)
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