The Gretton Music Festival 2011 are delighted to announce The Village Hall in association with Northants Touring Arts, will be presenting “Simon Mayor and Hilary James” on Saturday August 27th at 7.30pm. 
 
Simon Mayor and Hilary James perform virtuoso mandolin, elegant vocals, guitar and fiddle wizardry, and a stage show that ranges from witty to hilarious. They will be serving up a witty and captivating mix of folk, swing, blues and classical showstoppers spiced with Simon Mayor’s unique brand of off-beat humour and Hilary's "Honey-dripping voice". 
 
'Sheer Musical Brilliance.' BBC World Service
 
Having performed across Britain from Shetland to Sark, and across the globe from Vancouver to Singapore, Simon Mayor and Hilary James will ring their special blend of dazzling musicianship to Gretton, Northamptonshire. 
  
If they have a speciality, it's an ability to combine a truly diverse array of talents into a hugely entertaining stage show.  "Just fantastic to go and see live. Do catch them if you can."Fiona Talkington, BBC Radio 3.  
 
Hilary James' "elegant singing" (Daily Telegraph) has received huge acclaim: quintessentially English but easily crossing the great musical divides from Celtic ballads to blues and Berlioz. 
  
Come along and enjoy a very entertaining evening concert.
 
Tickets are now on sale from Gretton Post Office priced at £10, concessions £8.
 
For more details of Simon Mayor and Hilary James see  http://www.grettonmusicfestival.com/event---730pm-village-hall-saturday-27th.html  or contact Andy Butterworth on 01536 770302
 
For a full Gretton Music Festival Line up see http://www.grettonmusicfestival.com/2011-line-up.html

 
The 2010 inaugural Gretton Music Festival proved a very popular  illage event with excellent attendances and superb reviews. It is therefore no surprise that participating venues want to support this year’s event and we also
welcome some exciting newcomers.

The festival is held at local venues all  over the village during the August Bank Holiday weekend, 26th - 29th August. 
 
This year the Gretton Music Festival features a full programme for every taste. Spanning four days and thirteen events PLUS the new buskers pitch, the Gretton Music Festival 2011 is the largest range of musical talent ever assembled in Gretton. Featuring home grown talent of singers and dancers alongside top professionals; with musical styles from Hymns to U2 from The Ukulele to Opera and onward to Peruvian melodies from the Andes.
Click here for the full line up.
 
This year’s programme kicks off on Friday night at The Talbot at 8pm, with local talent Alive Again featuring James Talbot & Sam Powell, enjoying the music scene with their original take on modern music. 
 
Whilst at the other end of the High Street on Friday evening, The Blue Bell are hosting a new local acoustic super group "Unplugged & Thirsty", followed on Saturday by Traditional Peruvian melodies with "Cosmic Inca". The Blue Bell’s programme of events comes to a close on Monday evening with acoustic group "Replica” playing some great covers, everything from Kings of Leon through to Elvis. 

Last year, The Hatton Arms was bursting at the seams during the very popular"Open Mic Sessions". If you heard how much fun it was last year, then head down there at 2pm on Monday afternoon. 
 
Monday evening gets going at The Talbot as popular vocal duo "Kelly & Hayley"  entertain you with songs from the 60s through to present day, whilst the landlords hold a family BBQ and Hot Pork & stuffing baps. 

If pop and rock is not your scene then why not book your seat on Saturday afternoon for“A Box at the Opera” Join opera singer and broadcaster Martin McEvoy on a follow up to last year’s very successful opera master class.  
 
Following this event, Martin then introduces an evening of well known popular music from the world of Opera, Operetta, The West End and Broadway at St. James Church, Sunday, 7.30pm. Last year the church was packed, so get your ticket now to ensure you don’t miss out on the cast of outstanding Soloists from the National Opera Companies. Click on the link for more details - Opera for All, Our Summer Gala Concert. 

Finally, something new.Have you ever wanted to be a Busker? If so the festival offers a unique opportunity. There will be a special Busker’s Pitch available on the Saturday & Sunday at The Village Post office. Visit our new Buskers Page for more details and to reserve your slot!

There are a number of other music events taking place over the weekend which are detailed below, please click on the links for more information -  
 
The Village Hall in association with Northants Touring Arts presents Hoagy, Hornpipes, Handel & Hoedown from Hilary James & Simon Mayor.

Gretton Baptist Chapel was a delightful “hit” last year with  “Your favourite hymns” and is repeating their successful formula.

And, Lydia'sarehosting a "Children's Sing Along" the Village Green, followed by youth Dance from "The Creative Movement Project" and a unique event featuring local musician, "Eirfon Jones and his Ukulele band"!  

For more information on this event or for any other  Gretton Music Festival events please contact organisers@grettonmusicfestival.com or visit www.grettonmusicfestival.com