Tom had been involved with creating the St George’s Day concert, appropriately celebrated in the village church – St George’s – which has included opera singers, musicians and poets of note and has a Proms ‘last night feeling. These concerts have become a much-loved part of the Dittisham social calendar and have led to other performances being held in the church. Tom also hosted in 2021, between lockdowns, a recital in his beautiful garden which overlooks the village and became the inspiration for ‘music in the garden’ where folk bring their own picnic and rugs and enjoy a late summer evening with friends whilst enjoying live music.
At the same time, Peter and Georgina Grime had just met the leader of the newly formed, local Lyric Chamber Orchestra and had begun to have conversations with her about hosting their concerts in the church. When they met Tom inevitably the conversation turned to music and a discussion about expanding beyond classical music to include other genres – jazz, folk, rock and pop – and making a ‘weekend’ of music in the village. And so the music festival was born and the first one took place in 2023. Throughout the year Tom, Peter and Georgina scout locally for new and original bands to entertain the community and keep the festival fresh!
Our Venues:
The Lyric concert in St George’s is undoubtedly the ‘star’ of the festival as the medieval church with its generous aisles and seating for 140, has wonderful acoustics which amplify the performances of the orchestra and the soloists they support.
But the village also has a newly refurbished village hall with staging and lighting suitable for theatrical and musical performers.
Music in the garden on the Sunday afternoon will continue in Tom’s garden high above the village, weather permitting.
And not to forget the village pubs. Dittisham is blessed with two pubs, The Red Lion at the top of the village and the Ferry Boat Inn (FBI) by the river. Last year the FBI hosted the popular open mic event featuring local amateur and semi professional musicians and other performers who recited limericks and poems. This popular event will continue both in the FBI and on the beach outside.
Fund-raising:
Each year the festival hopes to raise £6000 for local charities and maintenance of the church and village hall. In 2026 we will be supporting:
Sound Communities specialises in reaching marginalised young people to engage, create and consult using radio, music and creative media production, work which fosters agency, develops creativity, improves mental health, raises aspirations, increases skills and inspires confidence.
Rowcroft Hospice is committed to providing comfort, support and specialist care to thousands of patients and their loved ones across S Devon each year and is determined to raise money that funds its work as an independent charity.
The Performers:
Liza Pulman (of Fascinating Aida) and singer / pianist Joe Stilgoe have teamed up to perform songs from acclaimed musical shows, including A Couple of Swells and Hooray for Hollywood.
Their performances blend cabaret, jazz, and comedy, featuring witty arrangements of classic songs, cabaret-style glamour, and high-level musical chemistry.
Show Styles: They are known for creating intimate, witty, and glamorous shows. A Couple of Swells focuses on varied musical classics (Berlin, McCartney, Kern), while Hooray for Hollywood highlights movie-musical favorites from The Wizard of Oz to La La Land.
Performers: Liza Pulman brings renown as a comedienne and singer with remarkable vocal control and crystal-clear diction. Joe Stilgoe is a recognised virtuoso pianist and singer-songwriter known for his comedic flair and, as he notes, “squeakiest stool in show business”.
Show Vibe: They blend high-level musicianship with comedy, focusing on spontaneity, audience engagement, and “double songs” (mash-ups).
Gilly Jazz is a local singer who is bringing together a talented group of musicians to perform a refreshing new take on favourite tunes from the 70s and 80s.
Lyric Baroque Ensemble will be performing with organist Ian Curror the following:
- William Boyce concerto grosso in E minor
- Albinoni Adagio for Organ and Strings
- John Stanley Concerto grosso for strings
- Thomas Arne Dances from Comus
- Bach Brandenburg concerto no 6
- Handel concerto opus 4 no 3 for organ and Strings
Ian Curror: A former Director of Music at the Roral Hospital, Chelsea, now living in South Devon. In addition to his many years’ experience as a choral director, accompanist, teacher and examiner, Ian is also an accomplished organ soloist.
Formed in 2022, the Lyric Chamber Orchestra has established itself as an inspired, imaginative, and exciting string ensemble. The orchestra combines a perfect balance of professional, semi-professional and amateur musicians from around South Devon. Its musicians bring a wealth of performance experience with a passion for communicating the music they play. The Orchestra performs with a view to having different and innovative musical conversations, making beautiful sounds and creating a kaleidoscope of contrasting colours.