Summer Of Sound

The ‘Town Of Music’ Ross On Wye is getting ready to bask in a jam packed Summer Of Sound, with loads of brilliant events planned for the town and surrounding areas. So no matter what your musical palate there will be a tasty treat waiting. For instance if you like brass bands, there are the regular Sunday afternoon concerts on Ross Bandstand. Take a picnic and enjoy the beautiful river surroundings while listening to a great selection of local bands. This year there’s also ‘Pandemonium Steel Pans’ playing as part of a spectacular ‘Proms in the Park’ event (20th August). There are plenty of opportunities to hear local choirs …and sing with them!. The Penyard Singers are always ready to welcome new members and St Mary’s Church is offering places on its ‘Come Sing’ event (July 23rd. Book to be a part of it). And if you can’t sing, why not try your hand at bell ringing! (also at St Mary’s). As usual the annual ‘Ross Country Music Festival’ (9-10th July), now in its 15th year, gives you the chance to jangle your spurs along to some blistering country tunes. You may even end up line dancing!. On the same weekend the Linton Blues Festival rocks up, and as always boasts an impressive line up. This year the Sunday night headliners are Texas bluegrass outfit ‘Hayseed Dixie’. It’s just a pity these two great events clash. Fast becoming a stock part of the Ross soundscape is ‘Ollie fest’ (25-27th August), organised to honour the memory of Ollie Floyd. Now in its 3rd year, this event is packed full of brilliant groups, as well as having a DJ night and other attractions like fairground rides. What’s more – its FREE. Then there are other festivals such as the ‘Dubs On The Wye’ at Wilton Sports Centre(16-18th June), which is new this year, and features plenty of music as well as an open air cinema (showing Grease). Another must hear gig is the ‘Down On The Farm’ festival near Abby Dore (11-13th August) which this year is headlined by legends ‘Eddie and the Hotrods’. Another brand new event this year is the ‘Ross Busking Festival’ (9th September). Organised by Nick Penny, in conjunction with ‘CreateRoss’ and Ross Town Council. This aims to fill the towns streets with all manner of live music, and hopes to be a regular feature which will encourage young talent. Last but not least, there is of course the local pub music scene, with many of the town’s pubs having regular nights of live music and DJ’s …and don’t forget Jacqueline’s nightclub with its monster silent disco, or The Larruperz Centre with monthly country music nights. To cap it all The King Charles II has started an ‘Open Mic’ night on Tuesdays, giving a great opportunity for budding musicians to get stage time. All in all the live music scene in and around Ross On Wye, the ‘Town Of Music’ is stronger than ever, so dust off your ears and do some soundbathing this summer. You can get links to all the shows and festivals planned, as well as info on all manner of other events via the towns dedicated ‘whats on’ website www.playross.com