Musical feast for all
Posted on March 20 2013 at 3:54:33

Mary White gives a preview of the diverse attractions at this year’s Bromsgrove Festival.

Music for all ages
Posted on November 22 2012 at 2:05:07

Whether you’re seven or 70, playing the piano is good for you! Playing the piano can be the key to a brighter future for many people.

Learn to play
Posted on August 16 2012 at 11:36:31

Vale Pianos recently hosted a “Learn to Play” Day and it was so successful that another one takes place on Saturday September 29.

Orchestra marks end of successful first season
Posted on July 01 2012 at 12:10:19

A Bromsgrove orchestra is marking the end of its very successful first season with a three-day music festival in July.

Musical treat in Barnt Green
Posted on May 25 2012 at 3:12:26

St Andrew’s Church will host the renowned Sinfonia of Birmingham on Saturday July 7, for an evening of orchestral delights.

Made in Barnt Green
Posted on May 18 2012 at 2:39:56

The independent film conceived, written and produced (and starred in) by a village actress . . .

60 years of drama
Posted on May 17 2012 at 1:17:36

Bob Sawyer relates the history of Rubery Drama Group, marking its diamond anniversary.

Musicians wanted!
Posted on April 23 2012 at 1:42:00

March saw the launch of a brand new orchestra in the Midlands – The People’s Orchestra – and one of the driving forces behind the project was Alvechurch resident Andy Sinclair.

Bromsgrove Festival 2012
Posted on March 16 2012 at 10:16:13

The 52nd Bromsgrove Festival takes place from April 18 to May 12, incorporating the 32nd International Young Musicians’ Platform (April 12–15) and offering a diverse selection of musical entertainment.

Orchestra joins forces with local choirs
Posted on February 19 2012 at 1:20:17

A town orchestra is getting ready for its second performance.

Cycle group to dance troupe!
Posted on January 15 2012 at 2:10:17

Hopwood Ladies’ Cycling Club founder Deb Weston tells the story of the group’s latest adventure.

Busy time for local choir
Posted on January 14 2012 at 9:02:17

Alvechurch Community Choir had a busy end to 2011.

New Year news cast!
Posted on January 12 2012 at 12:29:17

The 2012 New Year mummers play brought the latest news to the villagers of Alvechurch and beyond, courtesy of the cast of the Alvechurch Morris.

Songs for all the old dudes
Posted on November 30 2011 at 9:36:17

‘Intimate’ gig promises a treat for all you pretty things . . .

Helping you choose your perfect piano
Posted on November 25 2011 at 2:10:47

Buying a piano can be very difficult, as there are so many choices: casework, colours, sizes, tone, touch, age and suitability for the pianist.

Rejoice and be merry!
Posted on November 24 2011 at 10:30:41

As we go to press, it would seem that rumours of another white Christmas have been greatly exaggerated… but let’s ignore that for now, because the weather could yet change and snow lovers could still get their Christmas wish!

New orchestra aims for highest standards
Posted on October 23 2011 at 2:09:37

Three Bromsgrove musicians have got together to form a new orchestra, “The Orchestra of St John”, based at St John’s Church in Bromsgrove.

Erin brings top musicians to village venue
Posted on September 25 2011 at 12:33:17

Avid readers of our What’s On section will have noticed that we’ve been advertising a series of live music events at Rowney Green Village Hall – with some surprisingly big names from the acoustic roots scene appearing at the intimate venue.

Making music for Macmillan
Posted on September 20 2011 at 3:00:06

A local musician is turning her experience of cancer into something more positive by raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Stage set for Sarah
Posted on September 02 2011 at 4:29:45

Sally Oldaker catches up with Barnt Green actress Sarah Manners as she prepares to join the cast of fundraising show Survive! at Birmingham’s Alexandra Theatre.

All together now…!
Posted on August 21 2011 at 10:12:21

Choirs combine voices for a special performance.

Hamlet enjoys its own festival
Posted on August 19 2011 at 10:08:21

The sun shone yet again on Withybed Green for their now-established annual Withyfest.

Invest in your child’s future with a piano
Posted on August 18 2011 at 1:12:36

Whether you’re seven or 70, playing the piano is good for you! Playing the piano can be the key to a brighter future for many people.

Musical mayhem!
Posted on June 20 2011 at 11:51:51

Professional and not-so-professional singers raise cash.

Highlights of Bromsgrove Festival 2011
Posted on March 19 2011 at 9:47:51

Bromsgrove Festival presents its 51st programme, wishing to offer concerts to appeal to varied musical interests. You may wish to come to something familiar, but it is also an opportunity to experience the unknown, writes Mary White.

Young at heart
Posted on February 24 2011 at 3:37:07

They may be in their early 60s, but local band The Old Farts are more than capable of pulling in a crowd – and they have raised around £15,000 for various charities over the past 10 years.

Everybody, let’s sing!
Posted on November 17 2010 at 3:16:17

Alvechurch Community Choir enjoyed a weekend full of music last month.

Make the right choice
Posted on November 17 2010 at 2:14:56

A buying guide from Vale Pianos

The Rockin’ Berries: Back to the music!
Posted on April 14 2010 at 5:47:27

Sally Oldaker finds out how clarinets, a court-martial and Charlie from Casualty fit into the life story of the long-running local band…

10 years singing for Primrose
Posted on April 11 2010 at 2:33:05

The Primrose Choir celebrated its tenth anniversary in April.

Community Choir celebrates its first birthday
Posted on March 23 2010 at 7:20:20

Alvechurch Community Choir celebrated their first birthday by singing with the New Orleans singing legend, Lillian Boutté, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel School in Webheath.

Festival’s feast of music
Posted on March 18 2010 at 5:28:58

Mary White previews an exciting 50th year for the ever-popular Bromsgrove Festival.

Village Theatre Review
Posted on April 22 2009 at 2:33:01

And Then There Were None
Palace Theatre, Redditch

It’s Festival time!
Posted on March 17 2009 at 8:29:42

Mary White looks forward to another packed musical programme as Bromsgrove Festival marks its 49th year.

Join the band
Posted on March 17 2009 at 12:47:00

Blackwell Concert Band are on the lookout for more players to join their friendly group. A village band-style set up, the players vary in ages and skills, and instruments cover most of the brass and wind range,  also including a drummer. 

World of drama
Posted on February 21 2009 at 3:02:10

Village Show Preview: Nicholas Bailey’s World of Drama

Budding thespians in the Bromsgrove area have the chance to learn more about a career in drama from actor Nicholas Bailey, who presents a special workshop on the subject at Artrix on March 28.

In praise of song
Posted on February 18 2009 at 1:00:41

Andrea Wilkie, chairwoman of Barnt Green Choral Society, extols the benefits of singing together.

All-round entertainment
Posted on February 17 2009 at 3:23:10

Village Show Review: Malcolm Stent: 30 Odd Years
Artrix, Bromsgrove

Considering the following that this all-round entertainer enjoys, there was a certain restrained – verging on subdued – atmosphere as we entered the theatre. Perhaps those in the know knew what to expect from their court jester

Village Show Review
Posted on January 16 2009 at 3:34:56

Rat Pack Vegas Spectacular
Artrix, Bromsgrove

Village Drama Review: The Ghost Train
Posted on November 22 2008 at 1:09:28

The Alvechurch Dramatic Society’s performance of The Ghost Train by Arnold Ridley at Alvechurch Village Hall in November was magnificent.

Fanfare for a new beginning
Posted on November 20 2008 at 12:09:46

What better way to celebrate the opening of a new school than by performing a fanfare in its honour?

Jack’s flying high in panto
Posted on November 20 2008 at 12:33:33

Readers of The Village will have noticed every now and then mention of the latest role for young actor Jack Montgomery.

Village Theatre Review: Charlotte Badger
Posted on November 19 2008 at 8:58:43

Keith Woolford reviews a true-life pirate tale at Artrix, Bromsgrove

Fashion, food and fun!
Posted on November 17 2008 at 12:42:39

When The Village magazine, together with Neil and Nicci Gow of Burcot Garden Centre, decided to put together a charity fashion evening in aid of the County Air Ambulance, none of us realised just how successful it would be – a success that’s down to the sheer number of local people who wanted to support us.

Keep our music alive
Posted on November 17 2008 at 12:04:43

The Midland Sinfonia urges music-lovers to support the orchestra.

Hometown gig for star singer
Posted on September 21 2008 at 3:10:46

The Brass, Opera and Song concert at Artrix in November promises to provide something for everyone – and it’s also a great chance to hear the superb voice of award-winning soprano Jennifer Walker, who is in high demand as a soloist.

Starstruck!
Posted on September 18 2008 at 3:06:14

Budding performers now have a place to hone their talent, thanks to a new local project…

Musical links
Posted on April 20 2008 at 11:25:30

Barnt Green concert will be a treat for classical music lovers.

Musical distinction
Posted on March 18 2008 at 3:07:19

Bromsgrove Festival celebrates the past and gives a platform to the next generation of musicians, writes Mary White.