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FESTIVAL OF WESSEX 2026 • 38 Music Summer 2026 The Monochrome Set + Simon Chesterfield Highly influential post-punk indie band, The Monochrome Set are to play in Frome, at the Tree House. Loved by artists such as The Smiths, Franz Ferdinand and Blur and covered by such diverse acts as Iggy Pop and Tracey Thorn, this is a unique opportunity to see this legendary act at a small venue in Frome. The band will feature original Monochrome Set members Bid (guitar and vocals) and Andy Warren (bass), with Foz (guitar), Dave Morgan (drums), and Athen Ayren (keyboard). The Monochrome Set formed in 1978, and were heavily influential in the post-punk scene that evolved after the initial scorched earth of punk. The band’s early releases were on the legendary Rough Trade label before signing with Virgin offshoot Din Disc. They also released several albums on the Cherry Red label, making a notable appearance on that labe’s well known Pillows and Prayers compilation. Though The Monochrome Set split in 1985 the next decade saw several reunions for both live gigs and further studio recordings. After a hiatus of over a decade the band reformed full time in 2010 and have since toured all over the UK, Europe, Japan and the USA, whilst also releasing eight new, critically acclaimed, studio albums. Now in their 48th year, they are beginning a new series of gigs promoting their latest album and playing songs old and new. 3 July: The Tree House, 35 Berkley Road, FROME, BA11 2EH. 7.30pm. £25 / £20. cheeseandgrain.com . Wessex Baroque Collective: Continuing Voices A captivating programme of Baroque music by female composers, paired with striking new works for period instruments. Wessex Baroque Collective and soprano Angela Hicks bring past and present into dialogue in an intimate, engaging performance celebrating the enduring power of women’s voices in music. 9 July: St Peter's Church, High Street, SHAFTESBURY, SP7 8LY. £15 / £12. shaftesburyartscentre.org.uk . The Frank and Walters The Frank and Walters’ Paul Linehan is one of Ireland’s most talented and inspirational singer-songwriters. For nearly 30 years Paul has penned and performed hundreds of songs with The Frank and Walters which have captured the hearts and minds of generations. The band originally became world famous on the ‘90s indie scene and have produced seven studio albums. Paul has lost none of his talent or motivation to produce fantastically crafted and catchy indie songs and continues to write new material to this day. THE FRANK & WALTERS + THE BIG HOWEVER 12th September: Exchange, 73 Old Market Street, BRISTOL, BS2 0EJ. 7pm. £23. headfirstbristol.co.uk. Milly Riquelme Milly Riquelme is a Cuban pianist, composer and singer, who began her musical journey at the age of two showcasing her skills on a television programme featuring child prodigies. She earned a Musicology degree with Honours from the High Institute of Arts in Havana and has since worked as a pianist for various Cuban bands including the popular Conexion Salsera. 8 July: Corn Exchange, High East Street, DORCHESTER, DT1 1HF. 7.30pm. £20 / £18. 01305 266926 / dorchesterarts.org.uk .