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FESTIVAL OF WESSEX 2026 • 41 Anna Pancaldi Anna Pancaldi is an enchanting and noteworthy London-based singer-songwriter influenced by the likes of Joni Mitchell and Carole King, and proves a rare talent and an artist to remember through her wondrous vocals and thought-provoking songbook. Anna’s exquisite latest musical offerings are effortlessly honest, touchingly relatable, and is a performer known for her deeply affecting live performances. 4 July: Pound Arts, Pound Pill, CORSHAM, SN13 9HX. 7.30pm. £15. 01249 701628 / poundarts.org.uk . Proms in the Park Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO) is all set for another super summer of stunning open-air concerts featuring brilliant music, picnics and spectacular fireworks. Featuring some of the world’s best musicians, the ever-popular BSO Pops will be back in Meyrick Park for two al fresco concert occasions - perfect for a sumptuous picnic and a glass of bubbly. ‘NOW THAT’S WHAT I CALL SYMPHONIC MUSIC!’ A night celebrating the most enduring classical music of all time, from The Lark Ascending and The Firebird to firm film favourites including, Star Wars and ET . 7 August: Meyrick Park, Central Drive, BOURNEMOUTH, BH2 6LH. 8pm. bsolive.com . ‘SYMPHONIC SMASH HITS - THE ‘90S!’ Celebrate the greatest pop hits from the 1990s in full symphonic glory, spanning music from the Spice Girls to Cher, Robbie Williams and more. 8 August: Meyrick Park, Central Drive, BOURNEMOUTH, BH2 6LH. 8pm. bsolive.com . Freya Ridings Since breaking through with Top 10 single Lost Without You in 2017, Freya has cemented herself as one of the UK’s most impressive vocal talents, with the ability to turn her hand to tender balladry and powerful air punch moments alike. 2019’s self-titled debut album and 2023 follow-up Blood Orange both landed in the UK album top 10, sending her around the world and landing her a BRIT nomination for Best Female Solo Artist. Going into her third album, Mother Of Pearl , Freya Ridings is not the same artist she was before. She’s had to reach down into the depths and find reserves that she didn’t know she had, and in doing so, she’s tapped into a rich seam of anger and wisdom and womanhood that feels as timely now as it ever was. 15 September: Lighthouse, 21 Kingland Road, POOLE, BH15 1UG. 7.30pm. 01202 280000 / lighthousepoole.co.uk. The Darling Buds Welsh music icons The Darling Buds return with Same Sun / Same Sky , a brand-new album of melodic guitar pop, packed with catchy hooks, soaring harmonies and the band’s trademark upbeat energy. DARLING BUDS + SILK CUTS 5 September: The Cavern, 83 - 84 Queen Street, EXETER, EX4 3RP. 01392 495370 / exetercavern.net .