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FESTIVAL OF WESSEX 2026 • 44 Kate Griffin and Matchume Zango An acclaimed timbila player from Zavala, the heartland of Mozambique’s timbila tradition, Zango works internationally across performance, theatre and film. Griffin, an internationally touring clawhammer banjo player with Indo-folk collective Mishra, has been described as one of the top banjo players in the country. 10 July: Bridport Arts Centre, 9 South Street, BRIDPORT, DT6 3NR. 7.30pm. £17 / £16. 01308 424204 / bridport-arts.com . Musicke in the Ayre Local early music ensemble Musicke in the Ayre have put together a summer treat for fans of Baroque music in Wessex: their new programme Silver Sounds of the Roman Seicento will be premiered during Frome Festival at Christ Church on 7th July, followed by a performance on 18th July at St Mary’s Bathwick, and an open-air airing in the Italian Cloister at Iford Manor on 15th August. Ensemble leader and lutenist Din Ghani will be accompanying sopranos Maria Danishvar, Jane Hunt and Philippa Neaverson in vocal music from Roman composers of the early Baroque period. The power and wealth of the families associated with the Vatican attracted some of the best Italy had to offer, and this shows in the quality of the music from Rome in that period. 7 July: Christ Church, FROME, BA11 1EH. 5.30pm. £15. 07747 803494. 18 July: St Mary’s Church Hall, BATHWICK, BA2 4EB. 3pm. £12.50. bathboxoffice.org.uk . 15 August: Iford Manor Gardens, near BATH, BA15 2BA. 2pm. ifordmanor.co.uk . KT Tunstall The Grammy-nominated, Brit Award- winning, singer brings a special one-off show to celebrate the 20th anniversary of her seminal debut album, Eye to the Telescope . Renowned for her extraordinary voice that shifts effortlessly from soulful to bluesy grit to delicate folk-pop, KT Tunstall continues to captivate audiences and remains one of the most iconic live performers of her generation. From chart- topping hits to composing for film and theatre, she has built a remarkable career. KT Tunstall delivers a night of heartfelt acoustic ballads, gritty rock anthems and an unforgettable evening. 19 June: Lighthouse, 21 Kingland Road, POOLE, BH15 1UG. 7.30pm. 01202 280000 / lighthousepoole.co.uk. Philip Clouts and Ron Phelan Pianist Philip Clouts and double bassist Ron Phelan will present a programme including music by Django Reinhardt, George Gershwin, Duke Ellington and Thelonious Monk, as well as original compositions of melodic jazz with flavours of African and Latin American music. 4 and 5 September: Tincleton Gallery, The Old School House, TINCLETON, near Dorchester, DT2 8QR. 7.30pm. £20. 01305 848909 / tincletongallery.com. Swing Easy Too Featuring vocals, saxophones, piano, guitar and bass, this 4-piece Purbeck band play The Great American Songbook, highlighting songs by Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, Dean Martin, Tony Bennet, Louis Armstrong, Fats Waller, and many others. 19 July: Village Inn, Ulwell Holiday Park, Ulwell Road, SWANAGE, BH19 3DG. 1pm. 01929 422823. 24 July: Orchard Café, Holme Lane, WEST HOLME, Wareham, BH20 6AQ. 12.30pm. 01929 554716. 28 July: Grand Hotel, Burlington Road, SWANAGE, BH19 1LH. 12noon. 01929 423353. 11 August: Show Bar, Mowlem Theatre, Shore Road, SWANAGE, BH19 1DD. 2pm. 01929 422239. 14 August: Orchard Café, Holme Lane, WEST HOLME, Wareham, BH20 6AQ. 12.30pm. 01929 554716. 17 August: Show Bar, Mowlem Theatre, Shore Road, SWANAGE, BH19 1DD. 2pm. 01929 422239. 23 August: Village Inn, Ulwell Holiday Park, Ulwell Road, SWANAGE, BH19 3DG. 1pm. 01929 422823. 25 August: Grand Hotel, Burlington Road, SWANAGE, BH19 1LH. 12noon. 01929 423353. swingeasyjazz.com Lady Maisery + Jimmy & Sid Having bewitched audiences with their much-loved wintertime show, two of the most engaging acts on the English folk scene return with their next alchemic celebration: an essential incantation to the summertime. 21 June: Komedia, 22 - 23 Westgate Street, BATH, BA1 1EP. 6.30pm. £23.50. 01225 489070 / komediabath.co.uk.