Mulgrave Wood near Whitby set to host one-off open-air music and arts event

A range of artists will perform and hold workshops in the open-air event In The Grove on July 3 at Foss Castle, Low Lane.

It is a celebration of the return of live performances post-pandemic.

Artists performing include:

* The Baghdaddies, whose exuberant and rampant brand of world music is an exhilarating cocktail of Balkan melodies, ska and latin grooves

* Paul Armfield, singer and songwriter of lilting, lovelorn, literate songs

* Katie Spence, young singer-songwriter who conjures up vivid landscapes through the medium of song with her unique finger picked acoustic guitar style and warm voice.

* Bob Beagrie with accompanying musicians will perform his poem Leasungspell which is a narrative epic poem about a pre-Modern world.

* Quentin Budworth, a Hurdy-gurdy player and composer creating magic with sound, transforming ancient tunes into global dance grooves

* Simon Wood, will enchant with the haunting sounds of the Hang drum played within the ancient surroundings of Foss Castle

* Julie Easley & Natasha Graham, poetry & song from the two Saltburn artists who have toured abroad to great acclaim

* Andrew Bylo, artist & illustrator based in Scarborough will be encouraging and working with people on drawing techniques and hopefully creating a visual record of the event

* Phil Martin, Whitby-based singer, multi-instrumentalist and composer who has recently released his third album of original material

Workshops will include drumming with Simon Wood, a foraging walk with Gaynor Ayres and there will be an open mic at the beginning of the day.

There will be a bar and freshly prepared food on site and a minibus will be available to transport audience from Whitby and back for those who need it.

Organiser Jim McLaughlin said: “We are delighted to be working with Mulgrave estate for this event which we hope will be the first of many we create in the grounds.

"Given the historic nature of the site we are making the event as low impact as possible using a battery powered PA system and working with the natural features of the site.

"Many of the performances will have reference to times long past which will enhance the magical atmosphere in this quite unique historic site."

Audience numbers are being restricted to 100 to ensure safe distancing if still required, comfort and respect for the site which is a scheduled monument.

Access for vehicles is via High Leas farm on Low Road Lythe.

Tickets for the day are £25 available from Whitby Music Shop on Skinner Street or by phone on 01947 600950.