Join us at the beautiful St Mary’s Church, Lasborough, for Pastoral Airs—an enchanting afternoon recital in the heart of the Cotswolds. Set against the serene backdrop of this historic countryside church, a small ensemble of flute, clarinet, and piano will perform a selection of popular classics. This intimate concert promises gentle melodies, rich harmonies, and a reflective atmosphere in one of Gloucestershire’s most picturesque settings.

A Glowing Celebration of Creativity at St Arild’s

Last weekend, the tranquil setting of St Arild’s Church was transformed into a vibrant hub of artistic and musical expression for Echoes of St Arild’s: Art & Music in the Cotswolds. The event, held in the heart of the countryside, was nothing short of magical.

Sue Bown’s stunning collection of artwork brought the stone walls of this historic church to life. Her use of colour, texture, and light offered a moving exploration of nature, memory, and place—each piece resonating deeply with the ancient surroundings. Visitors wandered the space slowly, absorbing the quiet power of her work while enjoying the soft afternoon light filtering through stained glass.

Providing the perfect accompaniment was the Wotton Chamber Group, whose elegant and expressive playing elevated the atmosphere to something truly transcendent. Their carefully chosen repertoire gently filled the church, echoing through its vaulted interior and perfectly complementing the visual art on display.

Together, the art and music created an experience that felt deeply rooted in the spirit of the Cotswolds—at once reflective, uplifting, and beautifully human. This was more than an exhibition or a concert; it was a shared moment of peace and inspiration in one of the region’s most treasured hidden gems. A triumph in every sense.

St Mary’s Church, Sopworth, was filled to the rafters on Sunday 22nd June for the remarkable Young Musicians concert, featuring the talented students of Westonbirt School. From the very first note to the final applause, the audience was completely captivated by the sheer musicality and poise of every single performer.

It was a joy to witness such a fantastic turnout from across our benefice, all drawn together to support and celebrate the next generation of musical talent. The church’s beautiful acoustic space provided a perfect setting, allowing the expressive playing and singing to shine with clarity and warmth.

What stood out most was not only the technical skill on display but the deep connection each performer made with the audience. Whether through delicate solo performances or energetic ensemble pieces, the students communicated with remarkable maturity and passion, holding everyone spellbound throughout.

The concert was a resounding success in every sense—uplifting, inspiring, and a testament to the hard work of the students and their teachers. We look forward with great anticipation to welcoming Westonbirt School musicians back again in the future.

The Badminton Benefice Festival of Music 2025 is off to a wonderful start!

On Sunday 18th May, voices young and old filled St Mary’s, Hawkesbury for our joyous Come and Sing event — the first in a summer of music-making across the Benefice.

With her trademark warmth and musical wizardry, Amy Garry, founder of Voices Together, brought the whole gathering to life — guiding children and adults alike through an afternoon of uplifting song.

A huge thank you to Amy, and to everyone who came along and sang their hearts out. This is what the festival is all about: community, creativity, and connection.

Next stop on the journey… stay tuned!