Summer in the Courtyard highlights

Summer in the Courtyard has just come to a close and we’re looking back over a fantastic summer of live music, dancing, and activities for all the family. It’s the third year that our free live music festival has taken place in our historic courtyard, and we were thrilled to welcome audiences and musicians back.

We kicked off on 24th June with a performance from our very own resident drag queen MissD who was joined by guests Dom Moccia and Zoe Roebuck. Another of our own members of staff Ellie performed that weekend too - singing with her friend Jess, songs from well-loved musical theatre shows, some solos, and some original scores. The tables filled up quickly with people and we were thrilled to see people enjoying themselves dancing and enjoying drinks and pizzas with friends and family. Both Miss D and Ellie were to perform with their guests throughout the summer.

Alongside excellent performances from our own staff we also had a number of local musicians performing on our purpose built outdoor stage. Bands Fishing4Compliments, Good Earth Collective, Tapestry Band, The Soul Surgeons, Ugly Mug Jug Band, 6 Months in Mexico, Audley and Dave’s pop-up Carnival, KAPOW and Jukebox all entertained us - that’s a lot of exceptional music that you got to access totally free of charge!

And there’s more! Whilst some musicians performed as a band, we had a number of solo performances that got people dancing just as much as the bands. Jim Dam music sang a range of indie and singalong tracks, Jack Manning brought his roots and blues sound, and Richard Sykes showed off his vocal skills honed during years on the cruise lines. 

We also had a number of takeover events from our friends. The first was Our Biennale, a local organisation who prompted a younger and faster audience to wheel into the courtyard for a skating takeover. The event had ramps and rails where experienced skaters could show off their skills and could also inspire the younger attendees who could try skateboarding for the first time. Photographer Tim Smith took some phenomenal photographs of the skaters in action