Music
IAN McMillan is fast becoming a festival regular.
But the Barnsley poet and broadcaster’s presence at this year’s Holmfirth Arts Festival looms larger than ever over events.
Ian is not only bringing a band of five musicians to share beautiful songs with a Picturedrome audience, he is helping to conjure up a magical festival finale.
Sheffield composer Luke Carver Goss has been working alongside him on a new song for Holmfirth.
“We’ve taken the idea of the Holmfirth Sing and given it a twist,” said festival director Jonathan Best.
“We thought that rather than singing hymns, let’s create a new song for the valley.
“Ian has written this wonderful lyric which really celebrates the town and the surrounding villages.”
Luke has written the music for the new song, called Voices Of Fire which will be sung in Victoria Park in the centre of Holmfirth on the last day of the festival, June 26.
Choirs from across the valley are already signing up. But Jonathan is keen that anyone who wants to join in does just that.
New Mill Male Voice Choir, Huddersfield Singers, Holmfirth Choral Society, Holme Valley Singers and Hade Edge Community Choir are already involved alongside the senior and youth brass bands from Hade Edge.
“There are a number of ways of getting involved,” said Jonathan.
“Some choirs are already learning the song. We are holding drop in rehearsals where people can come along and learn the song or the audience can pick up a song sheet on the day and join in the chorus.”
“We are still looking for other choirs or individuals who want to take part. It is completely open and completely mixed ability. There will be experienced singers involved as well as those who can just carry a tune.”
For details of the rehearsals, which are at Holy Trinity Church, Holmfirth, check the festival website.
