Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra’s professional musicians perform three open-air summer concerts at Corfe Castle
By the National Trust
- Musicians from Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra will perform at Corfe Castle for the first time, across three evenings in July on Friday 24, Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 July
- Performances as part of Love It Local Events will encompass West End to Hollywood, Smash Hits ‘80s and Curious Creatures & Adventurous Animals
- Other evening events include family theatre performances and cinema screenings
Three incredible evenings of live music as part of Love It Local Events’ Summer Nights season.
Ensembles from Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra are to perform at Corfe Castle for the first time this July, with three incredible evenings of live music as part of Love It Local Events’ Summer Nights season.
Set against the dramatic ruins of one of Dorset’s most iconic landmarks, the concerts will see ensembles from the BSO take audiences on a series of musical journeys, from the greatest music of the stage and screen, to an 80s spectacular, and a symphonic adventure through the natural world.
"A lovely way to make memories with friends and family"
Dougie Scarfe OBE, the BSO’s Chief Executive, said: “There’s nothing like an open-air concert – it’s such a lovely way to make memories with friends and family, and bringing this live music to Corfe Castle will be unique.
“Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra exists to bring music into people’s lives, spanning world-class concert hall performances to community-based music-making to support health, wellbeing and learning throughout the South West. We’re thrilled to bring these very special ‘BSO on Your Doorstep’ ensemble performances to Corfe Castle this summer – including a celebration of the uplifting music of the 1980s.”
When are the open-air summer concerts at Corfe Castle?
On Friday 24 July, West End to Hollywood opens the series with classics from Chocolat, James Bond, Moulin Rouge, Toy Story, Harry Potter and The Artist.
Saturday 25 July brings Smash Hits ‘80s, a high-energy celebration of the era of new romantics, big hair and even bigger shoulder pads. Conductor Pete Harrison leads singers Emma Kershaw, Katie Birtill, Oliver Tompsett and Patrick Smyth alongside BSO string players through a programme spanning George Michael, Bonnie Tyler, Elton John, Ultravox, Toto, the Eurythmics and medleys from Blondie, David Bowie, Madonna and the Pet Shop Boys, all set against a light show on the castle walls.
The weekend concludes on Sunday 26 July with Curious Creatures & Adventurous Animals, a symphonic adventure through verdant forests and across the open ocean. The programme features music by Mancini, Elgar, Williams, de Falla, Björk and Vaughan Williams, as well as a sing-along favourite from the blockbuster Moana.
All three concerts take place in the Outer Bailey of Corfe Castle, with step-free access. Tickets are priced from £30 and are available via the website.
'Best summer evening programme we've had to date'
Eoin McDowell, Experience and Programming Manager at Corfe Castle, said: “The castle is so atmospheric at night and will come alive with the echo of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. July can’t come soon enough.” He continued: “Along with our outdoor cinema and theatre evenings, it’s the best summer evening programme we’ve had to date.”
Malcolm Lewis-Fry, Director of Love It Local, said: “We couldn’t think of a more atmospheric and unique combination than bringing Corfe Castle and the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra together – so we made it happen!”
Additional evening services from Swanage Railway
Swanage Railway will be running additional evening services from Swanage and Norden on BSO concert nights to help audiences travel to and from the castle.
Visitors can park at Purbeck Park, the 350-space car park adjacent to Norden Station just off the A351. Those travelling from Swanage can park near Victoria Avenue (BH19 1PW) and join the train from Swanage station. Full timetable details are available at swanagerailway.co.uk.
Theatre and cinema in August
Corfe Castle’s summer evening programme continues into August with three outdoor theatre performances in the Outer Bailey.
On 6 August, Illyria return to the castle with a production of Pinocchio, Carlo Collodi’s tale of a wooden puppet yearning for adventure. Quantum Theatre follow on 13 August with The Tale of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny, a charming adaptation of Beatrix Potter’s best-loved stories suitable for all the family. The season closes on 20 August with Shakespeare’s As You Like It, also from Illyria, promising sparkling wit, romance and laughter under the stars.
Purbeck Film Festival brings two evenings of outdoor cinema to the castle ruins over the August Bank Holiday weekend. OnFriday 28 August, families are invited to settle in for Paddington 2, preceded by You Are Also Us, an award-winning short dance film shot across National Trust locations in Dorset. Wicked: For Good screens the following evening, Saturday 29 August, bringing the dazzling musical sequel to life beneath the castle walls.
You can find out more about booking these summer events on the National Trust Corfe Castle website.
