The World’s Finest Small Music Festival

As Patron of this wonderful Festival it is my pleasure once again to welcome you all here to Castle Carrock for this weekend of Music, Dance and Song.

The village comes alive with people arriving from far and wide in the UK and indeed, from many other parts of the world. The music you will hear this year will include artists from Australia, Belgium, Canada,  Denmark, Estonia, The Republic of Ireland, as well as England and Scotland. Indeed, from close to home [Yes! From Castle Carrock] and from faraway places – that’s quite a line-up for a small village tucked away in Cumbria.

As I’ve said before, the village becomes truly cosmopolitan but with a difference – it retains its friendliness and the intimacy of the village, where friendships thrive. When I was invited to be Patron of the Festival we were a little unsure of whether we would survive? Well we have and now we must consider our future. We are indeed confident that what we offer is great music from around the world in an atmosphere of mutual support and generosity of spirit.  This, indeed was the internationalist vision of the Director, Richard Johnstone and his committee, together with the many volunteers who are among the people you will no doubt meet.

So come on in and join us singing in the chorus and even dancing the night away. It is with great pleasure and anticipation that I welcome you all. I am confident you’ll have a great time, hear some wonderful performers and if you are with a family, your children will be safe and they will likely insist you come back next year. As we all do!