Festival

St Marys Church, Tetbury.  Tickets £10 - £35.

The renowned Italian ensemble La Fonte Musica returns to Tetbury under the baton of Michele Pasotti with a performance of 'La Sera del Combattimento' which recreates the first performance of Monteverdi’s 'Il combattimento di Tancredi e Clorinda', following the composer’s own vivid account of that historic evening.

Although a man of few words, Monteverdi left invaluable guidance on how the work should be presented for maximum effect, which is being followed tonight. He noted that the 'Combattimento' should be preceded by madrigals sung 'without any gesture,' so that the sudden entrance of the protagoniste would heighten the sense of dramatic surprise. 

When programmed in this way Monteverdi’s revolutionary fusion of music, poetry, and drama regains the sense of novelty and theatrical power that astonished its first audiences.

Wessex Week is a celebration of the region’s history and culture through the centuries, with a particular emphasis on Malmesbury and the Anglo-Saxon period

AMY JEFFS - ARTHUR: A NEW LIFE

We are delighted to welcome Sunday Times bestselling author Dr Amy Jeffs, in conversation, to celebrate the release of her latest book ARTHUR: A New Life

“The Arthur I know is all story. But if his legend and its history teach us anything true, it is that the seam between myth and reality is full of moth-holes…”

Tickets £10 or free when you pre-order the book ( Hardback RRP £30)

In association with Barnowl Books, Malmesbury

What happened after Henry VIII sold the Abbey? A guided walk with Campbell Ritchie Join guide Campbell Ritchie on an entertaining walk across Malmesbury's town centre that will provide an insight into Malmesbury's unique history. (90 minutes)

10.30 -12pm  Meet at the Town Hall   

Supper at The Old Bell followed by a talk by Tony McAleavy

After many centuries of occupation the Benedictine monks of Malmesbury were evicted in December 1539.

Tony tells the colourful story of the last few decades of monastic life and addresses the question: was the community in a state of terminal decline in the lead up to the Dissolution? He will set out to show that, although some of the last monks were badly behaved and  ill-suited to a religious life, many others were highly conscientious and dedicated to their monastic calling.

Follow the ticket link for menu details.

Talk by Tony McAleavy

After many centuries of occupation the Benedictine monks of Malmesbury were evicted in December 1539.

Tony tells the colourful story of the last few decades of monastic life and addresses the question: was the community in a state of terminal decline in the lead up to the Dissolution? He will set out to show that, although some of the last monks were badly behaved and  ill-suited to a religious life, many others were highly conscientious and dedicated to their monastic calling.

By far the most interesting and distinguished figure in the life of the Abbey after the Conquest was the historian, William of Malmesbury.

Tony McAleavy tells the story of his life: from his childhood as a boy-monk in Malmesbury to his glittering career as a prolific writer favoured by royalty.

William lived at an interesting time and witnessed both the building of Malmesbury Castle and the demolition of the Anglo-Saxon Abbey. Tony’s talk will explore the scale of William’s achievements, his personality and the world in which he lived.

Join us for our third year in Malmesbury.
20 acts over 30 artists 3 venues
Full weekend, day and double bill options see below:

Full weekend: Fri 23rd 6pm - Sun 25th slot. £90

Weekend: Sat 24th 12 noon - Sun 25th slot. £80

Friday evening: 23rd 7pm slot. £15

Malmesbury's Late Night Shopping event - traffic free shopping, market, entertainment and Santa's Grotto