The Harp is the national instrument of Wales, yet many people have never touched one. The National Botanic Garden of Wales aims to change all that for adventurous and curious visitors to the Garden this month.
On the 22nd and 23rd of July, the Botanic Garden hosts its sixth annual harp weekend organised by Shelley Fairplay, a harpist who is deeply passionate about engaging people with the harp and the hugely diverse music it has to offer. So come and join us for two full days of family-friendly events and concerts to enjoy in the stunning surrounds of the National Botanic Garden.
Over the weekend, Shelley will be teaching workshops, performing, facilitating harp-related children’s activities and leading ensemble performances for visitors to enjoy. You can hear Shelley perform her concert HarpOsphere, you can try the harp for the first time at a ‘Hands-on Harps’ workshop, bring your little ones to a ‘Tiny Hands-on Harps’ session, listen to harp ensembles including Dynamic Harps, Wales Clarsach Society, Harping On and Start Harp students.
Children can become a Harp Detective in a trail around the Great Glasshouse and enter our ‘Draw the Harp in the Flowers’ competition to win prizes.
Do you already play the harp? Brilliant! Brand new this year is the Botanic Garden’s Flash Mob Harp Ensemble, where you can come and play in this magical setting among the flowers.
If you have just started playing, played for years or simply own a harp and want to hang out with harpists, then bring your instrument along to play in an open harp rehearsal in the mornings and then perform in the afternoons. Music will be given on the day to suit all levels, reading or not reading music.
If you are thinking of attending please visit www.HarpOsphere.co.uk for registration details.
The Garden is open from 10am to 6pm. Admission is £10.50 for adults with a family ticket (for 2 adults and up to 4 children) priced at £25.
For details about this and other events taking place at the National Botanic Garden email info@gardenofwales.org.uk or call 01558 667149.
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