International Harp Festival Returns To Ryde

An international harp festival is returning to Ryde later this month, bringing musicians from across the UK and Europe to the Isle of Wight.

Harp on Wight will hold its 12th festival from 22 to 26 October, with concerts, workshops and performances under the theme ‘HARPESTRY’.

The five-day programme will explore the harp’s versatility, combining traditional music with original compositions, film soundtracks and immersive performances featuring light and multimedia.

Performers include Austrian harpist Monika Stadler, Breton musician Tristan Le Govic, Shelley Fairplay, and Arianna Savall and Petter Udland Johansen.

The festival will also feature Sara Evans and Damien Papin, Marianne Gubri, Fran Barsby, Adriano Sangineto and Jacopo Dessì.

Bethany Caswell and Yin Wah Natalie Lo, the winner and runner-up of the UK Harp Association’s competition in London, will also take part.

Festival organiser Anna Sacchini said she viewed the event as a tapestry, with musicians weaving together sounds, colours and emotions to create connections with audiences.

Ryde Mayor Karen Lucioni said the festival brought world-class musicians to the town and gave residents and visitors the chance to experience international music locally.

Concert and workshop tickets are available at www.harponwight.co.uk.