The first project supported by the St Mary’s Guildhall community grant scheme is kicking off with a multicultural ball on Friday, November 24.
St Mary’s Guildhall, the 14th century venue in the heart of Coventry’s cathedral quarter, will play host to the special one-off ball from 6pm.
The event will celebrate the city’s communities and the diversity of historic and traditional dance which helps give Coventry it’s richness of culture. Visitors will enjoy a journey through music, with the evening bringing together groups from across the city in a cultural exchange of song, dance and music.
The event is free to attend, except for a £1 booking fee, with visitors being encouraged to share their own traditions and have fun joining in with the festivities.
St Mary’s Guildhall, which is run by No Ordinary Hospitality, is hosting the ball as part of its community engagement programme and the event showcases the Guildhall’s history as a site of revelry, celebration and community since the medieval period.
The evening celebration will be led by musician and educator Ann Hinchliffe, who has a keen interest in folk music and has worked with local communities and national groups such as the National Trust and English Heritage to bring folk music to a wider audience.
She will be joined by early music duo The Nightwatch, made up of Ian Pittaway and Andy Casserley, who play tunes from across four centuries including medieval, renaissance and baroque music.
The musicians have performed across the country, playing well-known period instruments such as the lute, recorder, guitar and harp as well as more obscure instruments including the chalumeau, mandora and crumhorn.
Niamh Carton at St Mary’s Guildhall said: “We are delighted to welcome visitors to our special multicultural ball, celebrating the rich and varied musical histories of Coventry’s communities.
“The Guildhall is the perfect venue for such a special cultural exchange as part of our community engagement programme and we expect the event to be in high demand so we are encouraging guests to book early to avoid disappointment.”
St Mary’s Guildhall’s community engagement programme is supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, with thanks to National Lottery players.
To find more about the Guildhall’s programme of events and to book you tickets for the event visit https://www.stmarysguildhall.co.uk/