2013
Saturday, 9th February to Sunday, 9th June
Holyest Erth Exhibition - EXTENDED OPENING
THE vibrant colours of Glastonbury Abbey have inspired its new exhibition staged by Somerset artist and printmaker Bronwen Bradshaw.
The rich shades of blue and red, which decorated the Abbey at its height, some of which can still be seen in the Lady Chapel, are used to create a visionary look at the historic ruins.
Called Holyest Erth, the exhibition pays tribute to the Abbey as a sacred space and home of our earliest Christian church.
The site was described as ‘the holyest erth of England’ by the early 16th century author of Lyfe of St Joseph of Arimathea.
Bronwen said: “Glastonbury is, by all accounts, a holy place. History, archaeology, songs, sayings, myths and legends all point in this direction.
“But so much of its former self can now only exist in the imagination and so it was to the imagination that I went to create new work for the current exhibition ‘Holyest Erth’.
“Fifteen years ago I made a series of prints using the Abbey ruins as inspiration. My sources included artefacts in the Abbey museum and recent research into the colours of the Abbey in its prime. Some of that work is on show here.
“On revisiting the subject at the invitation of the Abbey curators, I found myself striking out into the landscape. I wanted to explore the flatlands between Glastonbury and Wells and the chain of seven small hills stretching to the Mendips in the north that once were islands in winter: Beckery, Meare, Godney, Panborough ‘Barrow’ Hill, Marchey, Nyland and Avalon itself.
“Although not always as imposing as other nearby hills, these hills and mounds, were perhaps home to hermits, each with its own chapel, I like to think that they were revered and much visited by the monks. And they were most likely sacred places much earlier than the Christian period suggests.
“In all the mud and winter chill of the recent floods, I found myself entranced by the watery landscape and its holy islands. This new series of etchings is my way of communicating this enchantment.”
The lost library at the Abbey, reputedly the greatest and richest in the country to be destroyed during the Dissolution of the Monasteries, is also commemorated in this exhibition.
Bronwen has brought together members of her book making group for the exhibition with a display of inventive and original hand-made books.
Just as the monks would have laboriously illuminated manuscripts for their library, so these contemporary books by Ama Bolton, Jane Paterson, Maggie Stewart and Clare Diprose have been exquisitely hand-crafted
Mary Gryspeerdt, the Abbey’s assistant curator, said: “At the Abbey we want to feature work of the highest standard and to support local artists
“We also have a policy of holding contemporary exhibitions which link with the Abbey’s own collections. This exhibition reflects the rich colours once used to decorate the Abbey and pays homage to the Abbey’s once famous library through the display of hand-made books. I feel sure this exhibition will interest a great many visitors.
The exhibition opens on February 9 and runs to May 12
Saturday, 1st June to Saturday, 31st August
Wildlife Walks
On various dates between June and August, there will be evening wildlife walks and badger watches.
Full details will be announced here.
Friday, 7th June
Summer opening launch
Entertainment as we celebrate summer opening.
Full details to come
Friday, 14th June
The Wurzels in Concert
Somerset legends The Wurzels play a special one-off fund-raising gig for the Rescue Our Ruins appeal.
Tickets £12 in advance, £15 on the door.
On sale now at the Abbey Shop
Saturday, 15th June
Anglican Pilgrimage
Saturday, 22nd June
A Comedy of Errors
Rain or Shine Theatre Company return after a popular performance last year.
Tickets TBA
Wednesday, 10th July
As You Like It
The Castle Theatre Company are coming from Durham University to stage a fantastic open air performance.
Tickets TBA
Sunday, 14th July
Catholic Pilgrimage
Saturday, 20th July to Sunday, 21st July
Orchestra in a Field
Orchestra in a Field 2013 has been postponed until next year.
The inspirational and popular event made its debut in 2012 to wide acclaim and attracted a local, national and international audience. The event which has the energy of a rock festival with an orchestra at its heart was due to take place at Glastonbury Abbey on July 20 and 21. It will now be rescheduled for summer 2014.
Charles Hazlewood, Festival Director, said: “In order to develop Orchestra in a Field and to make it a sustainable event for future years, we have taken the decision to hold our next Festival in 2014.
“This will enable us to pursue and build the necessary long-term relationships with our partners and maximise awareness of this unique festival to create a lasting musical legacy.
"Orchestra in a Field is a fledgling festival and it’s not easy to establish something new, particularly in the current economic climate."
“I have always wanted to open up access to classical music, take people on a musical journey and share a range of traditional and new experiences; by building these long-term relationships we will be able to do that in a sustainable way and ensure we are doing this for generations to come.”
The world-class programme for 2013, now with the exciting addition of The Philharmonia Orchestra, will continue forward into next year.
The Orchestra in a Field team will be contacting those who have bought tickets for 2013 to arrange a full refund and will announce the date for next year's event shortly.
Tuesday, 6th August
Membership talk - Francis Thyer
Francis Thyer will talk to members about the history of the Abbey.
Members: Free
Season Ticket Holders £5
Non-members: £8
Tickets available on the door.
Start 7pm
Sunday, 11th August
Glastonbury Abbey Extravaganza 2013
Glastonbury Festivals present
The Glastonbury Abbey Extravaganza
With
Bryan Ferry & The Bryan Ferry Orchestra
Supported by Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel
Bryan Ferry & The Bryan Ferry Orchestra will perform in the spectacular grounds of Glastonbury Abbey, Festival founder Michael Eavis announced today.
Bryan Ferry will perform at the Abbey on Sunday August 11 with the night ending with the traditional firework display.
Tickets are on sale from 9am today online and at the Abbey Shop.
Since the release of his first record with Roxy Music in 1972, Bryan Ferry has been acclaimed as one of the most innovative and stylish musicians, songwriters and singers to emerge in pop and rock music.
Bryan Ferry possesses the rare distinction of being regarded as both classic and timelessly contemporary – an accomplishment achieved by both his recordings with Roxy Music and the range and intensity of his solo albums.
Michael, who has staged the Extravaganza in the spectacular ruins of the Abbey for 17 years, took a break in 2012 when the world famous Glastonbury Festival had a fallow year.
The concert is his thank you to local people but also Michael is an ambassador for the Abbey which running an appeal to conserve the ruins and enhance the visitor experience for future generations.
Michael said: “The concert is an opportunity for local people who can’t always get to the Festival in Pilton to enjoy something extra special in this lovely town.
“We were very fortunate to be able to get Bryan Ferry who will come up with the goods and deliver a spectacular show.”
Janet Bell, Abbey director, said: “The people of Glastonbury have been asking if there would be another concert this year at the Abbey and we’re delighted that, thanks to Michael, there will be. We are sure it will be well-supported and tickets will sell fast; we are all looking forward to it.”
Previous stars to appear at the Abbey include Status Quo, Madness, Van Morrison and Jools Holland.
Advance ticket prices are £35 adult, £20 for an accompanied child aged six to 16, £95 for a family of two adults and three children. Gate prices are £40 adult, £25 for a child aged six to 16, £120 for a family of two adults and three children. Accompanied children aged five and under do not require a ticket.
Bookings can be made:
Online at www.glastonburyabbey.com/Extravaganza There is a £3.50 delivery charge per order.
In person at the Abbey Shop where there is free collection or £1.50 delivery charge.
By posting a cheque/postal order made payable Glastonbury Festivals Ltd, to Glastonbury Extravaganza, 28 Northload Street, Glastonbury, Somerset, BA6 9JJ indicating number of tickets required, postal details and delivery fee of £1.50 per order.
Gates open 5pm
Friday, 16th August
Romeo and Juliet
Festival Players Theatre Company perform the last summer theatre of the year.
Expect a fantastic performance of one of Shakespeare's most famous works
Tickets TBA
Saturday, 24th August to Sunday, 25th August
Monmouth Rebellion Re-Enactment - Taunton Garrison
Together with the Taunton Garrison, we will be celebrating an often forgotten aspect of Glastonbury Abbey's history; the 1685 Monmouth Rebellion.
Normal Abbey admission applies
Friday, 13th September
Night at the Abbey - date TBC
The Abbey's annual entertainment event.
Date TBC
Tickets TBA
Friday, 15th November
Members Talk - Ale and Cider Tasting
Start 7pm.
Members: Free
Season Ticket Holders: £5
Non-members: £8
Tickets available on the door
Friday, 13th December
Members Event - Christmas Event
Members: Free
Season ticket holders: £5
Non-members £8
Tickets available on the door
