JAM on the Marsh 2016 opens on July 7 and there’s already a fever of activity; artists are making finishing touches to their pictures and sculptures and photographs are in production. Musicians are in rehearsal, poets are practising, the Romney Marsh Visitors Centre is whitewashing walls and the Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway is making preparations for its first concert in the Engine Shed. It’s going to be a sensational 2 week festival this summer on Romney Marsh. Tickets are selling well so book yours now.
As Paul Mealor, festival curator writes, “This year is even bigger and better than last with art, literature and music celebrated everywhere in this most beautiful part of the world. Join us on opening night to hear Bernstein and Gershwin played by the fabulous Onyx Brass in the engine shed of the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway, or listen to the hushed, beautiful tones of the BBC Singers in our special BBC Radio 3 broadcast concert of music, which sets some of England’s greatest poets with readings by renowned Shakespearian actress Dame Janet Suzman. Or, take in the brilliance of Sounds Baroque’s racy Casanova Opera. I am delighted that the fabulous Sacconi Quartet join us for the first time, as too the London Mozart Players.
The Romney Marsh Visitor Centre, in association with Kent Wildlife Trust, becomes our Arts Hub this year, hosting three exhibitions and eight workshops or talks, including the wondrous Kate Walters drawing your dreams. Multi award-winning fashion and portrait photographer Tristan Fewings has been taking shots throughout the year, capturing landscapes and seascapes of the wonderful Marsh. Local art group hART have produced fascinating works depicting where the power of the line in the landscapes meets artistic expression.
Jillian Bain Christie exhibits her stunning Nordic mixed media pictures in a prequel to her Marsh exhibition next year. Don’t forget to bring your children to hART’s workshops; let their imaginations run wild as they make and fly kites and a crowd of stickmen, from acrobats to ballerinas, pirates to spacemen. A visual highlight has to be the Marsh Academy Photography Exhibition at RSPB Reserve, Dungeness – mentored by Tristan, there are some exquisite photographs to enjoy there!
Or, maybe, like me, you’ll choose to see and hear everything! Don’t miss Gawain Douglas’ recital of Shakespeare’s Sonnets or Jonty Driver reciting his own Before. The Romney Marsh Historic Churches Trust tour of Dymchurch, Fairfield, Ivychurch and New Romney will be fascinating. Whatever your tastes, you’ll find something to enjoy, something to intrigue and something to enlighten, as we try in many guises to capture the beauty, power and allure of this unique garden of England through art.”
Jump on the festival bus and join in! Over 11 days, JAM on the Marsh lights up this unique shore of Kent.
For full festival information and tickets, go to www.jamconcert.org/season or call 0800 988 7984
Photos: courtesy JAM festical