Welcome to
Marston Music
Marston Church lies in a fabulous setting with wide and tranquil views over fields and woods of the River Frome valley a couple of miles west of Frome. Few churches enjoy a finer situation.
Known for its wonderful peal of eight bells and its important stained glass which has been recently refurbished, this beautiful 18th century building is being opened up for music events. With congregations dwindling, our brief has been to bring life back to the building.
Marston Music
The Story so Far
Our first concert was part of the Frome Festival 2021. Singer / songwriter Daisy Chapman's outstanding vocals filled the space and convinced us that we had a special building with an exquisite acoustic which we had to keep developing to share with those who love music.
Other groups who came to perform in that first year included The Somerset Russets and Amusette. We also held Sunday afternoon Open Mic Session which have been very popular with musicians and listeners.
Just before Christmas the hugely talented playwright and master of storytelling Frome based actor Pip Utton, brought Charles Dickens' “A Christmas Carol,” to life. An amazing, atmospheric performance.
In May 2022 Belshazzar's Feast brought their UK and world tours to an end with an iconic Farewell Tour. Tim Pitman, the 'voice of Somerset' thrilled his audience with a range of songs and arias supported by Jacquelyn Bevan and Linda Stocks (of Trio Paradis)on piano and cello. Perfect. This was followed by Anna Tam with her masterful playing of the nickelharpa, viola de gamba and hurdy-gurdy.
In December 2022 John Kirkpatrick delighted us with his hugely entertaining and joyful Christmas Show, 'Carolling and Crumpets'. A sold-out event with John's original songs and carols including gems such as his granny's Christmas pudding recipe put to music. Thank you John. It was a wonderful performance.
In 2023 The Band of Pilgrims provided a great performance and then we were treated to a wonderful choral concert by the Wells Cathedral Choristers. In its 250 year history, the church has rarely, if ever, heard such a glorious sound. During the 2023 Frome Festival Ninebarrow, a well known Dorset folk duo, impressed the audience with their mix of reworked traditional folk songs and original music.
We have covered a lot of ground with some small steps over the past two year. We need much more support if this is to be sustained. With a lot more support we could develop it. (A similar venue in Cornwall, St Endellion Church, has 60 volunteers. We have 3 or 4 but need more to make it work). Please get in touch if you can help with stewarding, promotion, productions and all the other essentials of the venue. If you are unable to help, keep an eye on this web-site or join our mailing list to keep up with the exciting programmes we are developing anyway.
Upcoming Events
Please watch this website for your diary dates and details of our Programme.
Or visit our Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/marstonmusicfrome
Sunday Afternoon Teas and Live Music - Every Sunday afternoon through July and August from 2.30 to 4.30.
Once again we will offer tea and homemade cake through July and August 2024. The full Line Up is bleow. If you or your band would like to book the August 4th Sunday afternoon's Open Rehearsal, please let us know asap.
The Line Up:
July 21st Judas Goat and the Bellwether Folk-rock alchemy! Pete Vincent & Sara Vian have perfected the art of turning leaden woes into sonic gold with sweet, melancholic riffs; moody basslines & powerful, nuanced vocal performances with luscious harmonies./ 50ft Queenie dare to pay homage to PJ Harvey, capturing the essence of her seminal work authentically yet interpreted in their own unique style; taking the audience on a rousing journey through the iconic artist's discography!
July 28th Flatwater (a local fiddle, concertina, mandolin and guitar English music group coming to the teas sessions for a second time)
August 4th Sue Harding and Sarah Curtis. (singer and songwriters with great music and harmonies).
August 11th Fourfoot Four (a ceilidh band new to Marston bound to get the feet tapping).
August 18th Guinea Lane Saxophones (A five piece saxophone group from Hilperton who have played Marston several times before and we love them.
August 25th Cadens Recorder Ensemble (From Cadbury in deepest Somerset this recorder group, with their range of soprano to bass recorders, makes exquisite music which sounds fantastic in our church.
These are not concerts or formal performances but 'Open Rehearsals' where the players can enjoy playing their music in a large space with exquisite acoustics and a peripatetic appreciative audience as well.
Audiences may come and go as they please or, on a sunny afternoon, may sit outside and let the music waft out to them.
Free for all to enjoy our eclectic mix of fine and fun music,with amazing acoustics, beautiful rural views and tranquility. Delicious homemade cake and tea, coffee or cold drink complete a splendid way to relax on a Sunday afternoon. Park at the church or park at the Lighthouse in Tytherington and enjoy a peaceful, delightful amble (25 minutes) across fields through Marston estate. Come and join us.
Marston Music took a break over the winter because of the difficulties of running winter events with car parking on the road, no lighting on the road, muddy conditions, heating costs, the outside bar requiring calm, dry weather, etc. so we have a more limited programme for 2024. Watch this web-site for details of our current programme and we look forward to a more comprehensive programme in 2025 including events for Frome Festival 2025.
See you soon.
If you would like your name added to our mailing list to receive occasional details of events, please email us an marstonmusicinfo@gmail.co.uk
Venue Information
Directions
Marston Church is signed on brown signposts on the A361 Frome to Shepton Mallet road .
From Frome: from the end of the Frome bypass at the top of the 'ski slope' (i.e. the roundabout just after Sainsbury's and the Mason's Arms) take the first road turning to the left just after the lay-by less than 1 mile from the 'ski-slope'. It looks like a tiny lane but it really is the right way.
From Shepton Mallet: take the second turning to the right after the Nunney Catch roundabout (the turning right is immediately after the turning to Nunney and Ridgeway on the left).
The nearest post code is BA11 5DE but sat navs do not always indicate the correct route (we very nearly lost John Kirkpatrick to a sat-nav error) so look out for the brown signs and event signposts.
After turning off the A361 continue down the hill (Cheese Hill) and at the right hand bend at the end of a tunnel of trees turn left to the church car park or for main events follow any car parking signs.
Walk from the Lighthouse A popular 20 minute walk, or 25 minute amble, across the Marston Estate. Leave your car at the Lighthouse in Tytherington and follow the footpath around the field to the north and into the Marston Estate. An easy walk and an opportunity to enjoy the views across the Frome Valley and of Marston House and Marston Church. Please keep to the footpaths and be aware that sheep or cattle may be grazing in the fields (although probably fenced off against the footpath).
Car Parking
It is hoped that, with the kind permission of the owners of Marston House, parking in dry weather will be permitted in the field next to the church. It will be signposted at the bottom of Cheese Hill. Should the field be unavailable for any reason, please park on the left hand side of Cheese Hill between the entrance to Marston House and the turning to the church. For those with mobility issues parking will be available in the small church car park at the top of the track next to Church Lodge. Please follow the directions of a steward who will be available for the most attended events. For most events you might find it useful to bring a torch with you. Occasionally the road and access may be a little muddy so stiletto heels may not be suitable.
Wheelchair Access
Access to the church will require stewards' assistance across the grass following a former hard track (which has now grassed over) from the car park. Unfortunately not an easy route but the best we have. Step ramps are available to go inside the church and to access the toilet. For assistance please notify stewards when you arrive at the car park.
Tickets.
Available as specified in the event details above. Ticket numbers are limited for some events and some are available only from the nominated ticketing booking site. For some events tickets may be available at the door.
Refunds
Refunds are not normally available. Refunds within four weeks of an event cannot, regrettably, be entertained. However, to enable others to enjoy the event we will be happy to accept tickets which are passed on to others provided that they can bring the printed ticket in the name of the person who booked.
Bar.
A limited bar will be available before events and during an interval. Normally available will be Australian Yellow Tail Red and White Wine, Bierra Moretti and Sparkling Elderflower soft drinks. Other drinks may also be available. Do come early especially to our summer events when you can enjoy our beautiful rural location with a glass before the performance.
Covid Rules.
Please respect all Covid precautions and guidelines which may be in force on the day of your event. Please do not attend if you are ill with Covid symptoms.
Toilet Facilities.
A single wheelchair accessible toilet is inside the church building.
Other Events.
The church is available for meetings, lectures, exhibitions, music rehearsals as well as our usual services, weddings, christenings etc. Please ask.
