Festival Programme 2011

Tickets for all events are now on sale. Call the Box Office to-day on 01494 488315 to book your tickets. You can also visit Speen Stores to buy your tickets for all Youth Events.
Click here to download a printable programme & booking form.

The Dreaming
Based on A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare with music by Howard Goodall (of Blackadder & Vicar of Dibley fame) and book and lyrics by Charles Hart, The Dreaming is the magical opening for this year's festival. Set in a hilltop village surrounded by woodland 100 years ago, our entirely local cast and production team will take you on a journey of mystery with comic twists and turns. Fantastical family musical.
(NB not recommended for under 7s.)
Click here for more details
 
This production is part of the Royal Shakespeare Company Open Stages Project.
 
Tickets: £10 adults · £5 for under 16s · Licensed Bar

Traditional craft workshops for children including papercraft (10am), buttons and beads (11am), plaiting (12 noon), patchwork pictures (2pm), knitting and pompoms (3pm). Each session has a different craft focus but with a variety of activities within each one. All children will make something to take home. Workshops last 40 minutes and will be led by members of Speen WI.
Tickets: £2 for children ages 3-12 · Accompanying adults free
(children aged 6 and under must be accompanied by an adult)

Food Festival
Everything for the fine food lover, including cookery demonstrations and beer and wine tastings. Sample a diverse and delicious range of local fayre as we celebrate some of the best producers and suppliers in the Chilterns. No need to bring lunch or tea but do bring your shopping baskets to stock up your shelves.
 
Tickets: £3 adults · Under 16s free
Licensed bar and refreshments available

Sunday 11 September

8pm

Festival Marquee

Echoes of Old Village Life - Pictures, Poems and Prose
Share an informal evening with Stuart King, local craftsman, artist and photojournalist, broadcaster and international lecturer. Stuart is a highly skilled and accomplished craftsman with an extensive knowledge of Bucks history, our countryside and the fascinating trades and traditions that shaped it over the centuries. Stuart invites you to bring your own interesting, peculiar and unfathomable pieces to create an instant exhibition for one night only! Anything that fits the theme, or relevant artwork of your own making. Exhibits welcome from 7pm.
Tickets: £5 adults · £3 for under 16s · Licensed bar

Song can weave together memories and events in most unexpected ways. Readings devised from oral accounts by some treasured Speen residents are complemented by stunning music from one of the UK's top chamber choirs, led by musical director Sam Laughton. All profits of this concert will be donated to the charity Agape Alive in India.
Tickets: £10 (including a glass of wine & tasty nibbles)
Refreshments available

Tuesday 13 September

4pm - 6.30pm

Festival Marquee

Young Speen Goes Wild
How do bees make honey? What do owls eat? Join our team of local experts on safari in Speen to uncover the secrets of the natural world. A host of hands-on fun activities inspired by nature for 4-10 year olds with a bit of art and poetry thrown in.
Tickets: £1 for under 11s · Adults free · Children's tea provided by The King William IV Pub & Restaurant (not included in ticket price)

Wild about Speen
A fascinating talk and slide show revealing the secrets of the fauna and flora in Speen and North Dean during the course of the year by local expert Peter Symonds. Peter has been busy collating his most up-to-date wildlife sightings not far from your doorstep: a chance for us all to stop and reflect on the wildlife treats so close to home. Doors open 7.45pm.
Tickets: £3 adults (including a glass of wine) · £2 for under 16s
Refreshments available

Jazz Concert: 'Johnny Mercer, A Life In Music'
An evening of jazz by the Martin Hart Quintet with Lynn Garner featuring the music and life story of Johnny Mercer, one of the quintessential giants of the 20th century popular-song genre. A man who won 4 Academy Awards and was nominated for a further 19. Doors open 7.30pm.
Tickets: £12 · Advance booking essential · Bring your own drinks

Thursday 15 September

7.30pm

Festival Marquee

Science Matters
A night guaranteed to keep you young. A thought-provoking debate with experts on topical science issues, including the brain, the mind and ageing, compered by Professor Barry Stickings CBE and featuring the editor of New Scientist Roger Highfield and technology consultant Sandy Primrose. Come and join Speen's own take on Question Time, without the politicians. Doors open at 7pm. Email questions by 8 Sept to: director@speenfestival.org.
Tickets: £5 adults · £2 students · Refreshments available

Youth Takeover
Can you walk the walk? This could be your moment. A talented young line-up will take the Festival platform as artists, comedians, singers, video artists, dancers - performers in many different guises. You could be one of them, or book a ticket to support your friends and neighbours who are keen to do just that! Sign up to perform or help (including adult mentors) via email: director@speenfestival.org or visit Speen Stores.
Click here for more details - don't miss workshops on Sept 1 and 6!
Tickets: £2 · Registered participants and youth organisers free
BBQ and soft drinks available (not included in ticket price)
NB this is an evening presented by young adults for young adults between the ages of 13 to 25

Friday 16 September

from 8pm

The King William IV Pub & Restaurant

Friday Folk
Folk music is enjoying a renaissance, come and find out why and enjoy live acoustic music at its best. If you can't get to Dingle, or even Towersey, come and join us for a great night in the local.
Free admission · Families welcome before 9pm · Refreshments available

This local children's theatre company, riotous as ever, return to Speen with a re-working of the Lewis Carroll tale told through the eyes of the sleepy dormouse - with lots and lots and lots of cups of tea. For children under 10, and parents, if silly enough.
Tickets: £5 children · Adults free · Refreshments available

Saturday 17 September

2pm - 4pm

Speen Bike Park, Ridgley's Field

Speen Bike Park Challenge
With new biking challenges, this event will test your biking skills to the limit. You can also just come and have fun! Three age groups (6-18 years) will compete for the coveted awards and prizes. Bike helmets compulsory and bikes are checked for condition.
Tickets: £2.50 (incl BBQ) · Spectators free

Cabaret Supper   SOLD OUT
An intoxicating and stylish evening of food, drink & entertainment with a twist of Art Nouveau. The Festival ends as it began with a riotous ball in a hilltop village surrounded by woodland - only 100 years on. Some regular and some surprising events come together to form our homegrown, and sumptuous, cabaret supper.
Tickets: £25 (including a reception drink and 3 course meal) · Advance booking essential · Licensed bar · Dress: Black tie 1911 or 2011

Prom in the Playing Field
Just when you thought it was all over: a fabulous free finale afternoon treat for all ages. Settle down for an entertaining afternoon of music classics and some prom style participation with impresario Sam Laughton. A collaboration of local orchestras and soloists will showcase their talent and perform favourites from film, TV and the classical masters. Supporting Iain Rennie Hospice at Home - part of Iain Rennie Grove House Hospice Care. Registered Charity: 1140386.
Click here for more details
Free admission · Bring your own refreshments and seating or indulge in the champagne and beer tent, BBQ and afternoon tea from the KW4