Glastonbury was not the only music festival happening last weekend – it was also the inaugural Newton St. Cyres Music Festival, and unlike Glastonbury, audiences at Newton had three separate opportunities to hear Exeter School’s jazz/funk band, Swunk.
First stop on their mini-tour was Newton St. Cyres Primary School, where the group led a performance workshop, enjoyed by pupils and parents ranging in age from Reception up to Year 6. The band then moved on to The Beer Engine pub, where they performed at the end of the outdoor awning, which provided shade and a helpful acoustic. Those dining and drinking at the pub were so appreciative of the band, the landlord has booked them for a return visit in September. Next stop was Belluno, a popular Italian restaurant in the village. Swunk performed their final set outdoors, and were again warmly received by diners.
Several of the group then rounded off their musical day by attending the second half of a concert in the church delivered by Exeter Chamber Choir, conducted by Exeter School piano teacher Mr Daldorph, and whose singers include teachers Mrs Guthrie, Mrs Francis and Lower Sixth pupil Dominic, who earlier in the evening played with Swunk.
