A BBC classical music presenter and Ashdown Forest local is to lend her voice to a cultural celebration in aid of the beauty spot’s charitable arm.
BBC Radio 3’s Katie Derham, who is also a BBC Proms presenter, will host a cultural celebration featuring music and photography organised by The Ashdown Forest Foundation (TAFF) on November 13.
The evening event will combine music from the Icon Strings Quartet with an exhibition by local photographer Craig Payne, who has published a new book on the Ashdown Forest.
The Ashdown Forest’s chief executive James Adler said: “We are really looking forward to celebrating the unique beauty of the Forest through music and photography, and we’re very fortunate that Katie has agreed to host our event.
“Vivaldi’s ‘Four Seasons’ is the perfect musical backdrop to the Forest over a year and we also have the visual accompaniment of Craig’s stunning photographs.
“Between each of the concertos, Katie will be chatting to Craig and me about how the seasons impact on the Forest, and the unique flora and fauna that call this amazing place their home.”
Katie said: “Ashdown Forest is a fascinating landscape very close to my heart. This wonderful event combines my love of music with my desire to support the Forest.”
Proceeds from the event will support TAFF, a registered charity established to raise awareness and funds to conserve and enhance Ashdown Forest.
Tickets for ‘Four Seasons on Ashdown Forest’ on November 13 at 7:30pm in the Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club, are available from Eventbrite. Craig Payne’s book can be bought on the night or ordered from AshdownForest.org/shop and collected on the night.
