Harpsichords, medieval pipers and a world-renowned conductor are on the bill this weekend, says festival director Victoria Hull

As Idler Festival goers wander the gardens of Fenton House next weekend they will come across an eccentric sight.

In the nook of a box hedge, or of a sunken rose garden, or beside Fenton’s “golden gates”, musician Will Summers will be piping his way through folk and psychedelic grooves using instruments from bygone eras. Get there on Friday for early accreditation at 5.30pm and you’ll catch a special performance from the maestro.

Headline music acts include Georgia Mann of Radio 3, Arthur Jeffes of Penguin Cafe and Louis Eliot of Rialto. Ed Hopwood and The Rigmarollers will play classic roots in the orchard and poet Murray Lachlan Young will DJ.

In the house you will catch a soundscape of harpsichord recitals from Fenton’s collection of early keyboard instruments.

You’ll be able to try your hand at learning the harmonica or the Idler’s favourite instrument, the ukulele, at workshops throughout the weekend.

And you can join a rousing singalong finale with conductor Charles Hazlewood.
Come and make merry with us.

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