MIDWINTER magic is on its way for Bridport’s first ever Winter Solstice Festival.

On December 21 at Bridport Electric Palace Bridport transforms into Bollywood for one night only with the mighty Dhol Foundation.

On December 22, join Billy Bragg for a night of music and discussion for Whatever Happened To The Protest Song?

Festival organiser Simon Emmerson said: “It’s something that’s been talked about in the area for a long time, but it’s been so full on with touring and gigging, I’ve never been able to do it.

“And then we just decided to do it. I hope it becomes an annual event. I really like the idea of local musicians hosting events, not just gigs, but ones that involve the whole literary and art scene.”

Simon said: “The idea is to bring together music and literary creativity to Bridport and the West Country in the depths of winter.

“Glastonbury has a festival at midsummer, Bridport will have a festival in midwinter.”

The festival came about after discussions between Simon and Margery Hookings, from the Electric Palace, who both live at Broadwindsor.

Margery said: “We’ve been talking about it for ages.

“This part of the West Country is rich in creativity and musicianship and we both thought something like this would go down really well. It’s just been about finding the time, and the right time, to do it.

“I now work for the Electric Palace and it just seemed the perfect fit. So I asked the manager, Susan Warren, and she jumped at the chance of being involved.”

Billy Bragg, who lives at Burton Bradstock, was equally enthusiastic.

He said “Midsummer festivals are all well and good, but midwinter is when we all need cheering up.

“Looking to bring some heat and light to the subject of political song as part of what I hope will be the first of many Bridport Solstice Festivals.”

n Bridport Winter Solstice Festival on Wednesday, December 21 and Thursday, December 22. Contact Bridport Electric Palace for timings and tickets.