A VARIETY of high quality performances of live music, theatre, dance, circus and family shows is set for rural Dorset this Spring.

The Artsreach Spring Programme has been announced and features events from more than 30 exciting companies and performers.

With the support of the Arts Council, Dorset County Council, and North, West, East and Purbeck District Councils, plus local solicitors Blanchards Bailey, rural communities will host theatre at Dorset village halls across the county.

For music lovers, a real medley of styles and genres is on offer this spring. Welsh supergroup ALAW make a welcome return to Dorset with a date at Wootton Fitzpaine near Lyme Regis on January 10 following their recent TV appearance at the BBC Folk Proms. Bristol-based a capella folk and shanty group The Longest Johns make their Artsreach debut. From the Flanders region of Belgium, energetic young band WÖR head to the UK with an array of instruments.

The inimitable ‘Spats’ Langham and Hot Fingers present an eclectic mix of tunes from the 1920-40s, which were deemed unsuitable for public ears by various authorities of the time. The partnership between Artsreach and the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra continues, with a Spring concert by a trio of flute, viola and harp, a new recital from Kokoro, the BSO’s contemporary ensemble, and two concerts by Resound, the BSO’s professional ensemble of disabled musicians.

Acclaimed klezmer and Balkan band She’koyokh, led by Turkish vocalist Cigdem Aslan, offer a thrilling evening of music for singing and dancing to. Formed after meeting at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and Royal Academy of Music, Mela guitar quartet bring the colours and textures of four classical guitars to life. 2019 brings gypsy folk-rock band Holy Moly & The Crackers back out on the world stage with the release of a brand new album. Recently nominated as ‘Best Emerging Artist’ at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, Dorset duo Ninebarrow are back with exquisite, original music inspired by the landscape.

Renowned bass player Alec Dankworth teams up with daughter Emily and two leading musicians to offer an evening of global song and improvisation with World Spirit. Finally Northern Harmony, Vermont’s world music choir, present music from across the globe.

*ALAW, Wootton Fitzpaine Village Hall, Lyme Regis, Thursday, January 10, 7.30pm. Call Sue Beckers on 01297 560948 to book or go to artsreach.co.uk