Warwickshire retirement village launches ‘summer of culture’ with exciting line-up of outdoor events

Great Alne Park, which is owned by later living operator Inspired Villages, has kicked off the first of its summer events with an outdoor opera performance by the acclaimed ‘Gala Voices’.

On Friday 28th May, residents of Great Alne Park enjoyed the first event with an evening of opera. Alongside pianist Louisa Lam, tenor Alex Haigh, mezzo-soprano Rosie Clifford, soprano Anna Harrison and baritone Samiel Oram performed a selection of popular songs from the some of the best-known operas, as well a selection of more contemporary pieces. 

The village, which is nestled in 78-acres of parkland just outside Alcester, is celebrating friends and family reuniting after over a year of restrictions, with an array of events running until August 2021. The village will host theatre performances, concerts, gardening demonstrations, literary events and much more, with a selection held in association with Stratford Literary Festival.

With its dedicated grass amphitheatre and large grounds, the venue will be able to provide safe physical distancing for audiences to enjoy performances in a magical outdoor setting.

Exclusive events for residents, and their friends and family, include a sunset opera concert and a gardening demonstration with acclaimed gardener and RHS judge Jim Buttress.

Meanwhile, a performance of Petticoat Council, which was written by local playwright Frankie Meredith, and is touring local venues will be coming to Great Alne Park’s amphitheatre to perform for residents and the local community.

Furthermore, Inspired Villages, in association with Stratford Literary Festival, will host an exciting line-up of events, open to all, celebrating music, books, hobbies and living-well, in the beautiful grounds at Great Alne Park.

Taking place from 7-9 July, the schedule for these public events includes the following:

Wednesday 7th July

Miss Baby Sol Sultry Soul and Jazz Music

Thursday 8th July

Calligraphy Workshop

Look Your Best with Style Guru Fiona Ingham

Did you Sleep Well? With Psychotherapist and Author of The Science of Sleep Heather Darwall-Smith

Friday 9th July

Words and Music for a Summer’s Evening - Classic Music and Readings

Gardening Questions with expert Pippa Greenwood

A Lifetime of Flowers with World-Renowned Florist Simon Lycett

Wine Tasting with Wine Columnist and Author Jamie Goode

Ben Ling, Village Manager at Great Alne Park, comments: “After over a year of lockdown restrictions we are so excited to be launching the summer of culture here at Great Alne Park and opening our magnificent amphitheatre to the public.

“We know how important cultural experiences are for retirees and spending quality time with friends and family, as well as enjoying music, theatre and creative events all go towards improving our social, mental and physical wellbeing.”

Ben adds: “We also understand how hard the pandemic has been for the arts and culture industry with so many events cancelled, so we’re really proud to be supporting performers.”

Annie Ashworth, Director of Stratford Literary Festival, comments: 'We’re so pleased to be curating this wonderful line-up of events at Great Alne Park. It is a lovely venue where everyone can enjoy an eclectic programme covering culture, music, wellness and wine in beautiful surroundings.”

Great Alne Park is home to 166 attractive later living cottages and apartments, set within 78 acres of stunning parkland. The village boasts a range of impressive facilities, including a swimming pool and wellness centre, as well as a restaurant and bar, games room, library and even an art-deco themed, in-house cinema.

To find out more and to book tickets, please visit:
www.stratfordliteraryfestival.co.uk/summer-at-great-alne-park