Doxford Hall Hotel and Spa has come to the rescue of one of Northumberland’s youngest, most highly acclaimed groups, the Northumbrian Ranters to help them mark their 10th anniversary.
Richard Johnstone, Musical Director of The Ranters was given the devastating news that this milestone the concert, arranged to take place on Saturday 25th June at the Northumberland Hall in Alnwick, would not be able to go ahead due to necessary building work. This was scheduled to be a major event with former band members travelling the length and breadth of the country to play alongside the current members.
On hearing of their dilemma, and with the concert nearly having to be cancelled, Doxford Hall has come to the rescue, offering to host this event in at cost price. With 60 musicians expected on stage, the Ranters can now mark their 10th with a concert which will undoubtedly be a highlight of the year for the performers, their friends’ family and guests.
Commenting Mark Booth, General Manager of Doxford Hotel and Spa said: “We are delighted to be able to step in and help The Ranters in their hour of need. They are tremendous group of young musicians and we are absolutely privileged to have the opportunity to welcome them back to Doxford Hall in their hour of need. Their concerts are always hugely popular at our annual festival The Northumberland Music Festival, and I’m sure that their 10th anniversary reunion celebrations will be a highlight for everyone.”
The performance, which will take place on Saturday 25th June, is to be a representation of ten years of both past and present players who have played and toured with the band. The concert and family ceilidh are open to everyone with donations being taken at the door.
Regularly performing at the Northumberland Music Festival hosted annually at Doxford Hall, over the years a huge number of people have been involved in the Ranters and this really is an amazing music platform, demonstrating a real resurgence in traditional Northumbrian music.
Delighted that the concert is able to go ahead, Fiona Johnstone, Business Development Officer for Music Partnership North-Northumberland, expresses her gratitude: “The Northumbrian Ranters are very grateful once again to Doxford Hall for hosting the 10th anniversary reunion. Mr Parker and the staff at Doxford Hall are outstanding in offering their ongoing support to the talented young people within the ensemble.
“The continued support has enabled students to create their latest CD together with the opportunity to perform to a much wider audience through the Northumberland Music Festival.”
Providing a fantastic opportunity for past and present members to swap stories about how being a member of The Ranters has enriched their lives and helped them with their musical careers, this performance will also, with the kind donations of all those attending raise funds for the students as they are heading for Shetland in the October half term.
The day will start with everyone arriving at 11am, there will be a full band rehearsal 11am to 4pm with the concert taking place between 6pm and 7.30pm, to be followed by the family ceilidh at7.30pm, the evening will conclude at 10pm.
Part of the Robert Parker Collection, Doxford Hall is located close to the Northumberland Coast, midway between Newcastle and Edinburgh. With its 4 AA Red Stars, a 2 AA Rosette Restaurant, and a handful of other accolades, including North East Small Hotel of the Year and 4 gold stars for the quality of its staff, accommodation and public areas, attention to detail is evident throughout as soon as you drive into the grounds.
For further information about Doxford Hall please visits – www.doxfordhall.co.uk or for further information about the Northumbrian Ranters contact Richard Johnstone@northumberland.gov.uk or by phoning 01670 624047.