
'THIS IS YOUR HOUR' A celebration of VE Day in Music and Words
Sunday 27 April
3pm
St Nicholas Church Peper Harow
Sunday 27 April
3pm
St Nicholas Church Peper Harow
May 2025 marks eighty years since the end of hostilities in Europe after six brutal years of war. On VE Day, Prime Minister Winston Churchill addressed the cheering crowds announcing 'this is your hour', reflecting the sacrifices endured by the population during World War Two and launching the nationwide celebrations. We are honoured to mark this special anniversary with a unique concert.
Inspired by the VE Day anniversary, Lucy Parham and friends present a programme of music and words which brought hope and comfort during World War Two, while celebrating the uplifting effect of performance even in the darkest times. From music associated with wartime classics to the words of Noel Coward, join us for a musical celebration of a very special time.
Renowned international pianist Lucy Parham returns to her home village of Shackleford, to lead a spectacular ensemble of performers uniting together to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two. Led by Lucy from the piano, in partnership with fellow pianist Richard Sisson, enjoy a carefully curated programme which unites established creative talents with those at the start of their performing careers. The programme will embrace piano music played by the great Dame Myra Hess, words from inspirational writers from Winston Churchill to Shakespeare, songs to enhance the wartime spirit and saxophone for that unmistakeable Big Band sound.
Internationally renowned performer Sian Philips joins Shackleford Concerts for the first time, to share readings and performances for this special occasion
We are delighted to welcome Edward Fox to join us, best known for performances from ‘The Day of the Jackal‘ to the iconic portrayal of Edward VIII in 'Edward and Mrs Simpson'
Shackleford Concerts favourite Joanna David returns with her witty blend of charm, humour and grace, sharing our stage, for the first time, with her husband Edward Fox.
Acclaimed young soprano Rachel Nicholls joins our line up for performances which will range from the sublime and classical to the upbeat influences of the Great American Songbook. And 'We'll Meet Again'? You bet!
No Shackleford Concert would be complete without this maestro of composition, arrangement and performance. We hear tell he is particularly excited to have found a piano duet based on the Dambuster March...
Jonathan Radford, regarded as one of the leading saxophonists of his generation and recognised for his “virtuosity and engaging musicianship” (Gramophone Magazine) brings irrepressible flair to our musical line up.
Tickets for this lovely concert are £35 each, to include tea. All seating is unreserved and parking is available opposite the church. Peper Harow enjoys underfloor heating (just in case!) with good sight lines from every seat.
Following the concert, afternoon tea will be served in the church, included in the price of your ticket. Tea will reflect our wartime theme, but fear not...no powdered egg or spam sandwiches. Just home made food made with the best natural ingredients!
Peper Harow is an enchanting church but it has a small capacity. To ensure you can join us for this special event, please don't leave it too late to book!
Tickets will be available through the Shackleford Village Shop and on this website.
Unlike our Christmas event, there will only be
ONE PERFORMANCE of this concert.
Car parking is available adjacent to the church in Peper Harow either on the road or in the car park opposite. For those coming by public transport, the nearest station is Godalming. The church postcode is
GU8 6BG
All seats are unreserved. Please have either your card ticket or online booking ready for us to check on the door. If you happen to come without your ticket, don't worry - we'll have a list on the door of everyone who has booked.
We are so very grateful to everyone in Shackleford who enables us to present these concerts. Do please show your support through our concluding cash collection from which we always make a donation to the church.
Shackleford Concerts is funded by the generosity our audience and the support of our artists who perform for reduced fees. So we can plan realistically for the future, we wish to build reserves to cover our costs and programme with confidence. Our FOUNDER FRIENDS MEMBERSHIP will help us do this.
Shackleford Concerts is made possible by the great support we receive from the Rev Hannah Moore and her team. Our concerts take place at St Mary's Church Shackleford, and at St Nicholas Church Peper Harow. There is adjacent free parking at both churches.
Shackleford Concerts is managed by
Lucy Parham and Mary Hamilton, through
The Company Presents Mgt Ltd.
St Mary's Church Shackleford GU8 6AY St Nicholas Church Peper Harow GU8 6BG