2nd June 2017

Enjoy Long Summer Evenings with Dartington Lates

One of the best things about Summer in South Devon is the ability to enjoy late evenings outdoors – and what could be better than spending an evening in a beautiful setting listening to music?

We’ve spoken to Dartington Estate about their Summer Late’s concert programme. Each day in August, the beautiful and historic Dartington Estate is transformed into a stunning venue for concerts, where you can enjoy everything from opera, choral concerts, jazz, folk, arts, films and so much more.

Read more below to find out what’s on and what’s not to miss.

What are Dartington Summer Lates and when are they on?

Summer Lates are part of the concert programme by Dartington’s International Summer School & Festival. There are up to three concerts each night in August and we want to encourage locals and visitors to come and enjoy the beautiful Dartington Estate, take a walk in the gardens, have a bite to eat and a drink and listen to some music. Our late concerts are at 10pm each night, Sunday to Friday.

Who should come to Dartington Summer Lates?

The concert programme is eclectic so there’s certainly something for everyone. Make the most of your summer evenings and come and try something new in an informal setting. Expect vibrant sequences of live music and spoken word; jazz, world and folk music, cutting-edge first performances, and new twists on the old.

Tell us a bit about the history of Dartington Summer Lates, How did they start?

We wanted to find a place for the more experimental collaborations between the extraordinary musicians who are at Dartington for the festival and to use these as a reason for people to come and visit and explore the beautiful estate at the same time.

Are there any top concerts? Ones not to be missed?

Huw Warren, the great jazz pianist (Mon 31^st), Innocence and Experience, Lullabies and Fairytales (Weds 9th) explores folk music and tales, The incredible Dead Rat Orchestra (Sun 20th) (raw, exciting folk ensemble) and a rare chance to hear John Cage’s masterpieces on piano by Joanna MacGregor (Mon 21st).

What can people expect during a concert? What events are on and what do they entail?

Follow the illuminated trees down to our medieval great hall, grab a drink from our pop up outdoor bar or The White Hart and find a seat. Dartington’s new Green Table café will be open until 9pm and we’ll also have a BBQ for quick bites.