Four Seasons on Ashdown Forest

BBC Radio 3’s Katie Derham hosts a cultural celebration

On Saturday 13 November at the Ashdown Park Hotel, Katie Derham will be indulging her passion for classical music and Ashdown Forest when she hosts an evening of music and photography. The event, organised by The Ashdown Forest Foundation (TAFF), combines the talents of the Icon Strings Quartet – featuring internationally renowned first violinist Martyn Jackson - with powerful images by local photographer Craig Payne.  The quartet will perform Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and there will be an opportunity to purchase copies of Craig’s new book on Ashdown Forest beautifully crafted during the covid lockdowns.

Katie has the Forest in her heart and lives nearby with her family. The Forest provides a restful backdrop to her busy life in the media as a host on BBC Radio 3 and as the face of the BBC Proms. Katie also presents a podcast called “Just the Tonic” that explores the transformational power of music in people’s lives.

Ashdown Forest’s Chief Executive James Adler said:

“We are really looking forward to celebrating the unique beauty of the Forest through music and photography, and very fortunate that Katie has agreed to host our event.  Vivaldi’s Four Seasons is the perfect musical backdrop to the Forest over a year and we also have the visual accompaniment of Craig’s stunning photographs.  Between each of the concertos Katie will be chatting to Craig and me about how the seasons impact on the Forest, and the unique flora and fauna that call this amazing place their home.”

Katie added:

“Ashdown Forest is a fascinating landscape very close to my heart. This wonderful event combines my love of music with my desire to support the Forest. I am looking forward to hosting a fantastic evening of music and photography in the beautiful Ashdown Park Hotel.”

All proceeds from the event will support The Ashdown Forest Foundation, a registered charity established to raise awareness and funds to conserve and enhance Ashdown Forest for the enjoyment, education, health and recreation of current and future generations. Tickets and more information can be found at: Four Seasons on Ashdown Forest Tickets, Sun 13 Nov 2022 at 19:30 | Eventbrite

For anyone wishing to purchase Craig’s beautiful book of photography it is available at the Ashdown Forest online shop: https://ashdownforest.org/shop/  and copies can be collected or bought on the night.