THIS to me has been the highlight of The Swaledale Festival, and the very essence of the force behind it.

Late afternoon, with the sun low in the sky within the old stone Norman Church, Susanna Pell (viols) and Jacob Heringman (lute) joined the sellout audience.

We were transported back to the days of circular music with wonderful repeated melodies, themes and progressions.

Much of the music was originally composed in the 1500s, and both Jacob and Susanna made it all so effortless and fun.

Because of the nature of the music, the reels and grounds, it was as though each one played or sung was an old favourite.

Living in Richmond, it is great to have such fine musicians on the doorstep.

The soaring voice of Faye Newton fitted the scene perfectly. It was easy to see why she has performed as a soloist at the BBC Proms at The Royal Albert Hall. Each song was sung with expression and emotion and obvious enjoyment.

At times it was almost a fusion of the medieval, opera, with a little bit of jazz and sparkle thrown in.

Full use of the space available was made, and the junior choir of St.

Mary’s Parish Church, Richmond, was just wonderful.

Their voices were a clear, ringing accompaniment to the proceedings, and the timing was faultless. The choir itself has existed in various forms since the 1600s and the church’s music director Colin Hicks should be very proud of today’s line-up.

This performance by all concerned was the full package, and encompassed the grounds of Easby Abbey, the 13th century wall paintings, the strawberry teas, the sunshine and the atmosphere.

Amanda Adams