Headling and opening the two day festival is Joji Hirota and the Taiko Drummers. Joji’s taiko group have performed across the UK, including WOMAD festivals, and internationally to great acclaim.  The group’s concert programmes have a distinctly Japanese flavour, including Joji’s performances of shakuhachi (bamboo flute) and vocals of Japanese folk songs arranged by him in addition to the awesome power of the taiko drums. 

Different taiko groups from across the country will perform at these two concerts and don't be fooled by the word “youth”.  The performers may be teenagers but the technical quality, energy and excitement of the youth taiko performances have been a real highlight in previous years.  Kagemusha Junior Taiko have performed in Tokyo, alongside the junior taiko champions of Japan, and the standard of performance of all the groups gets higher every year.  Along with the Friday night concert, either of these shows could easily be the most exciting and inspirational events you attend this year.

Tickets are £5 and available from the box office on 01923 711063