Gala to boost Lowestoft's Britten as a Boy statue campaign

Organised as part of an ongoing appeal to raise funds to install a statue of Benjamin Britten, as a boy, looking out over the sea that inspired his music in his birth town of Lowestoft, the musical gala will be performed on November 25.

Benjamin Britten (Image: Supplied)

What Bliss is Home! will grace the stage at The Players Theatre on Battery Green Road, Lowestoft on November 25 - a few days after what would have been Britten’s 110th birthday.

The Players Theatre, Lowestoft (Image: Lowestoft Players)

The concert is being held in aid of Lowestoft’s Britten as a Boy statue campaign, which continues to gathers pace.

Zeb Soanes and sculptor Ian Rank-Broadley with the clay model of the Britten as a Boy statue (Image: Zeb Soanes)

In April last year, a community project was unveiled with the aim of raising funds to have the statue installed looking out over the sea that inspired the world famous composer, conductor and pianist in his birth town of Lowestoft.

Britten was born on Kirkley Cliff, Lowestoft.

He lived in the town until he was 21 and grew up to become one of the great composers of the 20th century.

A spokesman for the team of passionate locals that form the Britten as a Boy statue committee said: "Rather than the adult Britten at the height of his powers, we choose to celebrate him as the Lowestoft boy who went on to achieve great things."

Finn Collinson. Picture: Rowan Collinson (Image: Rowan Collinson)

An evening of top quality folk and acoustic music is in store as the concert on November 25 features some national folk acts.

The Blow-ins. Picture: The Blow-ins (Image: The Blow-ins)

Performing will be The John Ward Trio, Finn Collinson, The Blow-Ins, Chris Harrison, Group A Lowestoft children’s choir, musicians from the Suffolk
Music Service and a virtual performance by the award winning Young ‘Uns.

The Young'Uns. Picture: The Young'Uns (Image: The Young'Uns)

The spokesman added: "Thanks to generous public donations, we have raised half of the £110,000 needed to install the statue."

To book tickets visit www.brittenasaboy.com/events