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In 2020, St Botolph’s Church in
Barton Seagrave celebrates its 900th
anniversary. In 1120-22, Geoffrey
de Clinton is recorded as having built
on the current site of St Botolph’s
in Barton Seagrave, a church
with Norman architecture, and as
having “given” it to the Monastery
of Kenilworth. There may well have
been an earlier building on the site,
but we can be sure that by 2020,
there will have been a Christian
presence in Barton Seagrave for at
least 900 years.
So, to celebrate 900 plus years
of Christian witness in Barton
Seagrave, it is planned that there
should be a series of special
activities and events throughout
2020.
This series of events is being called “Festival 900+”.
Most of the events are free of charge, the only exceptions
being the six professional concerts constituting the fi rst
Barton Seagrave Festival of Music.
Already, back in the autumn of 2019, children from
Barton Seagrave Primary School and Hayfi eld
Cross Primary School raised the
money for, and planted in St Botolph’s
Churchyard, 900 daffodil bulbs which
will fl ower for the fi rst time in the
spring of 2020.
What is going to be happening in 2020?
Sun 9th February Ceremonial planting of nine trees
in Church House garden.
Sun 26th April Opening “Civic” service at 6.30 pm.
Sat 2nd – Mon 4th May History tours of church. Various times throughout the day.
Fri 8th May Barton Seagrave Festival of Music -
Concert by Fiori Musicali, playing Vivaldi’s
Four Seasons plus vocal interludes.
Sat 9th May Barton Seagrave Festival of Music -
Concert by Rushden Town Band.
Wed 13th May Barton Seagrave Festival of Music -
Refl ection Strings playing popular classics.
Fri 15th May Barton Seagrave Festival of Music -
Chris Pearce’s Frenchmen Street Jazz Band -
Traditional jazz at its best from one of the
country’s top jazz bands.
Sat 16th May Barton Seagrave Festival of Music
- Rutland Wind Ensemble plays a varied programme
including the beautiful “Petite Symphony” by Gounod.
Wed 20th May Barton Seagrave Festival of Music -
Top John Denver tribute act, Chris Bannister,
performs John Denver’s greatest hits and covers.
Sat 23rd – Mon 25th May Flower Festival, Art Exhibition,
History Exhibition and Coffee
Shop in Church and Church House, all day
except when there is a Sunday service.
Sat 13th June History tours of church. Various times
throughout the day.
Sun 14th June “Celebration of Ministry” service, including
extra ringing of bells. 3pm in the church.
Wed 17th June St Botolph’s Day. Special 3½ hour peal
of bells “Barton Seagrave Delight”. Time to be announced.
In addition to these scheduled events, there are plans
for a cricket match between St Botolph’s and Christ the
King churches, the burying of a time capsule, a giant
rounders match, a special harvest supper and no doubt
other activities that will enable the church to share with
the community its delight in the faithfulness of God.
Further details, including details of how to obtain tickets
for the Festival of Music concerts, can be found on the
Festival 900+ website: www.festival900.org
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