Turning Of The Year 2025
The annual Turning of the Year concert, featuring performers from Moretonhampstead and Chagford, is returning to Moreton’s Parish Hall on Friday 10th January at 7pm.
Each year, the concert raises funds for the Art Raft creativity group. Art Raft provides 30 creative sessions a year for local people who want to explore their creativity in a friendly and supportive environment.
Turning of the Year hosts a range of musicians, storytellers and other entertainers in a gentle, acoustic-only introduction to the New Year. A wider range of performers has been confirmed for the event, which has become a regular feature of Moretonhampstead’s festive celebrations. Performances range from music to poetry, storytelling and comedy.
“It’s very special evening that reflects the best of Moreton’s close-knit,” says Steve Coxon, one of the organisers. “Every performance is acoustic and the atmosphere is terrific. It’s a wonderful way to round off the festive season as we all get ready for the year ahead.”
Delivered in 10-week blocks of sessions at Moretonhampstead’s Green Hill arts centre, Art Raft provides each participant with “the space to socialise and explore their own creativity at their own pace, in their own way,” says artist Melinda Schwakhofer, who leads Art Raft sessions.
Activities include drawing, collage, painting, poetry, stories and a range of other creative activities. Each two-hour session ends with tea, coffee and biscuits.
“Art Raft is entering its 10th year of operation in 2025, with the Turning of the Year event making a huge contribution to the success of the project,” says Melinda.
Art Raft is one of many initiatives that comes under the wing of Wellmoor, which aims to foster community wellbeing in North East Dartmoor. The Moretonhampstead-based organisation works to enable, facilitate, coordinate and connect health and wellbeing initiatives that meet the diverse needs of people living in the area.
All the performers at Turning of the Year donate their time free of charge. Entry to the event is also free, with money raised through audience donations and a raffle. Proceeds from a licensed bar also helps to raise funds.
This year’s event will start at 7pm, with the Moretonhampstead Community Folk Orchestra getting the music underway from 7.15pm.
A full schedule of performances will be announced closer to the date via Moreton’s Facebook Community Hub - @moretonhampsteadcommunityhub
Moretonhampstead’s Parish Hall is located on Fore Street, Moreetonhampstead, TQ13 8LL. Parking is limited, with the nearest car parks at Court Street and Station Road. Seating is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. “Based on the ‘sold-out’ attendance at previous years’ performances, the advice is to arrive early,” says Steve Coxon.
