MUNDESLEY FESTIVAL - A VIBRANT START

Mundesley Festival had an energetic kick-start with North Norfolk's very own Constantia Brothers at The Coronation Hall on Sunday.  A full house enjoyed a Greek song and dance extravaganza laced with colour and Mediterranean romance.

The powerful beat of 'Who Pays The Ferryman' was drowned by a roar of approval by an enthusiastic audience when the brothers burst onto the stage for the first time in six years.  There was no warm up act needed in an already simmering atmosphere just before the start.

A well-choreographed and polished performance included a spectacular dance routine by Maria and Nicko early on, backed by a song that is to be featured on BBC Television in September. Bouzouki impresario, Yas, dazzled with an amazing display of solo pieces and duets with lead guitarist Sotiris Yiasimi, while Gary and Andreas Yiasimi kept feet tapping in the rhythm section.  It was obvious that a few years in the recording studio writing for some major labels hadn't affected the brothers charismatic stage presence.

The main thing that impressed me about the show was the continuous flow that hardly gave the swaying crowd a chance to catch their breath.  A string of musical gems included 'The White Rose Of Athens and 'Never On A Sunday'.  In true Constantia fashion the element of surprise was never too far away with a rendition of Benny Hill's Andalusian Gypsies that had us all in stitches.

The first half climaxed with the ever popular 'Zorba The Greek' that had most of the audience dancing in the aisles.  It was hard to imagine what could be done to raise the second part of the show that had already reached boiling point.  The best was saved till last in a demonstration of captivating instrumentation and musicianship that confirmed why the brothers have such a large following in the UK and in Cyprus where they were recently featured in an International TV documentary.  The show reached fever pitch in a finale that highlighted the Brothers virtuosity on their instruments with some fascinating finger work.  A deserved standing ovation was inevitable for Norfolk's Greek phenomenon.

Photograph from left to right - Garry Dungar, Andreas Yiasimi, Nicko Yiasimi, Maria Yiasimi, Yiasoumis Yiasimi, Sotiris Yiasimi.

SHERINGHAM PARK DOG SHOW

The sun shone for the first Companion Dog Show held at Sheringham Park on Sunday 30th of July in aid of The National Trust which was a great success with over 100 dogs entering a variety of pedigree and fun classes including Best Rescue won by Beth Poulter and her Collie cross from Sheringham (see photo), most appealing expression and dog with the waggiest tail. Best in Show was won by Vanessa England and her large Munsterlander and Reserve Best in Show was Mrs Graske with her Bracco.  Best puppy was won by Sally Pewe and her Burmese Mountain Dog.  The Main judge was Linda Lloyd and the handling classes were judged by Pat Willmott.