The Beverley Town Handbell Ringers offer the chance for audience members to have a go as well as listen to a variety of well known tunes demonstrating different ringing styles.

The Beverley Town Handbell Ringers was formed in February, 1981 and, by the loan of a set of old disused bells from Elland in West Yorkshire, were able to set about raising the funds to buy the present ‘long set’ purchased in August, 1983.

They play on a set of 137 Whitechapel bells which cover a range of five chromatic octaves. Using some of the 60 duplicated and triplicated bells permits the execution of the fast chromatic runs.

The ten ringers, four treble, four tenor and two bass, ring ‘off table’ in a traditional ‘Yorkshire Style’ and are directed and conducted by John Atkinson.

At the festival they will be performing a concert with an opportunity for audience participation and an insight into the bells and the ringing style.

They will be playing a varied selection of light classical and modern pieces, each lasting no longer than five minutes many of which are well known marches and waltzes.

The ringers are delighted to be making a return visit to the East Riding Theatre and being part once again of Stage4Beverley’s Winter Festival.