ASPIRING musicians from schools in Bridgwater had the chance over Easter to head out a manor in the Quantocks to learn folk music.

Students from Chilton Trinity, Haygrove, Robert Blake and Bridgwater College Academy went to Halsway Manor near Crowcombe where they prepared for a performance at the manor’s Hothouse Festival.

Joe Hardman said: “At Halsway Manor it’s great to be surrounded by like-minded musicians. It’s a great place to develop knowledge and further yourself as a musician.”

This is the third year the six-day course has been run, which gets bursary funding from Futures for Somerset to run the course.

Luke Shadrick said: “The tutors are really inspirational and it’s had a really positive impact on my music.”

Joe Bevan said: “Before I came to Halsway I had never played folk music. It’s enjoyable to play and lots of fun.”