ENGLISH MUSIC FESTIVAL

That this House congratulates the organisers of the English Music Festival which is to be held in Dorchester on Thames starting this weekend; recognises that the festival is an exciting new project that will celebrate England's rich musical heritage by showcasing the brilliance, innovation and beauty of English music; welcomes the festival's devotion to keeping important works by major British composers in the repertoire, as well as resurrecting the many forgotten gems by a host of lesser-known composers, whose exquisitely crafted works never fail to surprise and enchant, ranging from the timeless delights of Tallis and Byrd to the power and drama of Howells and Britten; and hopes this Festival will become an annual celebration of English music and Englishness itself.