Afternoon tea and Bach by candlelight at Woburn

The first is an evening of fine dining and music from the Altamira Chamber Orchestra at its Bach to the Future dinner on Friday, March 10.

And the second is afternoon tea on Mother’s Day – Sunday, March 26.

In Bach to the Future, the orchestra – directed by Robert Atchison – will perform a programme bringing to life the very best of Bach with a selection of his most popular pieces. Guests are invited to arrive at 7pm in black tie for reception drinks and canapés, before enjoying a four-course candlelit dinner.

The Altamira Chamber Orchestra brings together some of the UK’s top musical talent. Award-winning Atchison was schooled in music from an early age and made his London debut in 1983 at The Queen Elizabeth Hall. Flautist Eliza Marshall and violinist Jacqueline Hartley will join the orchestra on stage. Both studied at The Royal Academy of Music and perform with some of the leading orchestras and sinfonias in the world.

The wonderfully English tradition of afternoon tea is acknowledged as being introduced bu the seventh Duchess of Bedford, Anna Maria Russell.

She hit on the idea in the 1840s when the gap between the light midday meal and dinner had gradually widened and left people feeling hungry. She found taking Souchong tea with an afternoon snack – small cakes, bread and butter and delicate sandwiches – to be such a perfect refreshment that she began inviting her friends to join her. Afternoon tea quickly became a quintessential part of British life.

Call 01525 292172 for tickets for both events.