Harp On Wight
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  • “A BARD’S BANQUET” with Fran Barsby - 26/10/2025 - 18:00 or 19:30

“A BARD’S BANQUET” with Fran Barsby - 26/10/2025 - 18:00 or 19:30

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“A BARD’S BANQUET”

with FRAN BARSBY

CONCERT - SUNDAY 26th OCTOBER - 18:00 or 19:30

Venue: MICHELANGELO RESTAURANT, 30, St. Thomas Street, Ryde PO33 2DL


Enjoy an enchanting evening at Michelangelo Restaurant and meet modern-day bard Fran Barsby.

Step into a world where music and storytelling come to life, just as they did centuries ago. In true troubadour tradition, you will have the rare opportunity to request your own music, performed live by your very own bard, Fran Barsby, while enjoying delicious Italian food. Historically, bards were expected to tailor their performances to suit the tastes and requests of their audience, and, tonight, the spotlight is on you!


This event is not bookable online. Below this event says "sold out" - this is only for online advertising purposes. For this event only, please book directly at Michelangelo Restaurant:

Tel 01983 811966 Booking Essential!


3 Courses, Harp-themed Menu: £45

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FRAN BARSBY

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Fran Barsby is a vibrant, award-winning British harpist celebrated for her inspiring performances, forward-thinking teaching, and passionate advocacy for the harp in modern music. Based in West Sussex, Fran weaves together performance, education, and entrepreneurship in a dynamic career that continues to uplift and inspire both audiences and students.

A graduate of the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire (2015) with a Master’s in Education from Bath University (2022), Fran has performed at iconic venues including the Royal Albert Hall, Birmingham Symphony Hall, and Chichester Festival Theatre. Her musical interests extend well beyond the classical canon—she is a pioneer in arranging pop, film, and contemporary music for the harp, redefining the instrument’s role in today’s musical landscape.

As the founder and director of PoppyHarp, Fran leads a thriving platform that encompasses an online harp school, annual International Online Harp Competition, Sheet music inspire library, Inspire Podcast, and the PoppyHarp Composers Project (formerly the Future Blend Project). This initiative fosters fresh, original works for the harp each year, connecting composers and performers in a spirit of innovation. In October 2026, the project will mark its 10th anniversary with a landmark UK tour.

Fran is a dedicated ambassador for the British harp community. After ten years as Resident Harpist for Pilgrim Harps, she now serves as the webmaster for the UK Harp Association, promoting the craft of UK harp makers, performers, and the rich history of the instrument.
A committed educator, Fran has taught in schools and privately across the Midlands, and currently holds the position of Resident Harp Teacher for the Southern Music Project. Her teaching combines strong technical foundations with imaginative exploration, and she regularly hosts masterclasses and “Come and Try the Harp” events to make the harp accessible to all ages and abilities.

In 2026, Fran launches the PoppyHarp Harp Examinations—a groundbreaking new assessment framework designed to celebrate creativity, nurture technical and musical development, and bring joy to harp learning. These exams will be led by experienced, specialist harp examiners to ensure a high-quality, supportive experience for each student.

With vision, creativity, and a deep love for her craft, Fran Barsby continues to shape the future of the harp—empowering the next generation and expanding the reach of this extraordinary instrument.
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Harp On Wight is sponsored by
Visit Isle of Wight, The UK Harp Association and Wightlink Ferries

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website Designed by poppyharp

www.poppyharp.co.uk
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www.harponwight.co.uk

  • About
    • History
    • Testimonials
    • Reviews of Previous Festivals
  • Festival 2025
  • News
  • Previous Festivals
    • Festival 2023 >
      • Concerts 2023
      • Workshops 2023
      • Make Yourself a Harp 2023
    • Festival 2022 >
      • Concerts 2022
      • Workshops 2022
    • Festival 2021 >
      • Concerts 2021
      • Workshops 2021
    • Festival 2020 >
      • Online Concerts 2020
      • Online Workshops 2020
    • Festival 2019 >
      • Gallery 2019
      • Concerts 2019
      • Workshops 2019
      • Make Yourself a Harp 2019
    • Festival 2018 >
      • Gallery 2018
      • Concerts 2018
      • Harpcatcher 2018
      • Workshops 2018
      • Exhibition 2018
      • Make Yourself a Harp 2018
    • Festival 2017 >
      • Concerts 2017
      • Pop-up Events
      • Workshop 2017
      • Make Yourself a Harp
      • Exhibition
      • Location Information
    • Festival 2016 >
      • Gallery 2016
      • Exhibition 2016
      • Concerts 2016
      • Harpcatcher 2016
      • Courses 2016
    • Festival 2015 >
      • Gallery 2015
      • Exhibition 2015
      • Concerts 2015
      • Harpcatcher 2015
      • Courses 2015
    • Festival 2014 >
      • Gallery 2014
      • Exhibition 2014
      • Concerts 2014
      • Harpcatcher 2014
      • Courses 2014
  • CONTACT
  • Shop