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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
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.