BEWDLEY Festival has announced a unique weekend of events celebrating the landmark music documentary series American Epic. 

The event, which is a prelude to the festival, will be held at St George’s Hall from Friday, October 4 to Saturday, October 5, where audiences will be able to watch the award-winning trilogy of documentary films about the first recordings of rural music in the US.   

The trilogy of films were made by British filmmakers Bernard MacMahon and Allison McGourty, and narrated by Hollywood legend Robert Redford.

Allison McGourty will be in attendance at the event, leading a linked educational programme with local schools, and taking part in a discussion about the film trilogy.

On the Saturday, in the spirit of American Epic, Bewdley will become Main Street USA, featuring the sounds of the Bewdley Marching band as it leads a parade of American Classic cars. 

There will be a children’s feature film at 10.30am in St Georges Hall, street performers, the American Soup Trail, Ukelele Bands, Bewdley Concert Band, local musicians, and stateside themed food which will be served by local pubs and cafes. 

Festival organisers are hoping Bewdley shops will join in the festivities and decorate with American bunting to celebrate the occasion. 

Leading Nashville-based singer songwriter Rod Picott will close the celebrations when he plays live at the popular ‘Music in the Hall’ session on Saturday, October 5.

Full details and ticket arrangements are available online at www.bewdleyfestival.org.uk.

“Early Bird” tickets are available for the entire American Epic weekend at £25.