The Ritz Comes to Exeter Castle

The Ritz comes to Exeter Castle...

Exeter Castle will soon be hosting afternoon tea with live music from Tom Bott’s High Society Orchestra.

Tom Bott is a professional violinist originally from Exeter, who directs and performs with his palm court orchestra, the High Society Orchestra in London and the south of England.

Exeter Castle is working in partnership with Tom Bott’s High Society Orchestra to bring a Ritz style event to the heart of Exeter.
The orchestra have recently completed their second season of ‘Concert & High Tea’ events in Marlborough, Wiltshire, with great success.

Tom explains;

“Since our Marlborough concert season, I have been very keen to establish the orchestra in Devon, which is where my Grandfather Bernard Bott ran his orchestra throughout the 1950’s onwards. As well as performing on world cruise liners, Bernard Bott & His Orchestra played at venues along the south Devon coast such as Exmouth Pavilion and the Grand Hotel in Torquay, as well as central Exeter.

I knew the venue had to boast lots of character with suitable space for musicians and guests. Exeter Castle is in the perfect location and will compliment the ambiance created by our live music.”

Exeter Castle - perhaps more commonly known as Rougemont Castle to Exeter residents, boasts a wealth of history. Built in 1068, it has been passed through a long line of royals, but is now privately owned and can at last display it's rich history to the public. As one of Exeter's premier event venues hosting luxury weddings, corporate functions, along with public and private concerts in the heart of the city, it has a lot to offer as a hub for art, food and live music events.

Event organiser Alice Kerr of Exeter Castle said “We are very excited to be working in partnership with Tom and his orchestra. Together with our preferred partners, we’re setting out to create a unique set of public events, showcasing what a hidden gem Exeter Castle really is, and what it has to offer”.

As a regular violinist with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Tom frequently performs at Exeter University’s Great Hall. With sell out audiences each season, this confirms his belief; that there is a healthy appetite for good live music in the City.

The High Society Orchestra performs for many occasions from luxury weddings, public and private concerts, to corporate events. Their music library ranges from light classical ‘Ritz’ style music, to the more glamorous film scores form 1930’s – 50’s Hollywood.

Tom says, “I enjoy every minute of every performance. All of us in the Orchestra want our tea-time guests to enjoy the unique experience of excellent live music, in a less formal atmosphere. Food and music are always a good combination. As the High Society Orchestra’s genre of music was originally performed in a palm court setting, a ‘Ritz’ style afternoon tea experience seemed the best way forward”

We are happy if they want to listen, eat or dance with us! And who knows, maybe this will be the start of a larger movement, bringing live music back into our everyday lives! It’s certainly more exciting (and potentially much more elegant) than a pub lunch!”

The new events will bring to Exeter a unique, quintessential English experience, seldom heard outside of London.

Afternoon teas, Bubbles and canapés or dinners will be provided by a selection of locally, highly sort after caterers!
Live music from members of Tom Bott's High Society Orchestra will be in the form of a string ensemble including piano, which was the typical arrangement in the days of traditional palm court tea concerts.

Tom also hopes that the Ritz style concerts will act as a spring board for the High Society Orchestra, creating opportunities to host larger events such as Viennese Balls, formal concerts and the possibility of educational projects for Exeter and the surrounding areas.

The orchestra organised their own ‘High Society Ball’ in Marlborough to round off the second season. It features the thirteen piece orchestra along with a professional display from the six time UK Ten Dance Ballroom Champions Morgan Hemphill & Richard still.

Afternoon tea with Tom Bott’s High Society Orchestra will offer its first season at Exeter Castle from Sunday 15th June 2014. Tickets are £18.50 per person, to include a selection of finger sandwiches, scones, selection of teas & coffee, with a glass of bubbly for the daring! For more details and ticket enquiries, please contact Exeter Castle on 07786178983. A limited number of tickets will be available on the door, however reservations are strongly recommended.See the venue at www.exetercastle.co.uk See the orchestra in action at www.tbhso.co.uk