Sidholme Music Room’s 2018 season of concerts starts on Sunday (January 14) with a program of ‘songs and stories for a winter’s afternoon’ from 3.30pm.

That same week there will also be several evening concerts forming entertainment for the hotel guests, but also open to the public. On Tuesday, January 16, the Sidmouth Folk Choir will perform from 8pm to 9pm. On Wednesday, January 17, there will be a New Year concert with soprano Val Howels accompanied by John MacGregor in aid of Sidmouth Town Band and on Thursday, January 18, the Sidmouth Strummers ukulele band will perform.

The regular Sunday afternoon concerts, with bucket collections in aid of the refurbishment of the chandeliers, continue on January 28 with a group of recorder players, and on February 11, Joyce Clarke is giving a piano recital.

The Old Bull and Bush company will return on February 18 for a medley of entertainment and on February 25 the organisers hope to host the young musicians of Bramdean School.

All details can be found on the Friends of Sidholme Music Room website.

Tickets will go on sale on February 10 for James Pellow’s next welcome appearance on March 11.

These are available at £10 at the hotel reception or at Paragon books in advance.

The organisers say they look forward to seeing all old friends again and new ones too.

The Friends of Sidholme Music Room can be joined for an annual subscription of £5 and forms are available at the concerts.

A spokesman said: “We are fortunate to have such a wealth of local talent to listen to, as well as visiting professionals who enrich our cultural life.

“Look out for further news throughout the year in the press and on the website.”