25/10/2026
Storms, Songs & a Spectacular Night at Beaulieu Abbey
Sometimes the best evenings are worth braving a storm for!
Last night I was invited along to the beautiful Beaulieu Abbey by Jan Hoy to capture photography and content for a special evening of live music.
The invitation came following a lovely recommendation from a good friend, the incredibly talented Zoe Lindsey, who many will know from FREEBIRD a Tribute to Eva Cassidy
Getting there was an adventure in itself! With torrential rain and storms battering the South Coast, I was beginning to think I’d need a jet ski rather than a car. Thankfully, I arrived without needing the RNLI!
And what an evening it turned out to be.
The historic Abbey provided a wonderful setting for a musical gala, bringing together a fantastic variety of singers, musicians and performers, all helping to raise money for charity.
The evening was hosted by Andrew Lancel, best known for playing DI Neil Manson in The Bill and Frank Foster in Coronation Street, with more recent appearances in Unforgotten.
Andrew was a brilliant host, bringing plenty of warmth and humour to the evening. It was a real pleasure meeting him and his talented son, Isaac. I’ve since found myself binge watching the BBC drama Time, which features Isaac!
The Beaulieu Warblers, the local community choir, opened the evening with a lovely rendition of Edelweiss from The Sound of Music. A fitting choice given Andrew’s previous role as Captain Von Trapp.
The New Forest Saxophone Quartet brought something different to the programme, including a beautiful performance of Stranger on the Shore. A wonderful example of how four instruments can create such a rich sound.
Isaac Lancel Watkinson delivered a moving vocal performance, returning later with Empty Chairs at Empty Tables from Les Misérables. Having recently graduated from The Hammond in Chester, he’s certainly a young performer with an exciting future.
Robin Phillips, musical director of the Beaulieu Warblers, brought his experience in musical theatre and traditional songs to the evening, performing pieces inspired by the Victorian and Edwardian eras.
Mark Ponsford provided some wonderful light relief with his performances of Flanders and Swann classics, including The Gas Man Cometh and The Slow Train. A lovely mix of musical storytelling and humour.
Toby Cuss, a classically trained violinist, treated the audience to some beautiful instrumental music, including pieces from Cinema Paradiso and Sir Edward Elgar. His playing brought a different atmosphere to the evening.
The Brothers Barnes, Hayden and Nathan, delivered some fantastic harmonies and a varied selection of songs, including Bridge Over Troubled Water, Viva Las Vegas and Stars from Les Misérables. Two very talented young performers.
And, of course, it was lovely to see Zoe Lindsey performing again. Zoe has more than 20 years of musical experience and is the voice behind FREEBIRD, A Tribute to Eva Cassidy. Her passion for Eva’s music and the emotion she brings to her performances make her a real pleasure to watch.
A Special Tribute
One particularly touching moment came when Andrew recited Sea Fever by John Masefield in memory of Edward, Lord Montagu of Beaulieu, marking the centenary of his birth.
It was a lovely reminder of the history and personal connections that make Beaulieu such a special place.
A Night Worth Braving the Weather For!
A huge thank you to Jan Hoy for inviting Scenic Eye along and to Zoe Lindsey for the recommendation.
It’s always a privilege to capture these moments through my lens, particularly when so many talented people come together for a good cause.
The weather might have been dreadful outside, but inside Beaulieu Abbey there was nothing but warmth, music and wonderful company.
📸 More photographs and highlights from the evening to follow.
Scenic Eye | See the music before you hear it.
