We’re thrilled that TV legend James May will be swapping horsepower for pedal power to front Armonico Consort’s charity bike challenge (10-12 September 2025) along with his old pal and partner-in-wine Oz Clarke.
The pair are going back to their musical roots and teaming up with Armonico Consort’s sensational singing cyclists to raise funds for the music charity’s vital community singing projects.
As part of the three-day event, they’ll join forces with special guest choirs for three concert performances at:
- Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-upon-Avon (Wed 10 Sep, 4.15pm)
- Church of the Holy Cross, Moreton Morrell (Thu 11 Sep, 4.30pm)
- Collegiate Church of St Mary, Warwick (Fri 12 Sep, 7pm)
James May started off as a musician and will be performing live, a rarity since his university days! Meanwhile, Oz Clarke was a chorister, and a professional singer in the West End before venturing into wine.
The concerts will feature Bach, Monteverdi and Vivaldi, plus surprises from the last 300 years of music with Oz, James, Armonico’s professional musicians, and special guest choirs: Stratford Girls Chamber Choir (10 Sep); Moreton Morrell Village Choir (11 Sep); AC Academy Scholars, St Mary’s Church Choirs, Armonico Local Choirs and King Henry’s Consort from Warwick Schools Foundation (12 Sep).
Their cycling challenge will also see them burst into song at charming pubs and buzzing cafes along the way, and bring joy to people living with dementia at Armonico’s Memory Singers groups across the region.
You could join James, Oz and the team on the bikes for one, two or three days, cycling around 35 miles each day, joining the musical visits, chatting with James and Oz, and seeing first hand the joy that singing brings. A very limited number of places are available @ £250 per day, including a tee-shirt, lunch and drinks. Email Lorna Couper lcouper@armonico.org.uk for details.
Every penny raised supports Armonico Consort’s vital community outreach work, bringing music and joy to those who need it most.
Many thanks to Roger Medwell MBE DL, President of Armonico Consort. Our thanks also to BluDog and BaByliss International for their support.
