African Dance group Siyaya wowed the crowds at the newly refurbished Goodrich Village Hall on the evening of Saturday, October 2. The event was a sell-out success ten days before Siyaya arrived to play to a packed village hall.

The audience were treated to superb evening's entertainment of African songs, music and dance performed with great energy and skill. "It was wonderful!" said committee member John Bloxham. "The whole audience joined in and there were smiles on everyone’s faces – it was a great night. Goodrich has never seen anything like it."

In the afternoon the group of musicians also held a workshop at Goodrich School and the sound of drumming could be heard down the lanes of leafy Goodrich. Truly, something different on the doorstep.

Siyaya are one of Zimbabwe's leading dance theatres. Having performed across the world in Africa, Italy and Germany, and also played at the Edinburgh Fringe, WOMAD and Glastonbury they have now put Goodrich Village Hall on the map of their venues.

The nine musicians and dancers took the audience on a joyous and spectacular celebration of music, dance and life in Africa. "Travelling around Africa, treading over borders, crushing language barriers, Siyaya takes you on a journey that uncovers the joys of life through traditional and contemporary African song and dance."

"We are really excited by the prospect of bringing such exciting new events to Goodrich," said organiser Andrew Herbert. "We hope that everyone will appreciate these amazing opportunities for acclaimed acts on their doorstep. The evening was a great credit to the dedicated team who worked tirelessly to achieve such a success."

"This was a great way to test out the newly revamped Village Hall” said chairman Len Morgan. "Thanks to everyone who worked so hard behind the scenes to help put on the event and to provide refreshments. Come and check out the village hall's new technologies next weekend at our open day on October 10, from 11am to 2pm."

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ARTS ALIVE New Rope String Band December 11, 7.45pm