Sheer 103 - Dave Hartland (Cotswold Sculpture Park)

Sheer Isolation

It's not very often you come across a chap who has built his own amphitheatre so he can showcase live music and theatrical performances in his garden.

But that's exactly what Dave Hartland has done at the Cotswold Sculpture Park.

He's spent nearly three decades turning a field of weeds in the surroundings of the Cotswold Water Park into a unique trail of artwork and statues, with visitors travelling far and wide to view (and sometimes buy) the pieces on display.

With his DIY amphitheatre project now complete, he's opening the park's doors for evening performances with musicians, actors and storytellers.

We talk to Dave about his journey, his own artwork, and what he's planning next.

We play an instrumental piece from one of the performers due to play at the Park this summer - Xavier Leret. Kieran also chooses the latest release from Deux Furieuses, who are playing in Trowbridge this week.

We also talk about how some venues change their usual listings to cater for a different crowd during the summer holidays, and we also mention a couple of local festivals due to take place in early August - Festival on the Farm near Swindon, and Valleyfest on the edge of the Mendips.