We are thrilled to announce the launch of brand-new music videos for ‘Round Here, as part of our work with Historic England across six of their High Street Heritage Action Zones.
Musicians Tara Baggott and William Crawford worked with Bay Tree School, Herons’ Moor School and Acer House care home to write and compose a brand-new song about the High Street in Weston-super-Mare
“Dancing Above the Sea” was born out of workshops between the musicians and members of the local community, celebrating icons of Weston-super-Mare’s heritage: the Pier, the Tropicana, Weston rock and the sea.
On 16 July, the song was premiered at Big Lamp Corner on Weston High Street.
Tara Baggot said: “When I heard that we’d be talking to people from a care home and people from a school, I thought that was a really nice way to look at old memories and new memories about Weston. Get a really nice idea of what this place is all about.”
William Crawford: “I feel like this project is a good gateway for me to pursue music as a professional career. It’s given me a lot more confidence in myself and I’ve really enjoyed every second of it.”
Biographies
Tara Baggott is a professional musician and SEN/D Music Specialist. She plays piano, guitar and flute and sings in a number of Bristol-based bands that regularly perform at festivals and venues all over the UK and Europe. Originally from Cronulla, Australia, Tara studied music at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Tara is excited to find out more about Weston-super-Mare, hear the stories of people’s favourite memories and find out the best things to do on the High Street.
William Crawford is a drummer who started playing in 2007. William’s first love in music was heavy metal, but now enjoys a wide variety of genres. William’s dream is to become a full-time musician.
Video produced by Con Divers and Harriet Mellor.
Lyrics – Dancing Above The Sea – by Tara Baggott, William Crawford, pupils of Bay Tree School, Herons’ Moor School and residents of Acer House care home
We are Weston-super-Mare
Dancing above the sea
Up through the High Street so alive
Our lives beside the seaside
I remember way back when
We danced around the Pier
Foxtrot, waltz, lindy-hop, quickstep
The music flowing like the tide
Cinemas and organs are a treat!
Art deco Odeon the first of its kind
Where local children still sing the Beatles’ songs
Remembering when they came to town
The Tropicana packed in summer
Diving boards for the brave
Knitted swimming costumes
Became a risk with saggy bottoms!
The sounds of seagulls and excited children
Still music to our ears
Fish and chips, candy floss and Weston rock candy
Have stayed a staple throughout the years
Weston is our home we are never alone
When we stick together, we become better
We are Weston-super-Mare
Dancing above the sea
Up through the High Street so alive
Our lives beside the seaside
Fast forward to the present day
Weston thrives with hope and cheer
There is a buzz of new beginnings
Exciting events throughout the year
Weston Carnival a splash of colour and lights
Bonfires and light bulbs warm our hearts
Sea cadets, brownies, scouts and floats
Represent the culture of our town
Learning of world-renowned musicians
The Beatles, Pink Floyd and Bowie
To present day sea shanty festivals
And our theatre’s are thriving
Trains come in from far and wide
Enticing people from all around
Bringing holiday makers together
To celebrate the sea and its surrounds
The beach, the donkeys and the Pier
Are delightful and a favourite
Food festivals outside the Sovereign
Arcades full of games that bring a smile
Weston is our home we are never alone
When we stick together we become better
We are Weston-super-Mare
Dancing above the sea
Up through the High Street so alive
Our lives beside the seaside
Listen to the all the tracks here:
Watch the music videos here (released between 1-6 November, 2022).
‘Round Here is commissioned by Historic England as part of the High Streets Heritage Action Zones’ Cultural Programme, led by Historic England, in partnership with Arts Council England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The Cultural Programme aims to make our high streets more engaging and vibrant places.
