As part of the Music Foundation's ongoing series of concerts, we are delighted to welcome Harry Dixon - long-time member of the church and current organ scholar - to join us for an evening recital on the piano.

Harry has studied the piano for the past 10 years and has recently developed a passion for the organ. Following the award of St Mary's Organ Scholarship in September, Harry has made rapid progress in his organ playing by accompanying services and developing his skills as a liturgical musician. Recently, he has accompanied the Solent Symphony Orchestra on the piano at Portsmouth Cathedral, played the organ for Salisbury Community Choir, and gave a recital at St Mary's May Fayre.

It is FREE to come and support Harry and treat yourself to an evening of amazing music. There will be a retiring collection for St Mary's Music Foundation, which provides young people in the local community with musical education and opportunities.

We will be opening up our church tower to the public for the afternoon, for FREE. As well as seeing more of our historic church building and learning about our clock-tower and bells, visitors will also be treated to unique views of Portsmouth from 167-feet in the air.

At 2:30pm, we will also be hosting a Strawberry Tea! Come along for scones, strawberries & refreshments, plus a chance to enjoy the summer weather and chat with others from the local community. There will also be live music to accompany the afternoon. Tickets for the Strawberry Tea cost £5 for adults and £3 for under-18s; they can be booked at the back of church, through 02392 822 990 or by emailing [email protected].

Tickets are limited, so if you intend to come to the Strawberry Tea please book in advance to avoid disappointment!

Terms and conditions apply to climbing the tower: https://www.portseaparish.co.uk/event/tower-opening-strawberry-tea/