More details to follow. Watch this space!

Meanwhile, please get to work on your scarecrow for display on the Scarecrow Trail in the runup to Applefest.

2024 is an auspicious year for the people of Sibford, as it marks the return to our village after 10 years of the Tibetan Tashi Lhunpo Monks who live in exile in their monastery in India. Once again they will be sharing their unique culture, including the creation and ritual destruction of a sand mandala, and interactive workshops.

At the Saturday evening performance, the eight monks will evoke the atmosphere of sacred Tibet from the mesmerising chant of Buddhist texts to swirling costumed masked dances accompanied by ancient musical instruments - horns made from human leg bones, skull-drums, cymbals, bells and the great dungchen (long horns). Don’t miss this opportunity to experience an ancient, endangered culture.

There will be another anniversary celebration this weekend. Exactly 30 years after the filming of the renowned documentary Escape from Tibet, the producers and film crew will be reunited with the two brothers, now British citizens, whose dangerous journey from the Roof of the World is told in the film. Using film clips and photographs, they will tell the story of how the film was made.

To reserve your seats and meals, contact Diana Hughes on 01295 788 214 or email tlm@thesibfords.uk. Some tickets will be available at the door but since numbers are limited please book in advance to avoid disappointment. Where no price is shown for an event below, just turn up!

The net proceeds of the weekend will help support the monks, young and old, who study and live in Tashi Lhunpo, benefitting the whole community. For up to date information about the Tashi Lhunpo monks and their weekend in Sibford, visit thesibfords.uk/tlm or call Diana on 01295 788 214.

Friday 18th October

4.30pm Dedication Ceremony of the sand mandala (Small Hall) - construction begins!

Saturday 19th October

10am Morning Prayers

11am Hands-on Workshop: making a sand mandala, printing prayer flags. £5 per person

2.30pm Performance Workshop: an introduction to the musical instruments, dance moves and hand gestures used in the evening performance. £5 per person

4pm Tea

4.30pm ‘Escape from Tibet’ 30 Years On: how the film was made; reunion of the film crew with the escaping brothers

5.30pm Curry supper. £10 per person

7.30pm From the Roof of The World performance of masked dancers and sacred chants. Adult £16, School-age child £5. Doors open from 7pm

Sunday 20th October

10.45am Ceremony of Destruction of the sand mandala (Small Hall and procession to the Sib)

To reserve your seats contact Diana Hughes on 01295 788 214 or email tlm@thesibfords.uk