A CHARITY concert featuring musicians associated with Portishead and Goldfrapp took place in a small Forest of Dean village church at the weekend.

All Saints Church in Newland hosted Ambiences II on Saturday, October 24, with an advertised line-up including Portishead guitarist Adrian Utley and Goldfrapp musician and composer Will Gregory.

The evening was organised by Forest Friends of Palestine to raise money for Medical Aid for Palestinians and PalMusic, which supports musical education and opportunities for Palestinians.

The programme was billed as a series of musical meditations featuring work by Brian Eno and other composers, bringing together performers from different musical backgrounds.

Alongside Utley and Gregory, the advertised performers included vocalist Maggie Nicols, percussionist Harriet Riley, Eddie Parker, Lee Hyett and singers.

For a village better known for its historic church and surrounding countryside, the concert offered an unusual opportunity to see musicians associated with internationally recognised acts in an intimate setting.

Utley is best known as a member of Bristol trip-hop group Portishead, while Gregory is one half of electronic music duo Goldfrapp, alongside singer Alison Goldfrapp.

The event followed an earlier Ambiences fundraiser in 2024, which also brought musicians and a community choir together in support of people affected by the conflict in Gaza.

Organisers said the first concert had left a strong impression on participants and audience members, prompting them to return to the format this year.

Tickets for Saturday's concert were advertised at £15, with a £10 reduced-price option, and supporters were also invited to make additional donations.

Forest Friends of Palestine has organised talks, screenings, performances and other fundraising events across the area.

The group also holds regular Saturday morning vigils at Coleford's Clock Tower.