Students at the School of Musical Instrument Crafts in Newark recently completed the much-anticipated annual Fiddle and Guitar Race, an intensive challenge that tested their skill, teamwork and creativity under pressure.
Over the course of the event, teams were tasked with designing and building medieval stringed instruments within a tightly limited timeframe.
Drawing on extensive historical research, students worked with traditional forms and materials while balancing speed with precision and artistic judgement.
Although the race element added urgency, instruments were judged on more than just completion. Panels considered craftsmanship, originality and faithfulness to historical sources, highlighting the wide range of approaches taken by the competing teams.
The instruments are to be presented in an exhibition at Newark Castle’s Bishop Alexander Room. Visitors will be able to see the instruments up close and listen to recordings of them being played, offering a rare opportunity to experience reconstructed medieval sounds.
Read more: Students Dash to the Finish Line in Annual Fiddle and Guitar Race
Overall Winner – Crwth Gang
Eja Atkinson, Evelyn Martens, Carla Jones, Ronnie Perkins, John Love, Oisin Marsh
Best Craftsmanship – Vielleodrome
Miranda Bailey-Sharam, Hendrick Den Dulk, Jaz Auden, Stu Duthie, Isaac Louth, Floyd Elgar, Charlotte Teoh
Innovation & Creativity – Farfalle
Peter Horwich, Evie Daley, Daisy Muir, Rachel Spence, Nyx Pappayannis-Batchelor
Most Authentic – Rebecs Without a Cause
Steph White, Jack Wallace, Alex Watkiss, Andy Wheeldon, Oskar McIntosh, Ellie Deakin, Kanai Brand
The event once again demonstrated the dedication and ingenuity of the students, celebrating both historical understanding and contemporary craftsmanship within the demanding framework of the race.
