Stamford Harp Festival Highlights 2006 The Festival on 26th-27th August 2006 was, once again, an opportunity to catch up with old friends, play great music in very pleasant surroundings, learn a thing or two, and hear some great talent. The Sunday barbecue at Maeve and Andy's was the usual feast, followed by a truly international concert at Northborough Church. Mike Parker opened with European pieces from the 18th century. The Lyre of Ur presentation by Andy and Jolly, telling the story of the original instrument's player, was dramatic and affecting, and it was great to see the lyre completed. Andrea Laverde showed us a different side of Colombian harping to that we're used to from her brother Diego - obviously a talented family! Last but not least, Festival regular Kike Pedersen's Paraguayan harp alongside Kadialy Kouyate's African kora (a kind of harp-lute hybrid) gave us a unique, high-energy finish.   Playing in the garden at Northborough - Keith, Andy and Heather. (Photo: Brian and Sami Wilkie)   The Northborough Church concert line-up. Back row: Andrea Laverde, Mike Parker, Kadialy Kouyate. Front row: Andy Lowings, Jennifer Sturdy, Kike Pedersen. (Photo: Brian and Sami Wilkie)