MORE than 30 violinists of all ages enjoyed a masterclass in gypsy fiddling at the Oxford Academy in Cowley Road.

The masterclass, led by London Gypsy Orchestra bandleader Gundula Gruen, pictured, was part of Oxford-based Big Village's series of events celebrating world music.

Big Village organiser Matt Sage said: "It was lovely and it felt like it was a village hall.

"It was great to have this space reclaimed for the community and it was wonderful to have sort of a humble, all ages session in there.

"Gundula Gruen, who took the workshop, had an incredible energy and flew off the bus, into the room and really clicked with everyone directly for an hour quite intensively, then had a short cup of tea before getting on stage."

After the workshop, the 35-strong London Gypsy Orchestra performed a range of Balkan gypsy songs and melodies to a sell-out crowd.

Among those taking part in the workshop and enjoying the concert afterwards was 57-year-old Mig Bardsley.

She said: "It was lots and lots of fun and I really enjoyed it. Unfortunately I can't remember how to play the piece we learnt now, but it was great, and Gundula was just fantastic."

The last event in this year's Big Village programme will be a concert featuring Matt Sage and his band at the Abbey, Sutton Courtenay, today. See www.bigvillage.org