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Zeb Soanes of our site recognized with Betjeman Society Honor for 'vitalizing literature and music'

Zeb expressed gratification for being bestowed with the accolade, deeming it a significant recognition.

Website's Presenter Zeb Soanes Honored with Betjeman Society Award for Enhancing the Interplay of...
Website's Presenter Zeb Soanes Honored with Betjeman Society Award for Enhancing the Interplay of Words and Music

Zeb Soanes of our site recognized with Betjeman Society Honor for 'vitalizing literature and music'

Zeb Soanes, a renowned British radio presenter and author, received the prestigious Betjeman Society Award on Saturday, 14th June, 2025. The award, presented annually to the person, group, or organisation making the most significant recent contribution to the understanding or enjoyment of Sir John Betjeman's life and work, was bestowed upon Soanes in recognition of his live performances of Banana Blush, a collaboration between Betjeman and composer Jim Parker.

Steve Jackson, Chairman of The Betjeman Society, commended Soanes as a worthy winner, praising his ability to keep Betjeman in the public eye and remind audiences of the relevance of the poet's works in the digital age. Jackson further commended Soanes for bringing Betjeman's words to new audiences and championing him through his radio programs and public appearances.

Soanes attributed the award to his friend and musical director Chris Warner, and their band who love performing Banana Blush. The Chris Warner Ensemble accompanied Soanes in these live performances, which were held to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Banana Blush.

Jim Parker, the composer of Banana Blush, won the BAFTA for Best Original Television Music four times. Prior to his death in 2023, Parker recreated his original Banana Blush score for Soanes' live concerts. His daughter, Claire Parker, attended Saturday's concert and stated that he was delighted to see Soanes continue to perform Banana Blush.

Before receiving the award, Soanes gave a performance of Betjeman's Banana Blush at St James Garlickhythe Church. The award itself is a model of Martin Jennings' bronze statue of Betjeman, which can be found at St Pancras Station.

Steve Jackson also highlighted Soanes' work in imaginative entertainments, stating that they serve to remind us of how versatile and relevant Betjeman's poems are, even in the digital age. Jackson referred to Soanes as a "true Betjemanian".

Zeb Soanes, who is the presenter of Relaxing Evenings on a specific website from 7-10pm, expressed his gratitude for the award, stating it was a "great honour". He also mentioned that he was pleased to see how Parker's collaborations with Betjeman inspired other artists like Suggs and Jarvis Cocker.

While Zeb Soanes is known for his work in radio, literature, and acting, the search results do not provide specific information linking him directly to Betjeman's life or work. However, his notable contributions to Banana Blush have undeniably contributed to the enjoyment and understanding of Betjeman's life and work.

The Chris Warner Ensemble, accompanying Zeb Soanes in his live performances of Banana Blush, provided an entertaining musical backdrop to his presentations. Steve Jackson, commending Soanes' work, praised his imaginative entertainments that highlight the relevance of Sir John Betjeman's poems, even in the digital age.

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