THE Westbury Music and Arts Festival kicks off this weekend, promising a busy fortnight of events and activities for all tastes and age groups.
Arts and crafts, jazz, poetry, local history, workshops, popular music and classical music are all part of the festival, which runs from the 27th September to 13th October.
Returning favourites include Sam Kelly (of Britain’s Got Talent), pianist John Paul Ekins, jazz musician Lee Ingram, the Opus One Swing Band, folk band Finnegans Wake and Matravers’ Big Draw. New events include an Imber anniversary service at Edington Priory (marking 70 years since residents were evicted from the village), a talk on Jane Austen, and a choral concert featuring up-and-coming singers from local schools.
The first weekend of the festival will see an Arts and Crafts Street Fair on Saturday 28th September from 10.00am-1.00pm, based around the All Saint’s church yard. There will be plenty of stalls from craftspeople and local organisations, a performance from Polish dancers, and the chance to climb the All Saints Tower or try your hand at bell ringing. White Horse Pottery will also be hosting workshops and demonstrations.
Now in its sixth year, the festival continues to grow and audiences have a host of events to enjoy. What’s more, many of the events are free to attend and most others are under the £10 mark.
Festival chair Roy Inwood said, “Personally, I am very excited about this year. There seems to be quite a buzz in and around the town, with a lot more people taking an interest and ticket sales are quite brisk. There has been a lot of effort put into producing this year’s event, and we hope we have put together a festival which caters for all tastes and age groups.
“We feel it is even better than ever, and the quality of the events improves every year. Read all the events that are going on in the four page pullout in this issue of the White Horse News, or the programme booklet can be picked up around the town.
“Have an enjoyable two weeks and treat yourself to an inexpensive evening or day out. I’m sure you will not be disappointed!”
The Westbury Music and Arts Festival started six years ago in an initiative between the Westbury Lions and Westbury Rotary. It is now run by an independent committee made up of volunteers, and is a not-for-profit organisation.
The festival aims to bring more events and activities to the Westbury area, as well as showcasing talented local artists. Find out more at www.wmafestival.co.uk
The box office is open in Westbury High Street outside Town & Country Estate agents every Thursday, Friday and Saturday during September from 9.30am to 2.00pm or call 01373 864 364 / 302 956.
