WESTBURY Music and Arts Festival is ready to fill the town with a great programme of events and activities for all to enjoy, from Friday 21st September to Saturday 6th October.
The festival aims to bring culture and entertainment to the town and villages with something for all ages and tastes. From classical music at the Priory Church to jazz in local pubs, and from art exhibitions to the ‘Big Draw’ workshop for all budding artists, the festival continues to widen its appeal with new events added this year.
Top names coming to Westbury this month include Britain’s Got Talent finalist Sam Kelly and hit songwriter Tony Hazzard. Then there are returning favourites such as the Opus One Swing Band, Finnegan’s Wake Irish Folk Band, and the Lee Ingram Jazz Quintet.
As in previous years, Matravers School will host a number of events including the ever popular ‘Big Draw’, where everyone is welcome to ‘have a go’ at a range of art media from painting and drawing to film making and model making.
Now in its fourth year, new events at the festival this month include a history walk around Westbury and a lute workshop and concert. The free opening event will take place on Friday 21st September from 6.30pm at the Laverton, with an art exhibition and folk band The Yirdbards on stage. The festival has invited Steve Lloyd, chair of Chernobyl Children’s Life Line West Wiltshire Link, to open the event.
Roy Inwood, chair of the festival committee, said he couldn’t pick a favourite event. “I’m looking forward to all of it!” he said. “The aim is to get a programme to cover everybody’s tastes, which is not easy as we’ve all got different tastes! But we’ve got a fair cross-section of music and art so hopefully there’s something for everybody.
“As a festival, it’s gradually getting more popular every year. There are a number of people who have shown a lot of interest already which is good. They remember last year’s festival and the Jubilee concert we ran in June and I think those things might have enticed people to come along. The programme brings us things you can’t usually get in Westbury, things that only happen once a year by virtue of the festival.”
Now, the festival is calling on local people to support the events and make the most on what is on offer over the coming weeks.
A printed programme is now available from outlets in the town including Westbury Visitor Centre in the High Street. You can also view a programme online at www.wmafestival.co.uk
Tickets are on sale from Town & Country estate agents in the High Street on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 9.30am-2.00pm. You can also book by ringing 01373 864 364 or 01373 302 956.
