PREPARATIONS are well under way for this year’s new-look Westbury Festival and organisers are hoping to involve even more of the town this time around.
Formerly Westbury Music and Arts Festival, the two-week entertainment extravaganza has been renamed simply Westbury Festival, and will this year take place from Friday 23rd September to Saturday 8th October.
Chairman Ian Cunningham told White Horse News, “Every year we have widened the range of events at the festival and, while all of the items are either music or an art of some form, we felt the name did not really explain our aim to have something for everyone.
“When handing out brochures, a lot of people assumed that it was all opera and paintings and wasn’t for them. Although we had those things as well, it would be better if people assumed that the festival will have something they’d enjoy, and we hope the new name reflects this.
“This year we are already trying to arrange quilting, bell ringing, gardening, antiques as well as blues, folk, opera, lunch-time concerts, choirs, and photography, to name but a few.”
The festival, which has grown in popularity since it began in 2008, is run by Westbury people and hosts an impressive number of events each autumn with music, art, history, and crafts all taking place in venues across the town.
Ian continued, “As always, we are looking for help in the form of new events, a treasurer, stewards, and sponsorship.
“The committee needs a treasurer and is always happy to have new members, and if you don’t have time for regular committee meetings but can manage to steward at a few events, we’d like to hear from you.
“We are looking for business sponsors and we have a number of packages so that businesses can help us run a festival and let the community see how they are supporting the events. A new option this year is that people can register as Friends of the Festival for £15 for an individual, £25 for a couple, or £50 for a business.
“This allows people and smaller businesses to show their support for the festival. The packages include some discounts and early access to events.”
For more information and contact details visit the new website www.westburyfestival.org.uk or email info@westburyfestival.org.uk
