THE programme for this year’s Westbury Festival is complete and aims to have something for everyone with over 40 events – and more than half the events are entirely free.
This year’s festival runs from Friday 21st September to Sunday 7th October in a variety of venues across the town to celebrate music and arts in the local area.
Chair of the festival committee, Ian Cunningham said, “It’s very difficult to pick out items as we all have favourites but….
“We kick off with a personal “must go” – on Friday 21st September – Dr Zeebo’s Wheezy Club, whose jazz, swing and good-time playing was so good last year, that we just had to get them back; if you were there last time we know you will be back and if you weren’t, don’t miss them this time! (£8 with bar)
“On Saturday 22nd September at 10am we have an opportunity to discover things to do in Westbury with 25+ local groups in the Paragon telling you about what they do and encouraging you to join in (free entry). That evening we have the famous Cardiff Male Choir (founded 1898) in concert at All Saints (£8).
“Those who enjoyed our brilliant (and sell out) comedy with a meal event last year will be pleased to know that we have decided to do another. This time it will be led by the hugely entertaining Mr. B, the Gentleman Rhymer, with his take on Chap-Hop, plus stand-ups from the Submarine Comedy Club and a meal (£15 Saturday 6th October – booking essential).
“I am also very excited that we will have live theatre coming to the festival with “Earnest” at the Laverton (£10 Friday 5th October) from Two Gents Productions. We have been able to arrange this special event through Rural Arts Touring before the show opens for its London run next year – all a bit cloak and dagger as some of the details are under embargo.
“On Monday 24th we begin our very popular series of 10 short, free lunchtime concerts at 1pm every weekday until the 5th of October in All Saints Church. No need to book – we have always managed to get everyone in (admittedly with some creative seating on occasions). Take a break, bring your lunch, small children welcome, stay for as long or as little as you can.
“You will also find that the Westbury Heritage Society has opened up their archives to offer a free exhibition of fascinating old photographs in the same church every day from Monday 24th September to the end of the festival.
“We have a number of talks including Cabot’s Voyages (although Italian he actually set out from just down the road in Bristol – find out why); the Extraordinary Women of West Wiltshire (you won’t believe how extraordinary); a talk about local buildings from the man who is updating the Wiltshire edition of “Pevsner” the buildings’ bible; and finally, the History of Quilting.
“Crafters or would-be crafters might like the quilting demonstration (library Saturday 22nd – free); a pottery workshop (£25 – booking only); or a chance to see and have a go at origami, aided by one of the country’s leading experts (£5 – everything provided).
For young people, we have an exciting circus skills workshop (Saturday 6th October £5 – £8 two siblings). There are also free “school only” events laid on at each of Westbury’s primary age schools – details in the brochure and through schools. The very young are welcome at the Rhyme Time events at the library each Friday.
“Music lovers who can’t manage lunchtime events can hear evening performances from Dr Zeebo (£8 21st September), Mike Bardsley’s Harpsichord Recital (Holy Trinity Dilton Marsh, Friday 28th £10), Rock at the Hollies (Friday 28th September – free), the Philomel Singers (Saturday 6th free) with a prize-winning Fijian gospel choir rounding off the Festival as part of a Festival Songs of Praise on the evening of Sunday 7th Oct.
“There are events at the library (free and ticketed from the library) and the Westbury Lions will be offering several opportunities to meet local authors (free) in their bookshop in Edward Street.
“All the details are on our website www.westburyfestival.org.uk where you can also buy tickets to those events that require them (library events from the library). Our brochure will be available from local shops, the library etc. And our (cash only) box office will be open again at EJ Crafts in Maristow Street who are, again, generously providing this service.
“We really hope all this says something about our town and that things do happen here. None of it would be possible without a huge amount of work from the volunteer committee members Radek Evans, Warren Harding, Christine Jenkins, Ward Jones, Mike Pearce, Brenda Pyne, Mary Pyne, Jane Russ, Beth Thomas; support from numerous friends (too many to list them all) and our generous sponsors, particularly the festival sponsors – Westbury Town Council (principal), Elkins Ford, Hills, Backhouse and David Wilson Homes. I’d also like to thank the White Horse News for their unstinting support over many years.”
