Westbury Festival is back with a bang!

ORGANISERS are delighted to welcome back festival goers to Westbury after a year-long hiatus due to lockdown last year. 

The fortnight of festival fun kicked off at the weekend with the Wiltshire Chilli Fest as heat-seekers came from all over the county to test their mettle. Some even tried taking on the chilli queen herself, Shahina Waseem, attempting to take the crown of world’s strongest stomach.  

Ian Cunningham chair of the Westbury Festival said, “So, we are a little way into the festival and so far, so good! Despite obvious concerns about Covid, losing a few events because of this and having to reduce numbers at some venues, bookings have been going very well with several sell-outs.” 

“And there are over 30 events still to come! There are free lunchtime concerts at All Saints at 1pm weekdays until 8th October (see page 14 for events still to come).

“On Friday, 1st October, in addition to the Yorkshire Shepherdess (sold out) we have the fabulous Tenby Duo at Holy Trinity in Dilton Marsh. Some may remember the very young and amazing Nicole Michele playing saxophone at our opening concert in 2016. She returns with her cellist colleague, Lucy, from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire for a very varied concert sponsored by Dilton Marsh Arts Trust, tickets £8. But if you prefer some Rock, the Buttmonkies will be playing at the Hollies Westbury Leigh from 9pm (free); you can do both!” 

On the cards also is the acclaimed stage show “Oh Mary” by Bec Applegate at the Laverton on October 2nd, as she dives into the life story of Cornish highwaywoman Mary Bryant.  

Ozmoses the magician is back with what he has described as ‘a completely different show’ at the new Westbury Community Project with a one-hour show kicking off at 6pm, also taking place on Saturday 2nd for families. 

Ian went on to describe some of the events people may have missed this year saying, “On Wednesday 6th, we have a lovely event with The BumNotes Barber Shop quartet and the 30s jazz group known as the Water Thieves at the West End Baptist Church – only £2.50 with delicious refreshments (donations) from the Church. 

“Friday 8th offers a Palm Court evening with Trio Paradis and the Petit Ensemble – dress up if you want to, but no pressure. Pay £10 and secure your first glass of sparkling wine now. 

“The festival winds up with an amazing finale – a sort of modern-day variety show – mixing sea shanties from the Towpath singers with the riotous Fromage en Feu café band, together with the versatile Frukes and the stunning Harmony Asia – all compered by Leander Morales – you can “expect the unexpected” £8 advance £10 door.” 

The festival is looking to bounce back after the disappointment due to Covid delaying the event last year and Ian wanted to thank everyone for their patience, “Thank you for your support and especially all those who have helped with events – it’s been a difficult year, but I particularly would like to thank the extraordinary amounts of work put in by the ten members of the festival committee who make all this happen.”