THE seventh annual Westbury Music and Arts Festival is in full swing and continues to draw in crowds with a string of sell-outs and a hugely successful jam-packed bill.
Following the opening night, the town has seen local artists put on a wide variety of talks, walks, concerts and workshops for the whole family, and has seen more people than ever turn out to support the events.
Festival chairman Ian Cunningham said, “We’re so pleased with how the festival is going, it has undoubtedly been the best attended ever. We’ve had four or five sell-outs already and the other events have been packed, too, with advance bookings way higher than they’ve been before.
“In truth we’re pleasantly surprised with how well it’s gone! Of course we always hoped it would do well but we didn’t expect quite this much involvement from the community; it’s really amazing to see. We’ve had more people approach us wanting to get involved, and I think everyone has been surprised by how much talent Westbury actually has to offer.
“The festival seems to be finding its feet, too; there is a greater awareness in the town and everyone’s beginning to see that it’s not just three or four events, there is a huge amount going on. Thanks to all those who have and have yet to help out or perform, the triumph is down to their efforts.”
Events have included jazz, poetry, local history, workshops, popular music and classical music concerts and arts and crafts with the programme running until this Sunday, 12th October.
In one of the more unusual events, an ambitious stunt saw local musician Leander Morales manage to perform in both Westbury, New York and Westbury, Wiltshire in two concerts within 16 hours of one another.
Leander said, “You couldn’t have written the script for this! The whole journey has been amazing, with stories within the story. I think that’s what makes an adventure. I’m grateful for the support I received; I was lucky to have connected to an enthusiastic team in New York and really fortunate to have worked with an excellent team back here in the UK.
“I hope this link provides a positive connection between the two Westburys. I would definitely like to return there one day and I hope they have the opportunity to explore their history and our culture through visiting Westbury, UK.”
Leander’s first live performance took place at 12.15am (US) – 5.15am (UK) at His & Hers Lounge Bar, Westbury, New York. He then flew from JFK International Airport and arrived at Heathrow around 7.00pm, in plenty of time for his 9.30pm performance at The Laverton.
On Sunday 28th September, All Instruments held a 12-hour drumming marathon in store which raised £200 for Dorothy House. Organiser Jessica Dayman-Johns said, “It was a long and tiring day but we’re very proud to have achieved the 12 solid hours of drumming! We are particularly pleased with our pupil Daisy who raised over £100 on her own, as well as our pupils Lee and Alex for drumming for the longest consecutive time.”
The festival will continue with the Westbury Schools’ Concert on Thursday 9th October, and more music and activities over the weekend, before it is traditionally concluded by Opus One Swing Band on Sunday 12th October at the Paragon Hall.
