THE programme for this year’s Westbury Music and Arts Festival has been launched, with top names such as Sam Kelly (of Britain’s Got Talent) and Luke Concannon (formerly of Nizlopi and best known for his number 1 hit with the JCB song) on the bill. 
Arts and crafts, jazz, poetry, local history, and much more are all part of the festival which runs from the 27th September to 13th October.
Sam Kelly and Luke Concannon will perform on Saturday 12th October in an evening of great music and entertainment at The Laverton.
Another big event will be the Arts and Crafts Street Fair on Saturday 28th September, in All Saints churchyard and Parish Hall. There will be dancers from Irish to Polish groups, the church tower will be open for great views of Westbury, and there will also be the chance to try your hand at bell ringing.
Throughout the two-week festival, returning favourites include pianist John Paul Ekins, jazz musician Lee Ingram, the Opus One Swing Band, folk band Finnegans Wake, and Matravers’ Big Draw.
New events include an Imber anniversary service at Edington Priory (marking 70 years since residents were evicted from the village), a talk on Jane Austen, and a choral concert featuring up-and-coming singers from local schools.
Festival chair Roy Inwood said, “I am really looking forward to this year’s festival. We try to improve it every year and this year is no exception.
“We are trying to get more of the younger generation involved and this year there are various events for them such as Clown Bert, ventriloquist Kieran Powell, recorder demonstrations at the schools, events at the library for toddlers, a choral concert for schoolchildren at Matravers School, the Big Draw, and of course the pop music at the Laverton.
“We have asked some of the performers from previous years to return, as they have been very popular. There will also be new artists appearing and new events.”
You can pick up a programme at various locations in the town or find the details online at www.wmafestival. co.uk
The ticket office is located at Town and Country Estate Agents in Westbury High Street, and it will be open from 9.30am-2.00pm on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from the period between Thursday 5th and Friday 27th September. Alternatively, tickets are available on 01373 864364 or 01373 302956.
Pictured left: Committee members with this year’s programme, which is available in the town.
