Midsomer Norton's Arts Festival had a glorious day for its celebration of all things art last Saturday at the Hollies Gardens. There were local Arts and Crafts stalls for people to browse and buy from, displaying locals' creative talents and a variety of art activities to take part in, such as willow weaving and drawing. There was also live music and performances from local musicians and groups, such as the Susan Hill School of Dance and Merriman Theatre Group.
Midsomer Norton In Bloom helped visitors to create
colourful recycled flowers, which were planted in the
Hollies Garden, with exhibitions of paintings, prints, drawings and photographs at local businesses and Midsomer Norton Town Hall. The Students' Art Trail, which has run annually for the past six years and sees secondary students' work displayed with local shops and businesses, was also extended. Many students have taken part in workshops in animation, photography and other creative arts mediums.
Back at the Town Hall, there was an International Film
Festival, with the Twinning Association running a film on Friday evening and the Family and Evening Showcases on Saturday. A closing concert took place on Tuesday, with performances by Norton Hill and Somervale students at Midsomer Norton Library.
Decorated coal shovels in tribute to the area's mining heritage have been placed around the town by
community groups and will be auctioned.
On Wednesday last week, the Arts Festival was launched with members from local Parish Councils, groups, performers and artists invited. "It was wonderful to see so many representatives of Town and Parish Councils coming together in Midsomer Norton," said Cllr Paul Myers, in his capacity as a Trustee of the Midsomer Norton Community Trust. "With the grant from B&NES Council, the aim now is to look at ways to work together across the Somer Valley to celebrate local artistic talent under what we're calling 'Project Renaissance'.
"So if, for example, a local drama group puts on a play in one village – can we find a way for it to go on tour to other venues in the valley, or could we build an audience by encouraging people to visit each other's events?
"Another idea is to have a travelling art exhibition with paintings etc. from each parish/town included. By
sharing, we could not only develop closer ties, but also
create a veritable artistic Renaissance of our own in the Somer Valley."
Partners so far in 'Project Renaissance' include Westfield, Peasedown St John, Paulton and Midsomer Norton. This year's event was so successful, that plans are already afoot for a bigger festival next year.