Organisers of the Midsomer Arts Festival were out promoting this year’s Festival on Midsomer Norton High Street last Saturday, showcasing some of the exciting and varied events and activities that are taking place in the town between Friday, 16th and Wednesday, 28th June.
The first weekend of the festival kicks off with two fantastic concerts at Midsomer Norton Town Hall. First up, on Friday, 16th June, is Helena Softley, a well-known and respected local singer-songwriter and attendees can expect a lively and passionate night of original material and select covers covering blues, rock, folk, jazz, country and more.
Then, on Saturday, 17th June, James Rippingale, an acclaimed classical guitarist, will be giving a recital of varied music, fresh from his performance in the Bath
Festival. Both these musicians will also be running workshops during the festival for those wishing to try out singing or classical guitar.
The main weekend of the Festival includes an exciting array of music, film, art and workshops. On Friday, 23rd June, Bath Opera return to Midsomer Norton with their production of Rigoletto, following last year’s sell-out performance of Madame Butterfly.
This is followed on Saturday, 24th with an Art and Craft market in the Hollies Garden, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. There will be a full day of entertainment, which includes live music, performance and dance and puppet shows. Acclaimed Bristol Street artist, Deekay, will be creating large scale graffiti during the day, and there will be lots of different art and craft activities for children and adults to take part in – most of which are free!
There will also be music recitals in the Town Hall, and an exhibition in the Council Chambers. On Sunday, 25th in the evening, there is an open mic event at the town hall, headlined by popular Bath singer-songwriter, Obviously Kirsty.
There will be art works displayed all around the town in various venues, throughout the week. This includes the Secondary Schools Art Trail in shop windows and displays of large Stars, decorated by local people and community groups. There are also a variety of films being shown throughout the Festival, including The Lego Batman Movie, Lion and two National Theatre Live screenings of Salome and Peter Pan. Bath Fringe
Festival are running a photo-marathon in the town, taking place between 10 a.m. and
1 p.m. on Saturday, 17th June. This is open to all ages, who are invited to take photographs on a variety of themes, with the results displayed later in the Festival.
Details of all events can be obtained at: www.midsomer nortoncommunitytrust.co.uk, phoning: 01761 419133 or the Midsomer Arts Festival Facebook page. Tickets for the concerts and workshops can also be booked at: www.ticket source.co.uk/mnct. The Arts Festival is made possible thanks to the sponsorship of Midsomer Norton Town Council.