Final preparations are under way for the start of this year’s 10 Parishes’ Festival which opens on Saturday 5 September, running until Sunday 13 September.
This ambitious event which celebrates visual and performing arts takes place in Wiveliscombe and surrounding communities. A wide range of previous and new exhibitors will present art and crafts in both their own workshops and venues around the parishes. Work on display ranges from painting and textiles to furniture, photography, jewellery, ceramics, sculpture and stone carving.
Sunday 6 September is Carnival Day when “the greenest Carnival in Somerset takes to the streets of Wiveliscombe with non-stop music and street entertainment and stalls selling crafts, artworks and the very best of local foods. This year the Roald Dahl-themed Carnival Procession takes place at 3pm – with prizes for everyone!”
Performances and creative activities run throughout the festival in each of the parishes. Director Pauline Homeshaw said, “One of the highlights will certainly be the first weekend when the old Wiveliscombe Town Hall is open for the first time in 57 years. Forkbeard Fantasy Productions have made an ‘An Installation & Performance of sound and projection’ entitled ‘Beyond the Door’ which promises ‘Inexplicable Inconveniences and Interferences from An Uncooperative Ghost which Britton and Moore, Explainers of the Unexplained, Investigate.’ This unique interactive performance aims to bring to life a comic fantasy about the room’s history.”
This year the 2 day Raddington Festival of Music runs as part of the Festival. Publicity organiser Giles Adams said, “With a remarkable rural church forming the centerpiece, The Festival comprises eight performances and events including ‘An evening of Baroque Delights’ featuring music by Bach, Handel, Purcell and Telemann performed on period instruments.” The Raddington Festival aims to raise money for urgent repairs to Grade 1 listed St Michael’s Church, reputedly the fifth smallest church in use in England. Tickets from www.ticketsource.co.uk/raddingtonfestivalofmusic.
Cotleigh Brewery is hosting a ‘mini fest’ of local bands and there will be a ‘Party in the Park’ in Wiveliscombe on the 12th September featuring ‘a musical extravaganza, picnic, pomp and ceremony.’
Richard Tomlinson will run two sound workshops following the ‘Tuned In Somerset’ online radio show project with local primary schools. The session is “very much hands on with children 8 years and upward encouraged to create sounds using everyday objects and transform the sounds using creative technology.” Workshops are at 11am and 1pm. Spaces can be booked via email: info@spaeda.org.uk.
Taunton Thespians present an evening of one act plays from local playwrights. The theme is ‘Cliffhangers’ and audiences can expect “an evening of comedy, drama and unexpected endings.”
100 years of Clatworthy life from 1915 are reflected in an exhibition that highlights changes in population, farming, lifestyle and topography. The 12th century church tower will be open allowing viewing of WW1 memorials.
Director Pauline Homeshaw said, “Artists are making, painting, installing to get ready for the nicest community event around. If you haven’t yet got your free colour Festival Guide please email homeshaw@btopenworld.com or call 01984 624564” Booking details for all events are included in the Guide which is available from Wellington Library and in local shops and cafes. Info and booking for all 10 Parishes Festival items at 10parishesfestival.org.uk