Treat for art lovers

The long established festival, which is supported by the Department of Social Development, runs from Friday, October 11 to Friday, November 1, and will feature a variety of musical, theatrical and literary performances, as well providing all age groups with the opportunity to harness their own creative and artistic talents.

Performance highlights include ‘Hassardous Material’, an inspiring music and spoken word show from Banbridge poet Colin Hassard. Classical music fans will be delighted with ‘An Evening of Opera’ featuring soprano Gemma Prince and pianist Gail Evans. Enjoy a flavour of Spain when Flamenco NI presents a fantastic evening of ‘Funky Flamenco’.

Renowned storyteller Steve Lally and singer-songwriter Brendan Devlin pay a unique tribute to the songs, poetry and stories of the Mournes and County Down. Crawford Bell, Ivan Black and Banbridge Ladies Community Choir, conducted by Norman Brown provide a delight with a night of music.

One not to be missed is living legend and BBC Radio Ulster personality Linley Hamilton who will be delighting lovers of good music with his scintillating ‘Friday Night Jazz’.

Younger arts fans are in for a treat when Mr Hullabaloo brings the enchanted world of ‘Goldilocks and the Three Bears’ to life in a magical storytelling session plus little ones will be mesmerized with a puppetry performance of ‘The Emperors New Clothes’.

Film buffs are in for a treat with a screening of artist and filmmaker Zhenia Madhi-Nau’s emotive feature-length documentary ‘Tapestry of Colours’, which explores the fusion of cultures in Northern Ireland.

On a spookier theme have a Happy Halloween when Cinemagic presents a day of fiendish, fun-filled activities during their ‘Monster Film Day’ on October 31.

Art lovers will enjoy the ‘Saints and Scholars Tour’ a unique opportunity to discover the great wealth of artistic and literary heritage the Banbridge district has to offer and the FE McWilliam Gallery and Studio present ‘Analysing Cubism’, a wonderful exhibition celebrating Modern Irish Art.

Ballyward’s Church of Ireland Hall will play host to the Bronte Society Lecture when Dr Patsy Stoneman delivers a captivating lecture on Charlotte Bronte’s novel ‘Shirley’.

Creativity comes to the fore with the annual Craft Fair, which includes exhibitors from across Northern Ireland and further afield showcasing jewellery, furniture, ceramics, glassware and more.

The festival will also be jam packed with a host of wonderful workshops including ‘Get Hooked on Crochet’, Wooden Wonders, ‘Recycle Revamp Brooch’ ‘Take Three’ Poetry, and Funk up your Furniture’ workshops

Professional artist Cora Harrington will be facilitating a delightful drawing and painting workshop, while budding musicians will enjoy a Blues Guitar Masterclass with Ronnie Greer and drum fun for all the family awaits in an amazing African Drumming Workshop.

Workshops for kids include a ‘Music Mix Up’ workshop with Coda Horns for 5-7 year olds, Rod Puppet Making and a Monster Story Book workshop for 6-12 year olds. Aspiring young filmmakers aged 7-11 will love ‘Movies Go Mobile’ and young art historians aged 5-8 years will enjoy the ‘Look Talk Draw’ interactive workshops.

Banbridge Town Centre will also come alive with the festival buzz on Saturday 13 October courtesy of the Cool FM roadshow, with popular DJ Sonia Mac.

Shoppers will also be treated to live ‘walkabout’ performances from circus artists and musicians from 12pm-3pm.

Festival brochures detailing all festival events and activities, including venues, dates, times and prices will be widely available from a number of outlets across the district. The brochure will also be available to download online at www.banbridge.gov.uk

For further information about Banbridge District Community Arts Fest contact Banbridge District Council’s Leisure and Development Department on T: 4066 0605.