Colourful few weeks in store for Arts Fest

Linley Hamilton, jazz muscian and BBC radio presnter along with Banbridge District Council chairman Olive Mercer and Nicola Armstrong, arts and events officer INBL3713-ARTS1

The long established festival 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’.

One not to be missed is 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.

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

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, October 13, 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 12-3pm.

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