A celebration of art is taking place for the first time this summer, with the launch of the Abergavenny Arts Festival.
Taking place between the 29 June – 1 July 2018 Abergavenny Arts Festival will showcase the best local amateur and professional artists from Abergavenny’s vibrant arts scene, as well as featuring exciting talent from around the globe.
Already known internationally for its food festival, the market town will come alive with 150 events across 40 venues, including talks from Ben Okri OBE, winner of the Booker Prize for his 1991 work, The Famished Road; an exhibition of the work of renowned print maker and painter Rosemary Clunie; demonstrations by internationally recognized potter Walter Keeler and the South Wales Potters; and a performance of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Music will be provided by a diverse range of musicians including Sicknote Steve (a tribute to American Blues musician, Seasick Steve); The Gwent Bach Choir; Mediterranean music from Synergy; The Liverpool Signing Choir; Cwmbran Deaf Choir; and DJ sets across the weekend.
Other events will include celebrations of dance, theatre, film and comedy as well as a chance for visitors to try their hand at everything from singing to life drawing classes. There is also an opportunity to be part of the celebration’s opening and closing parades.
The weekend will culminate in a huge artist’s market in the Market Hall on Sunday 1 July, where visitors can purchase original artworks to take home and enjoy at affordable prices.
The event has been organised by a committee of local artists, educators and businesses in response to research undertaken for Abergavenny Town Council.
Committee Chairman, William P Duggan said, “I am most grateful for the tireless and talented work of everyone on the committee, the support of local businesses in making their premises available, the financial sponsorship and support of organisations, such as Abergavenny Town Council, Church of Wales, Waitrose, Budweiser Budvar, Zonin 1821 Wines and Griffiths Engineering. Also the many artists who will be giving their time and efforts for free. We hope all of the people of Abergavenny will take part in and enjoy this splendid opportunity to meet and see artists at work.”
A full programme can be found at http://abergavennyartsfestival.com, with many events free of charge and ticketed events starting from as little as £5 to ensure that everyone in the community can enjoy the weekend.
