8-10th September 2017
By Kirsten Genard
As summer is hotting up, so is the programme for the Lindfield Arts Festival. Next month sees the return of the eighth annual festival, and this year’s event is looking bigger and better than ever. Whatever you are into and whatever your age, there is something that will fit the bill as the top ticket in town this season.
Families are in for a treat as The High Street transforms with an abundance of activities on offer, including the centre stage with a variety of performances including the return of the circus shows.
Look out for the Dressed Ducks in the shop windows and, if you have ever wanted to learn to crochet or decoupage, then Dolly’s craft van will be the place to go.
Further afield around the village, a varied programme of arts, drama, dance and entertainment will be taking place. A fine art exhibition will be staged at Lindfield Primary Academy on Saturday and Sunday featuring work by talented local artists and with refreshments from The Bonfire Society, kindly supported by Tisshaws Family Solicitors. On Saturday, innovative Robot Relays see competitors get creative in an almighty battle of the bots on space hoppers whilst supporters cheer from the hay bale amphitheatre.
A mini festival of its own will take place at the United Reformed Church on Saturday, featuring a craft exhibition supported by Handelsbanken with the opportunity to snap up goods. A diverse programme of performances and workshops is also on offer, from drama, dance and creative writing to – wait for it – mutant toy hacking. What could be better than reinventing a toy slightly past its sell by date into a brand new, bespoke creation that will be the envy of the playground? Think Toy Story on steroids!
More activities are being confirmed all the time including two very special evening events on Friday night. Lindfield Coffee Works will host a Poetry Night, featuring a group of Sussex-based local poets including a former musician from the Ronnie Scott’s Club in London, which will set the stage for the Festival on opening night. Meanwhile, Komedia regular Rob Dumbrell, will compère a Comedy Night at the Bent Arms, bringing along some wellknown, tried-and-tested names from the comedy circuit for your amusement. For all you budding comedians, there are a couple of 5 minute stand-up comedy sets up for grabs, if you think you have what it takes!
Registration for workshops and events will open online in mid-August with SWALK acting as the Lindfield Box Office.
If you would like to contribute in any way or exhibit, perform, play or volunteer during the Festival weekend (8th, 9th, 10th September) please email enquiries@ lindfieldartsfestival.com or call Stix: 07868 879084 for more information.