The streets of Southwold will be transformed once more next weekend.
For the past four years, the final Saturday in June has welcomed the eclectic Southwold Arts Festival.
And it will be no different next Saturday, June 24 as a carnival-style atmosphere kick-starts eight days of performances. Following a stunning street parade on the theme of 'Take Flight', the High Street and Market Square will host a wonderful array of stalls, street performers, dancers, choirs and food and drink from noon to 6pm.
The festival will be opened by its patron Emma Freud, the popular presenter, columnist and script editor, in the presence of the new Southwold mayor Matthew Horwood.
Each year, the festival attracts thousands of visitors as they enjoy a huge range of musical concerts, talks and exhibitions.
The festival prides itself in attracting the very best of local, national and international talent and this year is no exception. Festival director Lin Le Versha said: 'We truly believe that our 2017 programme will have something for everyone. From the West End, we have the 'Simon and Garfunkel Story' which in July, will tour New Zealand, Hong Kong and Singapore, and we have the internationally renowned Ronnie Scott's Allstars with some of the greatest jazz musicians in the country.
'But, we also have local talent from the Young Musicians Showcase every day, and a range of fascinating talks from national names, as well local people well known in the local area.'
Christine Walkden, the award-winning and popular TV gardener from 'Glorious Gardens From Above' and the BBC 'One Show' will be talking about her varied and remarkable career in writing, broadcasting and horticulture, followed the next day by Benedict Nightingale, international theatre critic.
The festival team excel in creating the right atmosphere and location for each event and the midweek folk evening is always a huge hit, as it adopts an informal, cabaret style atmosphere at the Pavilion on Southwold Common.
This year the festival welcomes O'Hooley and Tidow, who have performed at Glastonbury and were nominated for the BBC2 Folk Awards. They will be supported by the John Ward band from Lowestoft.
CARNIVAL ATMOSPHERE EXPECTED
Featuring an exciting and diverse programme of events, the fourth Southwold Arts Festival takes place from Saturday, June 24 to Saturday, July 1. With performances every morning, lunchtime, afternoon and evening there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
Di Brown, deputy festival director, said: 'Do come along and enjoy the fun! There is a wonderful carnival atmosphere at the opening event, and it is a perfect prelude to a week packed with the very best of music and art. Extra parking will be provided, and we hope to see as many people as possible, including residents, holidaymakers and visitors from far and wide.'
The full festival programme is available from shops, businesses and libraries and is also available online at www.southwoldartsfestival.co.uk Tickets are available from the box office on 01502 722572 or online.
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