Landlord backs Harleston Fringe Festival

CELIA WIGG

A new fringe festival is being launched in Harleston next week after a local landlord stepped into the breach.

People in the town and surrounding villages will be treated to a weekend of music, art and fun from August 24 - 27, including a Friday music night, beer festival and creative writing workshop.

It follows concerns earlier this year that the community was going to miss out as the organisers of the popular Harleston and Waveney Festival had stood down.

It was feared there would be no time to arrange an alternative event.

However, Robin Twigge, who owns the Swan Hotel in Harleston, has created a 'fringe' festival - complementing an existing arts festival but offering a different type of experience with folk, blues and rock music and a free family fun day.

"This is the first Harleston and Waveney Fringe Festival and it's shaping up to be a great event for people of all ages and tastes," he said.

"I believe it's vital that we foster the talent in our community by supporting live, original artists. I hope people will come along and enjoy the free music and fun on offer during the weekend."

A musical extravaganza and beer festival will run at The Swan, along with a 'book hunt' around the town.

The creative writing workshop, at Harleston Bookshop, is on the Saturday and will see acclaimed author, Radio 4 broadcaster and Independent columnist Terence Blacker appraising the literary works of local people.

The fun day, from 10am-3pm on bank holiday Monday, features classic cars, a fun fair, stalls, demonstrations and live bands at the town recreation ground.

Other businesses are supporting the event, with Budgens celebrating British and local produce during the weekend and offering tasters and special deals.

Places for the workshop are free but must be booked in advance by calling Stephen on 01379 855111. Further sponsorship for the festival is welcome - contact Robin on 01379 852221 for details.