Flying start for 10 Parishes Festival

September 10, 2007

Elephants and giraffes are coming out of the bushes in the rural village of Bathealton, a horse found its way into the grand but disused Town Hall in Wiveliscombe, artists and craftspeople are flinging open their doors left, right and centre, and silent films made a great comeback – all part of the 10 Parishes Festival.

The biennial arts Festival got off to a flying start this weekend with fun, workshops, open galleries and ambitious community events all around the area - and more is to come during the week, including an action packed weekend this Saturday and Sunday (15 and 16 September.)

Film buffs were entranced with a weekend Festival of Silent Cinema in Wiveliscombe, complete with live music accompaniment. Showing a range from spooky chiller to drama and comedy, the rare event was a huge hit, with each showing packed out.

Another hit was the two day Civic Trust Heritage Open Days viewing of Wiveliscombe’s Town Hall, where 650 people were amazed to discover not only its secret interior but the life-size, life-like horse that found its way in - part of fun installations by Forkbeard Fantasy.

And in both Wiveliscombe and rural villages or hamlets, in private homes, converted barns, outdoors and in village halls, art was alive and well as over 100 artists, craftspeople and performers got the week’s 150 plus events underway.

Many exciting events are still to come. They include a great variety – from Eco art for young people to a giant Festival Market, a brand new Festival show written by Taunton Thespians to the landing of the Ark in Bathealton (complete with teas).

Vibrant Festival Market

Wiveliscombe is set to be buzzing this Saturday with a vibrant Festival Market including everything from wonderful, locally produced food and drink to beautiful arts and crafts plus live music and entertainment (complete with Wheelbarrow Carnival of wheelbarrow-sized floats).

Open from 9am – 4pm, West Street will be closed to traffic and the street lined with a huge range of stall holders. Entertainments will be held in The Square and Jubilee Gardens.

Environmental Arts Day

An Environmental Arts Day at Little Brimley in Appley this Sunday, is the Festival first of a series of activities being sponsored by Awards For All and the Co-op Dividend Fund.

Young people aged ten and upwards (or younger ones with parents), will spend a day with tutors, making sculptures using willow, turf and mud and also getting the chance to design and decorate environmentally friendly carrier bags.

It costs just £3 for materials, and booking in advance is essential. (Please contact Avril Silk on 01823 672131 or email AvrilSilk@aol.com for details).

Thespians Special

Award-winning Taunton Thespians have written special Festival cabaret sketches in Your Starter For Ten, being performed at The Shippon Gallery, at Stawley Wood Farm on Saturday, and at Waterrow the previous night.

With an emphasis strictly on fun, the Stawley event can be a flexible £12 ticket to include supper and wine, or £6 for the show with a bring-your-own supper.

Tickets are available from James Luard on 01823 672300, at the Wiveliscombe community office 01984 624777, or at the Festival Market.

The Ark lands in Bathealton

Over 50 animals will be heading for Bathealton village this weekend, including everything from zebras and armadillos to flamingos and fish.

Villagers have been extremely busy creating pairs for the fun event, and they are currently to be spotted in gardens, over hedges and under bushes. This weekend they will all migrate to the rectory, where Mr and Mrs Noah will welcome them, and visitors can enjoy teas and coffees.