Summer arts festival announced

By Laurie EldridgeAn arts festival will be held this summer by South Norfolk Council, celebrating the district's vibrant culture. A packed programme of events, including live music, comedy, outdoor theatre, opera, dance and art exhibitions was published this week.

By Laurie Eldridge

An arts festival will be held this summer by South Norfolk Council, celebrating the district's vibrant culture. A packed programme of events, including live music, comedy, outdoor theatre, opera, dance and art exhibitions was published this week.

Local and international performers will be appearing throughout the district at venues ranging from heritage sites to visitor attractions, stately homes to countryside locations. Attractions will include fire sculptures in Brockdish and a celebration of Abraham Lincoln's bicentenary in Hingham to 'Gum Boot Steam Up' with the Black Umfolosi 5- a singing and dancing act from South Africa, who will perform to a backdrop of working steam engines in Forncett St Mary.

Also not to be missed is the Midsummer Chillax on Saturday, June 20 at Whitlingham Country Park, where visitors can enjoy live music, theatre, artistic installations, sand sculptures and a walk through a 'colourdome'.

The festival will be launched by an orchestral performance of Vaughan Williams' 'The Lark Ascending' at Dunston Hall on Friday, May 22. This will be closely followed by two fun-filled family events over the May Bank Holiday.

Councillor Michelle Monck said: 'This festival is fantastic not only for our residents and visitors to South Norfolk but will give local B&Bs, pubs and shops a boost too. It's a brilliant way to bring people and families together, and with over 80 events, many of which are free to attend, there's sure to be something for all ages and interests.'

For more information and to download a brochure, visit www.south-norfolk.gov.uk/festival