KENILWORTH Arts Festival returns this month with a focus on storytelling and sustainability.
Dancers, actors, authors, and musicians will take to the stage at Talisman Shopping Centre from September 17 to 19.
Talisman Shopping Centre will be at the heart of the festival which is funded by Kenilworth Town Council and sponsorship from local businesses.
The brand new eco stage, surrounded by murals and gardens created by volunteers in partnership with Kenilworth Books, will host a series of music and theatre performances, also giving visitors the opportunity to meet local authors.
Kenilworth Arts Festival will also host Peace at the Pavilion – located at Castle Pavilion off Forrest Road – with a series of workshops for all ages looking at the environment, sustainability, arts, and wellbeing, while local artists and creators will showcase their works at the Abbey End Arts and Crafts Market.
The festival will kick off with a literary event at Kenilworth Castle celebrating 200 years of Kenilworth, the historical novel by Sir Walter Scott, before heading to Talisman Shopping Centre, where there will be a range of Covid-compliant outdoor events for the whole family, including music from a variety of genres as well as children’s th withatre and entertainment.
Alex Clarke, finalist in the BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year 2020, will bring four of the UK’s finest jazz musicians to perform in the shopping centre on September 17, before multi-skilled artists and family entertainers Enter Edem join award-winning dance company Matsena Productions for Saturday’s programme, followed by Latin and African grooves from jazz group Interplay.
Organisers have also teamed up with The Stuff of Stories Podcast and the Kenilworth Centre to curate a programme of audio events featuring a drop in podcast event and a workshop with animation company Scripts Out Loud, letting young voice actors loose on their work.
Festival spokeswoman Becky Webb said: “At this year’s festival we want to provide a platform to some of the finest multi-genre artists working today to reflect on the last couple of years and inspire a new generation of artists.
“With a focus on storytelling, sustainability and wellness, we not only want to expose people to new forms of artistic expression, but to encourage young visitors to take an interest in the arts by showing them what passion for your work can achieve.”
Events in Talisman Shopping Centre will be accessible to pedestrians and passers-by, but seating will also be available to book in advance. Each table will seat a maximum of six people, with takeaway food and drink available from local cafes and restaurants.
Visit www.kenilworthartsfestival.co.uk/ for full festival details.
