Arts Festival hits the town

A WEALTH of talent was on display throughout Saffron Walden as performers took part in an arts festival on the weekend. Organised by the Saffron Walden Arts Trust (SWAT), the first arts festival to be held in the town featured nearly 20 music, theatre, da

A WEALTH of talent was on display throughout Saffron Walden as performers took part in an arts festival on the weekend.

Organised by the Saffron Walden Arts Trust (SWAT), the first arts festival to be held in the town featured nearly 20 music, theatre, dance, poetry and singing groups as well as exhibitions and workshops.

Chairman of SWAT, Peter Upson, said: "The Arts Trust has always supported the visual arts, through art and craft shows and the Riverslade Gallery. This year we wanted to engage the local performing arts groups by putting on an arts festival in the town centre, and to provide something for all age groups.

"The mix of live performances was a resounding success. The visual arts and hands on workshops proved very popular and I hope that SWAT can build on this success by including many more groups and events in any future festival."

Families took part in a treasure hunt around all of the town's permanent art galleries and workshops were held in print, textile and graffiti. More than 1000 people were involved with the festival.