A FESTIVAL celebrating the diversity of arts taking place in Saffron Walden will be held next month. The event, which has been organised by the Saffron Walden Arts Trust, is the first of its kind to be held in the town. Running from Thursday June 11 to Su

A FESTIVAL celebrating the diversity of arts taking place in Saffron Walden will be held next month.

The event, which has been organised by the Saffron Walden Arts Trust, is the first of its kind to be held in the town.

Running from Thursday June 11 to Sunday June 14 the festival will incorporate theatre, dance, music, painting and much more.

Arts Trust member Peter Riding said: "We are thrilled with the number of groups and individuals in the town that are taking part in the festival.

"This is a very exciting event which will celebrate all of the arts and give people the opportunity to see a real mix of talent."

The Saffron Players will kick off the festival with the first of three performances of Cold Comfort Farm.

Throughout Saturday the town centre will be alive with dancing from the Thaxted Morris Men and HyperFusion Theatre Company.

Music will be provided by the Saffron Walden Town Band, the Uttlesford String Quartet, Village Voices and Penelope Manser. A Summer Prom from the Saffron Walden Choral Society in St Mary's Church will complete the day.

Sunday afternoon will see the action move to Jubilee Gardens where there will be music from the Saffron Walden Dance Band, art workshops where you will be able to participate in textile and print making, or you can try your hand at graffiti.

An exhibition of four local artists has been arranged by Riverslade Gallery on Hill Street for the weekend and there will be mosaic demonstrations on the Saturday. The art galleries of Saffron Walden will open for a treasure hunt.

The festival will finish with a special showing of ICO Essentials: Modernity - a selection of 10 short films at Saffron Screen, based at the Saffron Walden County High School, on Sunday June 14.

Full details of the festival can be found on the SWAT website at www.artsinwalden.org.uk