BRIDGE End Garden in the heart of Saffron Walden was the perfect setting for an inaugural Arts & Music Picnic event on Saturday.

Saffron Walden Reporter: Andy Basham of Coppice Designs with a novice woodworkerAndy Basham of Coppice Designs with a novice woodworker (Image: Archant)

Over 400 people took picnics and enjoyed a perfect summer’s day out, filled with live music from local bands including SWCHS Jazz Band, ‘Pure Sax’ Jazz Quartet, The Sheri Kershaw Band, Sara Ashley, Eva’s Dream, and The Scratch Band. The event was compered by MC Paul Wood.

There were fun activities for kids such as graffiti workshops by Graff Workshops, storytelling from Harts Books, pottery from Freshwell Youth Arts ‘n’ Crafts, face-painting by Rosemary Wild, and the fabulous wooden animal creations from Andy Basham at Coppice Designs, who also supplied staves and wands to budding witches and wizards.

Artists also gave demonstrations including an illustration from Helen Wiseman and Sarah Turpin, alongside jewellery making by Kim Gollard of Silverscents.

Spontaneous entertainment was provided throughout the day by HyperFusion Theatre Company, the circus skills of Abi Cooper and Dave Stone, drumming by four members of the SWCHS Samba Band, and a performance by a Capoeira group, a Brazilian movement art form that combines elements of combat, dance, acrobatics and music.

The raffle proved popular, with prizes donated from businesses including Audley End Concerts, Saffron Screen, Waitrose and Art@Home.

Miranda Pender, chairman of Saffron Walden Arts Trust, the organisers, was delighted with the turn out.

“It was a wonderful success,” she said. “There was an excellent turn out and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.

“A number of people said they hadn’t realised how beautiful Bridge End Garden was. The town council has put an awful lot of effort into renovating and maintaining the gardens, so hopefully this event has gone some to promoting it – maybe more people will enjoy it in future.”

Miranda added: “The Trust would like to say a big thank you to all our hard working volunteers, especially to Deirdre and the Saffron Walden Town Explorers who put up and dismantled three marquees and numerous gazebos in record time – we couldn’t have done it without them.”

For more information on the Saffron Walden Arts Trust and its activities, attend the AGM at No.1 Myddleton Place on July 15 at 7.30pm, everyone welcome.