Sunday at the festival was a cornucopia of sights, sounds and sensations.
The weather was not kind on Sunday morning as the heavens opened in a mighty deluge. However, this did not dampen the spirits of the crowds that had turned out to enjoy the day’s activities for families.
The day began with Isabel Ryan running a Pugwash Workshop and although it was aimed at children of all ages some adults were seen to be totally immersed in the art of animation. Isabel is so brilliant when working with children and she encouraged them to have a go at everything. There were many happy faces.
In the adjoining room at the St Mary’s centre, Graham Ellis ran a juggling workshop. Graham is retired circus director and using slow-moving scarves, (although they did look quite fast-moving with a mind of their own at times), he enabled all who took part to learn the impressive skill of juggling.
Just before 11:30am our inimitable town crier, Paul Edward Goring, cried his most eloquent cry to welcome people to the arts festival activities, music and events.
A small excerpt from his cry: “From now until September 30, we have a cornucopia of classic and contemporary creativity, witty writers, innovative illustrator’s, piratical puppets, superb singers, melodic musicians, delectable drummers and gorgeous guides.”
11:30am and Ryebellion certainly drummed up a crowd and entertained them splendidly for half an hour. The rain cascaded down but the show carried on and many of the crowd stayed to support the drummers, ending up extremely soggy. As the arts festival brochure put it: “You really can’t better the Ryebellion beat.” Everyone was swaying along to the music and all agreed.
As if this wasn’t enough the streets resounded with the peal of whistles from the Devious Dolphins. The children loved it as they ensnared them in their nets and squirted water as they tried to escape. There was a dolphin dance which although quite simple did have some people going the wrong way in the quadrille!
Mughal Miniatures’ display of The Princes and the Peacock was enchanting. The graceful movements of the dancer and peacock, together with the eye-catching colourful costumes, drew the audience in and the delight on the children’s faces was heart-warming. The children were invited to feed the peacock and dance. Some were a little hesitant at first but loved it when they did.
Congratulations to the arts festival for such an innovative and exciting series of events.
Shelley Kate wrote on the Facebook page: “We had such a blast – wonderful Pugwash crafts, a juggling masterclass, the super Ryebellion drummers and a stunning interactive performance from the Princess and the Peacock. Thank you.”
Image Credits: Kt bruce .