Arts in East Herts showcase brings dozens of free cultural events to Bishop’s Stortford and the rest of the district
Painting, playing a brass instrument and bellringing in Bishop’s Stortford will form part of a “cultural extravaganza” across East Herts in September and October.
Arts in East Herts is designed to showcase the district’s “rich and diverse cultural life” by offering people the chance to try something new or simply attend an exhibition or performance while giving individuals and organisations involved in the arts the opportunity to reach a wider audience.
As well as art and music events at South Mill Arts, Bishop’s Stortford College, the library and St Michael’s Church in Stortford, the programme also includes interactive story-telling in Sawbridgeworth and decorative metalworking in Green Tye.
Further afield, there will be circus skills in Amwell End, textile art in Buntingford, artists exhibiting their work in Cottered, theatre improvisation in Hertford, candle making in Little Berkhamsted and dancing in Ware.
Cllr Alex Daar, East Herts Council’s executive member for communities, said: “This cultural extravaganza promises to inspire, educate and entertain while enabling our wonderful local artists and arts organisations to reach a wider audience.
“It will be a chance for people to get involved in something new, whether that’s taking part in an artistic or cultural event, workshop or taster session or simply going along to an exhibition or performance.
“We think everyone taking part will be delighted and surprised by the range of opportunities on their doorstep.
“We hope Arts in East Herts will become an annual fixture of the local arts scene, giving residents of all ages the chance to enjoy the rich and diverse cultural life that East Herts has to offer.”
Arts in East Herts is supported by Government funding. Most organisations taking part have successfully applied for up to £1,000 each to provide a range of activities including free sessions.
The first event is an artist’s open studio in Bishop’s Stortford on Sunday September 1. Julie Arnall will be exhibiting her work at 57 Mathams Drive, Thorley Park, from 11am to 3pm. Visitors will have a chance to try simple printmaking techniques.
On Saturday September 7, Herts Visual Arts Forum members will showcase their talents at South Mill Arts.
On six successive Tuesdays from September 10 to October 15, from 6.15pm to 6.45pm, visitors to Herts and Essex High School’s music block, Firlands, can try out a brass instrument with tuition from a music teacher.
On Thursdays, September 12 and 19, from 7.45pm to 9pm, there is a chance to enjoy a demonstration of bellringing at St Michael’s Church, Windhill. Visitors inspired to have a go themselves can sign up for a taster session at a later date.
On Saturday September 21, from 2pm to 4pm, South Mill Arts is the venue for a beginners’ acrylic painting workshop.
On Thursday September 26, at 2pm, Bishop’s Stortford Library will host a session to contribute to a project to create a large piece representing multi-generational art in East Herts.
On Saturday October 19, from 3.30pm to 5pm, visitors can experience an orchestra’s final rehearsal. Bishop’s Stortford Sinfonia will be putting the finishing touches to its performance at Bishop’s Stortford College.
The event is “an opportunity for people of all ages to get an inside look at how a professional orchestra prepares for a performance, including meeting the players”. Attendees will be eligible for a 40% discount on adult tickets for the concert later the same day.
For full details of all events, see https://www.eastherts.gov.uk/arts-and-culture-east-herts/arts-east-herts.
