Arts Festival line-up taking shape

The festival, which was first put on in 1982, featured over 60 events last year, and this year’s line up is already looking exciting.

The Moving Book will make its first appearance at the festival. This entails a book moving around the events of the festival, giving people the opportunity to add a paragraph to the running story.

Arts Festival chairman Graham Palmer said: “We have no idea about the kind of story that will emerge or the direction it will take. It’s an on-going story which the public has the chance to shape.”

The opening paragraph has been written by novelist Sarah Harrison, who will also be presenting a one women show at SG8 nightclub on Thursday evening (23).

The Moving Book is available to visit businesses and schools on Thursday (September 23) or Friday (September 24) by e-mailing chair@roystonartsfestival.org.

Meridian School will be the stage for the return of cinema to Royston, with a unique viewing of the popular film Mamma Mia on Friday (24).

Viewers will be encouraged to sing along to well-known hits such as Dancing Queen and Super Trouper, and there will be a prize on offer for the best costume.

Mr Palmer said: “When the Priory cinema was demolished a number of years ago it was a sad loss to our community.

“Royston First, which is supporting Cinema Night, and Royston Town Council are currently working on plans to install a cinema in a multi-use centre in the town hall.”

Tickets will be available on the door or in advance from the Stationary Cupboard in Royston High Street.

The third event announced this week will be a performance of Shakespeare and Co from the Yellowtale Theatre Company. It will take place, open air, in the Priory Memorial Gardens on Sunday (26).

Mr Palmer said: “The company has performed around the country this year to critical acclaim.

The company will also be running a Shakespeare workshop in Royston Parish Church on Sunday at 12.30pm.

For more information on the festival visit www.roystonartsfestival.org.