GALLERY: Royston Arts Festival a ‘great success’
ART lovers and music fans descended on Royston last week for the town’s annual art festival - an event branded a “great success” by organisers.
There were packed audiences from the beginning of the Crossing the Line themed cultural showcase.
Festival chairman Graham Palmer said: “Seeing everyone enjoying the events and being so enthusiastic certainly made the last 12 months’ planning worthwhile.
“It was a real celebration of local talent. When we look at the four days together, the festival was certainly a great success.”
The curtain went up on the festival on Thursday and the final act was performed on Sunday with highlights including a classical piano concert given by the Cann twins at Royston Catholic Church, the Strictly 40s: Hits from the Blitz dance, and a screening of cult movie The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
The finale concert, given by pupils from Royston schools and the Senior Windband @ Stevenage, North Hertfordshire’s prestigious youth wind band which draws from talent within the town and elsewhere, had a record attendance.
“The festival drew visitors from a much wider area than in previous years,” said Mr Palmer. “The public seemed to spend Saturday visiting one event after another.”
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These events included the Royston Photographic Society’s exhibition in Market Hill Rooms, the Royston Fringe at the Royston Methodist Church, and the annual Royston Art Society’s exhibition at the town hall.
Town mayor Cllr Robert Inwood said: “ I think everyone agrees it was the best arts festival so far. Everyone I spoke to thought it was just fantastic.
“I think it was a really good event and most of Royston came out and supported it – as mayor it was a privilege to be involved with it.”
Brit Award-winning festival president Alison Balsom, a classical trumpet player, was able to attend the special Songs of Praise service at the parish church on Sunday before returning to London for a rehearsal.
“She has given valuable support to the arts festival and is still enthusiastic about all the events, and especially the music,” said Mr Palmer.
The committee will shortly begin work on next year’s arts festival which will have the theme About Time, and run from September 27-30. Individuals and groups from Royston and the surrounding area are invited to submit events that they would like to organise for the 2012 Festival online now.
Visitors still have time to give their feedback on this year’s festival at www.roystonartsfestival.org
