It’s almost time for this year’s Royston Arts Festival – where there’s plenty to be discovered.

The theme of Creative Royston’s 2018 festival is ‘voyages of discovery’ and there are special events being held from today, up until the main weekend which takes place from Friday to Sunday, September 28 to 30.

Creative Royston chairperson Kirsten Grimmer said: “I have butterflies of excitement building already to bring the festival to Royston this year. Not only do we have some amazing exhibitions brought to you by our regular creative groups from around Royston, we are continuing to bring something new with our Community Arts Event in Priory Memorial Gardens on Saturday, September 29.

“This year we will see a First Schools Showcase – a festival first – bringing Year 4 singers from all Royston, Barley, Barkway, Reed and Therfield first schools.

“Gog Magog Molly Dancers and Crystalite Majorettes will also delight in our arena, along with a ‘Give Brass A Go!’ workshop run by Royston Town Band, crafting with Glazed Creations, dance for all ages with DanceMatters and BEEE Creative and an Ancient Dance, Stories and Music Tent by TaBard – which sees old favourite The Yarnsmith of Norwich return to Royston with music partner Trevor James. In short, we know it’ll be good fun.”

The cover art for the festival was put together by Royston artist Stacey Leigh Rossm who once again stepped in to support Royston Arts Festival and had the task to deliberating over more than 260 entries from children from five schools.

Kirsten said: “In total, 20 pieces of art were chosen and worked into this amazingly atmospheric piece you see on our cover today. The original cover will once again go to silent auction during the Royston Arts Society exhibition in the town hall. This year we will be supporting Heathlands Animal Sanctuary.”

Graham Palmer’s Facing Rob Roy exhibition – celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Walter Scott novel starts at Royston’s district museum today – and there’s a free talk in conjunction with the display on Saturday.

Film Voyages of the Southern Sun is on at Fowlmere Village Hall on Thursday, September 20 at 7.30pm.

The main festival weekend also includes CADS’ play Ghost Writer, craft activities for youngsters at the museum, the must-see Community Arts Event at Priory Memorial Gardens and MusicFest.

Some events require booking in advance, see www.creativeroyston.org for more information.