THOUSANDS of people are set to party in the town as the Bridgnorth Music and Arts Festival kicks off 10 days of entertainment.
Live music on the main stage will sound through the High Street on Sunday, alongside the annual Town Centre Management Partnership’s food fair, while local artists display their work in a variety of venues.
“In previous years we’ve pulled in a couple of thousand people over the 10 days the festival runs, but for 2010 we expect to top that by quite a considerable
margin,” said festival spokesman Kev Adams.
“Not only do we have bigger music acts – covering everything from classical music and organ recitals, to classic rock and electronic – we also have some great arts, literary and family events happening all round the town.
“We’re catering for a much more diverse range of interests than ever before and part of the huge expansion has been the great team we have brought together.”
Among the events will be a mini acoustic festival, free film screening, Chelfest, a family fun day and exhibition on childhood over the past 150 years.
Bank Holiday Monday will see an unplugged event at The Quayside for songwriters to showcase original material.
“It’s been a part of Bridgnorth Music and Arts Festival for the past three years and has built up such a reputation we’ve been able to attract some of the best songwriters and performers from around the region,” added Kev.
A huge surge in arts events will see the return of Gallery Bridgnorth, a partnership that brings together local businesses and artists.
All art will be for sale with 10 per cent of proceeds going to the festival’s chosen charities – Bridgnorth Hospital League of Friends and Macmillan Cancer Support.
Visitors will be able to view artwork in shop windows by following an Arts Trail Activity Map, which will be available from participating venues.
Bridgnorth High Street will be closed between 6.30am and 8.30pm on Sunday for the food fair and festival.
* See page two of this week’s Bridgnorth Journal for the full programme or call 07401 202488.