Woodbridge Festival’s twelfth annual weekend of events returns Friday 30 August with a new festival theme that sees famous artists, actors, DJs, writers and musicians showcasing talents they are less well known for.
In addition to the festival’s usual line-up of internationally renowned and local acts, a one-off theme will highlight the festival’s work in cross platform art by presenting the alternative talents of well known artists. Expect to see TV presenters launch music albums, film and theatre actors reveal DJ talents, best-selling authors play live music and DJs exhibit pictures.
Festival founder DJ Ben Osborne says: “We chose the name Woodbridge Festival of Art and Music because we hope to inspire and showcase music and a wide variety of the arts in our community. Our wider programming has always been diverse, including painting, light art and projections, literature/spoken word, sculpture, photography, printing… as well as music of all genres; from jazz, classical and hip hop, to soul, rock 'n' roll, reggae, house, disco and electro. So this year we’re highlighting the cross-platform art part of our festival, by showcasing acts that are famous in one area of art, but have less-well publicised creative off-shoots in other disciplines.”
Festival Chair and Art Co-ordinator artist Alice Stallard adds: “Over the last four years the art side of the festival has grown immensely, involving more professional artists, both working amongst the community and submitting work for us to show. But what has been equally inspiring has been the huge growth in community involvement, with well over a thousand people contributing art to last year’s community programmes. So we thought this would be a good time to showcase some of the art skills that our musicians also have. And, once we hit on that idea, a wealth of artists with hidden talents started to emerge from every artistic discipline we work with. It’s hugely exciting.”
This year the festival celebrates its 10th year in Elmhurst Park and 12th year in Woodbridge. New acts and areas are being announced daily. The festival has been supported by public bodies and private enterprises, these include Mediterranean Shipping Company, Suffolk Building Society, East Suffolk Council, Woodbridge Town Council, Suffolk Digital, Grove Court and The Natural Health Centre. Tickets on sale now - see www.woodbridgefestival.com
Festival dates at a glance.
Saturday 17 August Festival Pre-Party Ye Olde Bell And Steelyard with UK Disco don Simon Lee (Faze Action) and Ben Osborne from 5pm
Friday 30 August Festival Weekend Opening Night at The Riverside with UK Funk legend Les Spaine from 9pm
Saturday 31 August Main Event in Elmhurst Park from Midday plus night time venues from 8pm
Sunday 1 September All Day After Party Whisstocks Place From 1pm
Tickets
Tickets to venues available separately.
Bell and Steelyard - From £10
The Riverside - From £10
Elmhurst Park - From £10
