Bedlington’s first arts festival will bring together local talent and some of the finest regional artists in an event celebrating arts, crafts and music.
The inaugural festival is inspired by the history of Bedlington itself is open Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 February from 10am - 4pm.
The weekend will include exhibits, activities for children under 5 with puppets and music, music to enjoy with the centre’s Ukulele group and choir performing, and the café will be open for refreshments.
The project has been created by the Bedlington Creatives group and project managed by Blyth based textile artist Sheila Biggs. Creative Producer Andrea MacDonald will curate the exhibition.
Sheila said, 'It's been an exciting year-long project for the Bedlington Creatives, who are all local residents.
We have been delving into the history of Bedlington. Wildlife and old photographs have been an inspiration for local artist Yvette Hawkins for some printing work and a collage. We then welcomed artist Stevie Ronnie and the group enjoyed paper folding and origami and they also visited the local market and bought items to upcycle. Having had fun over the Summer with some family craft sessions and then a Teddy Bear's Picnic, we then welcomed animator and filmmaker Sheryl Jenkins into the centre for some animation workshops. Local artist and Creative Connector with bait Jane Sutcliffe has attended every session to support the artists and has led some of her own sessions, enjoying the experience.'
Bedlington Community Centre secured a funding award from Arts Council England’s Grants for the Arts, thanks to a partnership with bait. The grants for the arts support has enabled the group to sustain arts activity in the centre.
Full details and photographs of what the group have been up to over the past year can be viewed on their website:
