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  The
Arts and Music Festival has been running in Garstang for nearly 15
years. The festival takes place in August and is for one week (ending on
Bank Holiday Saturday).
The programme of events caters for all ages and
interests. There are live outdoor concerts, street entertainers, dances,
brass bands, folk music, painting competitions and musical workshops.
The Arts and Music Festival 2007 has been a
success, and despite the lack of summer weather events were extremely
well attended. The festival kicked off with a canal trip, which saw over
40 people enjoy a relaxing cruise taking in the sights and sounds of
Garstang on local boat, ‘The Jungle Queen’ from Old Duncombe House.
Events included organised walks, evening bands
including jazz and folk bands, poetry and song evening, Palm Court
Recital, garden tours, churches together concert, choral society
concert, street entertainers, workshops, coffee mornings, markets,
children’s clubs, and much more!
 Thank
you to all the community groups that took part. Pictured here are some
members of Garstang Painting Group displaying their drawing talents in
Thomas Weind during the week. The idea of creating a French vibe in the
weind was accomplished with the addition of a local accordionist adding
to the relaxed atmosphere. Onlookers were able to watch the
professionals at work producing their wonderful pieces of art!
On the Sunday a crowd of people witnessed a special
performance from professional violinist and former Royal Liverpool
Philharmonic Orchestra member, Patricia Donnelly. This particularly
interesting event was a treat for the audience, and Patricia will no
doubt be returning next year on public demand!
 On
Monday, St Mary & Michael Catholic Church gave the visitors a rare
opportunity to have a guided tour from Mary Perkiss. The tour was
stimulating and a successful addition to the festival. We hope to
include this next year.
Thank you to Les Foden, Peter Wiseman and Ben
Andrews for being on the gardening panel, and providing the audience
with their gardening expertise once again. Ben & Sue
Andrews also opened up their beautiful garden to
the public on Wednesday. All monies raised went towards the festival,
and the Royal Gardeners Benevolent Fund, thank you.
Two new additions to the festival included the
Tuesday and Friday workshop at the Arts Centre. Local theatrical figure
Jim Dodding, and Avril Bevan kindly gave their time and expertise free
of charge to
 run
two, 3-hour workshops at the Arts Centre. The workshops were extremely
successful, and we would like to thank Jim and Avril for their
particularly hard work and time.
Other successes included ex-mayor of Garstang,
Brian Pinder in his tribute to Hank Marvin and the Shadows at the Arts
Centre raising nearly £300.00 for the festival, and other local singer,
Pip Riley singing 60’s and 70’s songs at St Thomas’s Church, with
proceeds going towards the Fairtrade and the British Heart Foundation.
John Towers Big Band night was packed out with the
audience filling the room at Cabus Village Hall. The festival closed in
traditional style with the Morecambe Band playing in the High Street Car
Park. Thankfully the rain held off all night and over 100 people came
to see the band perform including Garstang Mayor and Consort Joan &
David Williams, and Wyre Mayor and Consort Keith and Joan Riley.
A big thank you has to go to DCL who year on year
kindly provide the lorry free of charge. Also, local electrician Jon
Cuff provided the band with light and gave his services free of charge.
Thank you also to Turner Pearson Solicitors for sponsoring the event
year on year. Finally, thank you to everyone else who organised events
and who volunteered their help, and to the people who attended events
and supported their community.
Next year’s festival will be from August 16th –
23rd 2008. We are still looking for people to help in the overseeing and
organising of certain events next year. If you would like to offer your
time and help, please contact the Garstang & District Partnership on
01995 600551 or email gdp@garstang.net
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