Garstang Arts & Music Festival
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).
Download Programme of Events for 2009
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 2008 has been a wonderful success. It began with the traditional outdoor performance from Morecambe Band and was attended by Garstang Mayor Michael Halford and his family, despite the typical summer weather!
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
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 Garstang Arts & Music Festivalrun 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 include the Jazz Night with the Lune Valley Band, the Choral Society Concert, Organ Recital at Saint Mary and Michaels Church with Nigel Gaze and the children's workshops.
John Towers Big Band night was packed out with the audience filling the room at Cabus Village Hall. Thank you to the band who have enjoyed increased audiences each year and has become one of the most attended events on the music calendar.
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 in August 2009. We are still looking for people to help in the overseeing and organising of certain events. If you would like to offer your time and help, please contact the Garstang & District Partnership on 01995 600551 or email gdp@garstang.net.