Wootton Bassett's arts festival is split in two (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Wootton Bassett's arts festival is split in two

3:18pm Thursday 7th October 2010 in Royal Wootton Bassett

The popular Wootton Bassett arts festival will be split in two next year.

Musical competitions, including jazz, brass, woodwind and modern pop, take place from June 24-26 at the memorial hall and St Bartholomew and All Saints Church.

The speech, drama, creative writing and arts performances are being staged over the weekend of November 12-13 at Wootton Bassett School.

Festival committee chairman Miranda Shirnia explained why the festival, usually held over four days in June, has been split.

She said: “I have been going round the schools and a lot have said they just can’t face doing it in June because it’s such a hectic time for schools.

“Our aim is to make it possible for as many people as possible to take part.

“It’s not just for children but many people are away on holiday around June.

“We are very excited about it now.”

As part of the celebrations, a classical guitar event led by Christopher Stell, a teacher at the Royal College of Music, will be held at the memorial hall on November 28 from 9am to 6pm.

An entry form for the guitar event can be downloaded from the festival website, www.wbaf.co.uk, until tomorrow.

Despite a record number of entries this year, the festival committee is hoping to encourage even more competitors to take part in the 2011 festival.