An annual event has marked the launch of the eagerly anticipated Southwold Arts Festival.
The well attended Friends of Southwold Arts Festival evening was held on Monday, February 13, at the Adnams’ Store in Southwold.
The annual programme launch is held to thank the Friends of the Festival who support the event, and also to attract new members.
Andy Wood, chief executive of the festival’s lead sponsor Adnams, said: “We are delighted to be a friend of the Festival and a friend of the town. It is now an essential part of the midsummer.”
In the festival’s fourth year, he added ‘Many start up businesses find that if you get to year three, you’ve cracked it, which the festival has achieved!
“It has been a great way of bringing the community together and it will be another great party and celebration for the town of Southwold.”
MORE: Diverse range of performing talent announced for Southwold Arts Festival 2017
The Friends of Southwold Arts Festival scheme was established in 2016 to enable members to join the programme launch and to attend Friends’ events in the lead up to the festival which will be running between June 24 and July 1.
Festival director Lin Le Versha said: “The voluntary team work all year to put the programme together and I am grateful not just for their efforts, but also to those involved with the technical and publicity roles, and also the stewards and the sponsors who make the festival possible.”
This year’s festival line-up features a diverse range of talent including poet and author Pam Ayres, Mike D’Abo and his Mighty Quintet, television broadcaster Lucy Worsley and television gardener Christine Walkden – who are just some of the names set to entertain audiences this summer during the fourth edition of the festival.
Lin Le Versha added: “We have already had a lot of interest in some of the shows including that of Pam Ayres and it will be important to book early as some shows sold out very early last year.”
Tickets go on sale from March 1, but the Friends of Southwold Arts Festival can take advantage of a two week early booking facility - to book call 01502 722572.
A list of all the performers can be viewed at: www.southwoldartsfestival.co.uk and those interested in becoming a Friend of the Festival should email info@southwoldartsfestival.co.uk.
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