Excitement as Adur Festival grows

The Adur Festival team is working with Steyning Festival, which runs over the same period, to reach new audiences and both are already seeing an increase in activity, support and enthusiasm this year.

In Adur, there will be events across the district, with the programme launched at the Ropetackle Centre in Shoreham on April 30 at 7.30pm.

Ropetackle chairman Martin Allen said: “Since taking over the running of the festival last year, our main aim was to regenerate the festival by creating a buzz about it, to draw people in, whatever their contribution.”

Festival director Mella Faye Punchard said everyone was really excited about growing the festival this year.

“Last year, we had only four months to co-ordinate and deliver. This year, with an increase in funding from Arts Council England, we are able to look at expanding the reach of the central events we organise.

“There will be street performance and community activities across the district on May 24, our big carnival day.

“The theme this year is Strange Creatures and schools, community groups and local artists will all be out in force on Adur’s streets.

“Look out for The Insect Circus, Strange Creature Pop Up Pet Shops and the Strange Creature Carnival Band.”

To register an event, visit www.adurfestival.co.uk.