Kenilworth Arts Festival is back with a new format including monthly events to bring you a jam packed year long calendar of activity.
The committee has been working hard to program a series of events that span the arts and offer exciting ways to be involved in 2024.
The new format from Autumn 2023 started with two sold out events – Bella Gaffney’s folk gig and Michael Mansfield’s book launch of ‘Power of the people, not the people in power’ and a successful Kenilworth Artists Exhibit at St John’s Church.
“We’re delighted to be moving to presenting a year round programme of events for and with the community, made possible through local partnerships and the support of Kenilworth Town Council,” said Jan Ford, Kenilworth Arts Festival director.
Kenilworth Arts Festival and Kenilworth Books will bring a town wide book club in 2024, a literary weekend focussing on environmental writers and more book launches, author panel discussions and opportunities to attend writing workshops.
The full program of events will be available in early 2024, but the schedule of events in partnership with The Tree House Bookshop has already been announced.
“Live music is a vital community thing and small venues are essential for both the local community and musicians. The live experience is second to none!” said Victoria Mier, Tree House Bookshop owner and Radio Abbey presenter. The Tree House Bookshop has long been a space for musicians on the circuit and in 2024 with the help of local artist Ellie Gowers, the festival has programmed a series of concerts.
Hosted at the town centre shop or Abbey Hill United Reform Church, collaborations will see artists embarking on their careers and those with extensive repertoire such as Martin Carthy, master craftsman with an illustrious folk career.
“When I first started performing, the Tree House provided the perfect space to share songs in an intimate, welcoming and warm setting,” Ellie said.
“It’s so important for musicians to have this space to share their craft and I’m excited to start working with the Tree House and Kenilworth Arts Festival to bring some fantastic music to Kenilworth.”
Previously along with Kenilworth Books, Friends of Talisman Square, The Orangery Flower Shop and Baginton Nurseries we have helped to transform Talisman Square. This is all part of a long term project to ‘green up’ Talisman Square, increase biodiversity and reduce pollution.