STEYNING FESTIVAL - 26th May - 10th June

Steyning Festival is now in its fifth year and is really excited about the programme of events that it has on offer for its two week duration! There is something for all the family from young children, teenagers, adults and the ‘very mature’.

This year the nation celebrates the Queens Diamond Jubilee and the Olympics – Steyning Festival will be hosting a Sports Day and a massive street party to commemorate these two occasions as a part of their huge community arts event. On 3rd June, Steyning High Street will be closed between 12 noon – 4.00pm for the Jubilee Street Party so do go and visit Steyning and join in the festivities. There will be live music and also Horsham Youth Club’s mobile skate ramps if you feel brave enough to have a try.

The festival kicks off with the Children’s Parade on Saturday 26th May and will be accompanied by the Samba band, Barulho, who perform at the Brighton Festival Chidren’s Parade.
The arts side of the festival has grown from strength to strength and cover the areas of Theatre, Music, Literature & Talks, Walks and Visual Arts. This years’ free events include, Meet Children’s Authors Polly Dunbar & Alexis Deacon with their wonderful picture books, Arthur’s Dreamboat and While You Were Sleeping, for ages 4+ and author Ali Sparkes returns to the festival. Children will also enjoy the return of Nick Sharratt with his Fun and Games – watch him draw live and join in with songs and games. (£4).
Go and see The Elves & The Shoemaker, a well loved tale made popular by the Ladybird Classics, performed by Theatre of Widdershins. Beautifully crafted sets and puppets, sublime music, a kaleidoscope of miniature shoes and a comic mouse all make this show a magical must-see. Children aged 3-7 years will love Sophia and the Snail!
If you would like to see more of the beautiful Steyning surroundings then join in one of the fantastic walks. Steyning Downland Scheme are organising a short walk, Conservation Morning, suitable for all the family. Join in with a morning of outdoor activity and have fun on the Downs – includes a cooked lunch! Visit Daylands Farm, meet the animals and eat a scrumptious cream tea – children from 2 years are welcome.

The Visual Arts are being run by Steyning Arts this year and include 84 artists across 21 venues. There are lots of other events to enjoy ranging from A Night at the Opera, with professional artists to the theatre production, Operation Greenfield where four unlikely teenagers are preparing for Stokely’s Annual Talent Competition – with an eclectic mix of recorded music and visually brilliant.
There is so much more, so visit the Steyning Festival website for further information.

For more information visit http://www.steyningfestival.co.uk/