Town to get arts festival
Performances, exhibitions and workshops incorporating live music, singing, comedy, improvisation, theatre, dance, belly dancing, puppet making, a craft fair and art exhibitions are planned.
The Crowborough Arts Festival's provisional title is 'Art and Soul' with the idea of uniting the whole community – using local talent where possible.
The idea has come from a group of friends – Allyson Cook, Virginia Everson, Sharon Taylor and Susannah Peteszsast who regularly meet at a women's book club.
Luke Boneham and Richard Cook have also joined the committee.
"We have all come to Crowborough fairly recently and have all got skills and contacts in the arts world," said Allyson.
"We thought 'Wouldn't it be good to do an arts festival between us?'
"Crowborough is so much on the edge of things happening.
"There has never been something like this before."
Already the group has booked a professional belly dancing company complete with Egyptian musicians, and renowned conductor Scott Stroman is bringing his professional jazz band, which includes British Jazz Awards winner Alec Dankworth.
The organisers approached Crowborough Town Council with their ideas and also Wealden District Council and East Sussex County Council.
"The response has been really enthusiastic," said Allyson.
"We have been amazed.
"We really want it to be for the community where people can go and perhaps start up their own groups."
It is hoped the events will take place in various venues in town, including Beacon College and the town hall.
Funding has been applied for from Wealden District Council Community Fund, East Sussex County Seedcorn fund and BBC Performing Arts Fund, which should cover half of the projected £10,000 cost.
The balance will be raised from ticket sales.
The group will gauge interest by having a stall at Beacon Community College's Christmas fair tomorrow (Saturday) and will also hold a public meeting in January.
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