Bishop’s Castle Arts Festival is in full swing with musicians, artists, dancers, poets and many more having the opportunity to showcase their work over five days in the picturesque town.

The festival, which runs until Sunday, February 26, has been going for 11 years and has become a highlight of the Bishop’s Castle calendar with almost 50 events including workshops, talks, exhibitions, music, dance, competitions and open studios. The festival is always held during the February half-term holiday, and organisers have made sure there are two events each day for children.

Sue Wilmer, one of the festival’s organisers, said: “Our aim is to make these events as inclusive as possible, so most are free with an invitation for donations but unfortunately, the last festival saw donations down by over 25 per cent and we rely on the donations to keep the festival going.

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“We think this may be because many people haven't been carrying cash since the pandemic and we can't see this getting any better. With the terrible rise in the cost of living, we really don't want to have to start charging for events.”

The festival has set up an online fundraising page - www.gofundme.com/f/bishops-castle-arts-festival -  for people who would like to donate to help keep the festival running.

Venues of all shapes and sizes from galleries to pubs, churches to libraries, hotels to shops are all opening their doors to put on unique events which are often free. Highlights include festival favourites Rapsquillion & Friends at the Town Hall tonight (Thursday) at 7.30pm, Balkan Ceildh at the Three Tuns Inn on Friday evening, a drumming workshop at the SpArC Theatre and feisty folk tales for children at The Poetry Pharmacy on Saturday, modern calligraphy workshop at the Methodist Hall, a poetry workshop with Pat Edwards at The Poetry Pharmacy and the Bishop’s Castle Orchestra at The Three Tuns Inn all on Sunday. All the events can be found on the bishopscastleartsfestival.com website.

Among the many artists holding exhibitions will be award-winning artist Sarah Gillard who will be showcasing her vibrant paintings of landscapes and flowers, at Yarborough House, Market Square, from 10am to 4pm on Friday to Sunday.

Sarah said: "My work is an exploration of the limitless possibilities of colour. I aim to create paintings that are visually stunning, emotionally resonant, and that leave a lasting impression on the viewer. I am excited to share my works with my audience at this open studio event."

There’s also a fun miniature art machine of original pieces of art donated by local artists that can be bought for £1 and will help towards putting on the arts festival. A TikTok video of the machine has already been watched by thousands of people.

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