The Warrington Arts Festival, a cultural highlight in the town’s calendar, is set to return with a vibrant and community-focused programme for 2024.
Running from July 19th to 27th, this year’s festival promises an eclectic mix of performances and installations across various venues and pop-up spaces in the town centre.
Hosted by Culture Warrington, the festival’s theme is inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that everyone in the community can participate and enjoy the arts. Here are some of the key highlights:
Family Garden Party at Queens Gardens
Over two days, Queens Gardens will transform into a hub of activity with live music, performances and hands-on activities. Don’t miss “Everywhere’s A Beach,” a unique circus theatre show performed on a revolving parasol, and the enchanting “Birdcage Stage” offering magical entertainment. Additionally, keep an eye out for the stilt-walking Birds of Paradise.
Gorilla Circus’ Unity at Bank Park
Gorilla Circus brings their large-scale aerial spectacular “Unity” to Bank Park. This breathtaking show features wire walking, dance trapeze, hair hanging and hydraulic performances that are sure to captivate audiences.
No Dragon, No Lion by Hong Kong’s TS Crew
This Edinburgh Fringe Festival prize-winning performance combines classical lion dance and Chinese opera with dynamic martial arts and parkour. It’s an event not to be missed, showcasing the incredible athleticism and cultural richness of the TS Crew.
Performances for Young Audiences
Young festivalgoers can enjoy “Lilo Lost It” by Move Manchester, a dance performance exploring themes of identity and acceptance. For a more relaxed experience, visit Golden Square’s Sky Garden where Gobbledegook Theatre presents “Cloudscapes” – a performance inviting audiences to lie back and watch the sky.
New Works by Local Creatives
There will also be a whole host of new works by local artists. Leanne Van will create mural portraits inspired by Warrington’s diverse communities, while Amy Nic collaborates with local women to develop “The Business of Love.” Hayley Reid will present an imaginative programme about Warrington’s Old Billy, the longest living horse on record.
This year’s event has received a significant boost from an £840,000 funding grant, allowing for an expanded team and a more ambitious programme. This grant, provided by Arts Council England’s Place Partnership Fund with match funding from Warrington BID and Warrington Borough Council, will support the festival in their quest to celebrate Warrington’s rich culture and creative talent and to make the festival accessible to all.
The festival has actively engaged with over 1,500 community members to ensure the programme reflects the diverse interests and ideas of Warrington’s residents. Furthermore, a Young Producers Programme has been launched to provide pathways for young people into the creative industries.
This year, young producers will present “Squiggle,” a community canvas inviting visitors to contribute their doodles.
Leah Biddle, Cultural Director for Culture Warrington, said: “This year’s festival is set to be bigger and bolder than ever before. Our extensive consultations have resulted in a festival that reflects our community, and this festival really will put us on the cultural map. I can’t wait for you to join us this summer.”
Previously known as Warrington Contemporary Arts Festival, the revamped event aims to be more inclusive and far-reaching, ensuring that the arts are accessible to all sections of the Warrington community.
For more information, tickets, and the full programme, visit warringtonartsfestival.org.