Salisbury International Arts Festival begins for 2024
It was first held in 1974
The Salisbury International Arts Festival launches today (Sunday 26th May), kicking off a fortnight of entertainment across the city.
The festival, run by Wiltshire Creative, was first held in 1974 and runs through to Sunday 9th June.
It all starts, with Patch's Parade from Milford Street Bridge to Market Square, as well as City Encounters in the city centre.
Patch is a giant living beneath the bridge but has aspirations of exploring the city. He's more than six metres tall and will travel the city with his Penguin pal, accompanied by local musicians and dancers.
Other highlights include:
• The Lord Chamberlain’s Men return in their outdoor, all-male production of Shakespeare’s Hamlet at Rack Close on 7th and 8th June
• Spoken word from Anthony Horowitz, David Baddiel, Juliet Stevenson and more.
• TESS by Ockham’s Razor, the circus adaption of Thomas Hardy’s classic novel Tess of the D’Urbervilles on 5th June
• The Best of Gilbert and Sullivan from the principal singers of the National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company on 30 May
Artistic Director of Wiltshire Creative Gareth Machin said:
“The Salisbury International Arts Festival lies at the epicentre of our programming, and we’re proud to bring a wealth of talent to the region with a diversity of programming for all.
"This year’s Wiltshire Creative’s summer season is no different, and offers a breadth of programming from spoken word, music, circus and dance events right in the heart of Salisbury.
"We’re bringing back the popular City Encounters, an event which not only brings the community together but showcases the wonderful talent we have in the town. It’s set to be a summer to remember!”
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