It's just over two weeks until the Horsforth ‘Walk of Art’ is back and this year's promises to exercise your mind, body and soul with a number of fun activities for the whole family.
Following last year's great success, the 'Walk of Art' promises to be even bigger and better with more to see and do for all ages. This year has seen more people from the local community joining forces and getting involved.
The entire festival has been plotted across the map of Horsforth and will take place on the weekend of 2nd and 3rd July. The free festival aims to celebrate everything artistic and offers something for everyone.
It begins at 7pm on the evening of Friday, 1st July at St Margaret's Church with a disco, live music and a fantastic light and music show. Food vans will provide everything you need to keep up your energy levels for the family friendly disco and to see you through the night to the light and sound collaboration at 10.30pm.
Mark Phillipson, Director of the event sponsors Redbrick Properties said, "Horsforth is an area that I am particularly passionate about. Having lived here with my family for 8 years now I can honestly say the place and people are absolutely wonderful. This year's 'Walk Of Art' once again showcases the fantastic community spirit Horsforth is so proud of."
Just some of the many highlights of this year's 'Walk of Art' include:
- 'The Travelling Gig' – 21 live acts performing over seven sets throughout the weekend starting at 10am on Saturday. Buskers will also be entertaining visitors in the open garden spaces.
- Kid's Drive-In & Drive-Away Cinema - Children can let their imaginations run wild and transform a banana box into a car, a boat, a helicopter or whatever they want. Whilst doing that they can watch a short film made by local school children and you could also try a quick Cross Fit challenge, let your children try gymnastics and complete a trim trail.
- Hide and Seek a Hedgehog - There'll be an invasion of hedgehogs over the weekend with little knitted creatures hidden all over. You can follow clues on Facebook and Instagram to find your own little friend.
- Broadfields-By-Sea - If you like to be beside the seaside then make sure you visit Broadfields-by-Sea on Sunday wherethere'll be Punch and Judy, beach activities, a yarn-bombed caravan and general traditional beach-time family frolics.
If all that doesn't keep you busy then don't forget the professional and amateur art exhibitions, the stampede of 'Horsforth Horses' and the Scarecrow Trail.
Maps are now available at selected locations in Horsforth and all schoolchildren in Horsforth should have received one in their book bag.
Organiser Lara Rule said: “This year's 'Walk of Art' is building on the great success we had last year. It's important that the weekend is completely inclusive to all which is why all the events are free of charge and open to everyone. “One aspect of the Walk I am really excited about is the work created by schools with local artists. I'm delighted that once again every single school in Horsforth has taken part with enthusiasm and have worked with 26 amazing local artists to create some fantastic art. I also think the 'Stampede of Horses' will look amazing and it's been wonderful to see so many adults and children getting involved in creating and decorating the horses.
“I hope that everyone who comes to the Horsforth 'Walk of Art' enjoys it as much as we enjoy putting it together.”
Visitors to Horsforth and local residents will be able to download a map of activities from the project’s website www.horsforth-woa.org or collect one from a number of local outlets including Art of Gold, News Road Side, Firefly Pottery, Town Street and Horsforth Library on Town Street.
During the walk, look out for the Walk of ART boards outside every participating venue. 111 boards will be erected for the weekend all kindly paid for by local resident and letting agents Redbrick Properties. The boards span each of the four routes through the town. Lara Rule said “Last year people were so impressed by the professional look of the Walk of Art and felt the board really made a defining impact. Thank you so much to Redbrick Properties for agreeing to support us for another year”.
Follow news and updates about the festival via Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/HorsforthWalkOfArt/