Yskynna

Photo by John Freddy Johns

This Saturday, 15thJune, sees the launch of the Arts Festival Week based at St Andrews Church in Redruth.

The theme is Look Up, to help us see the world from a different perspective. From a vertical dance company to contemplative sessions and everything in between, there is something for everybody.

Releasing creativity

Started five years ago, the festival has grown to become a fixture in Redruth’s social calendar. Last year almost 2000 people walked into the church to see what was going on.

Lez Seth, one of the organisers, explained, “It came out of a question we asked ourselves as a church, what could we do for Redruth? We thought that finding a release in creativity can really help to raise self-esteem and in an area where live is hard for too many, raising self-esteem seemed a priority. The hope was to do something to lift people, to show that the church is a place that welcomes them and where they can be surprised!”

We wanted to do something to lift people, to show that the church is a place that welcomes them and where they can be surprised!

And the festival has achieved that. Many more now come to the craft group and artists recognise the church as a place where they are welcome and can exhibit their work. “People have crossed our threshold who ordinarily wouldn’t come anywhere near us. We want more of that,” says Lez.

An arts festival for everyone

Yskynna

Photo by Mike Kinsey

There really is something for everyone. From the dance company, Yskynna, who will be doing extraordinary things with trapezes, ropes and silk to Poems, Pasties and Pints; Tiddlers Art for toddlers to exhibitions from local artists; a gala concert with the Redruth Town Band, finalists in the national town band competition, to a showcase evening for the town’s young talent.

Redruth was once the most expensive square mile in Britain during its mining heyday. Local historian Linda Beskeen will lead walks through the town’s architectural heritage, as well as a walk to Carn Brea, an unmissable landmark of this fascinating area in Cornwall.

Clear your diary and make space for the Arts Festival Week that runs from Saturday, June 15thto Thursday June 20th.  Everything is based at the impressive St Andrew’s Church, Redruth and most events are free. Email lezss@btinternet.com for more details.