Unexpected 2014 a major success

Exeter's Unexpected 2014 Festival set its sights squarely on pulling surprises where least anticipated.

The 2014 Festival brought some of the UK's most explosive street theatre, circus shows, performances and workshops to the open-air streets, cultural venues and public spaces across Exeter's city centre with an action-packed programme of extraordinary, family-Festival fun to end the summer holidays.

Best of all, through Exeter City Council's hard work, apart from one evening event on Saturday night, the entire programme was free and unticketed.

Produced by Exeter City Council, the three-day, family-friendly Unexpected Exeter festival won a major grant for the city, from The National Lottery funded Grants for the Arts, led by Arts Council England.

For the first time in 2014, Unexpected was able to give out small grants to local companies to support the development of work.

In 2014 these have gone to Common Players ‘Jerusalem’; Le Navet Bete ‘Rumpus’; Burn The Curtain ’Company of Wolves’; Kaleider ‘Ancient Sunlight’; Promenade Promotions ‘Raree Man’ and Coney’s ‘Interactive Theatre Workshop’.

Unexpected is grateful for the support of sponsors and funding from the National Lottery via Arts Council England.

This support enabled the festival to bring international stars such as jaw-dropping circus maestros, 'No Fit State' to Exeter and to commission local companies such as Promenade Promotions, Le Navet Bete, Devon Carousel and Nuts and Volts Theatre and many others.

Supported by Exeter City Council working in partnership across the city, Unexpected 2014 has three purposes: taking art and performance out of traditional venues into thrilling, unexpected indoor and outdoor locations, nurturing exciting regional talent, and enhancing the city as the cultural hub for the South West.

Cllr Rosie Denham, Exeter City Council, said: "Thanks to Exeter City Council's Val Wilson and her hard-working Events team, the vital support of important Festival partners and sponsors, and The Arts Council England Grant won for the second year by Val & the team, Unexpected 2014 was a fantastic success for the people of Exeter and visitors drawn to the city.

"Running over 3 packed days - Unexpected 2014 is a crucial incubator supporting emerging regional talent, that commissions dramatic new projects, commemorates Exeter's rich military history and brings artists of international acclaim, such as No Fit State Circus, to Exeter."