Crediton Festival - probably the biggest community festival in the South West

High Sheriff and Mayor to launch Crediton Festival

90 events from 1 June to 13 July

This year’s six-week Crediton Festival will be launched on Saturday, 1 June by John Lee, the High Sheriff of Devon supported by the Mayor of Crediton, Cllr Frank Letch.

John, a local farmer, was honoured with the title at a special service held at St Swithun’s Church, Shobrooke, at the end of March. He will launch the Festival at an opening ceremony at the Crediton Farmers' Market in Crediton Town Square where Crediton Town Band will also be present.

The programme for the Festival is an impressive one of more than 90 events from 1 June to 13 July. More than 30 organisations are involved and the events will include drama, music, sport, visual arts, literature, food and drink, youth events, try it out activities, history, comedy, a flower festival, dance and a final party.

There will be “Shakespeare in the Square” performances, primary school tales, a church concert, dances, busking, sporting challenges and tasters, animation, juggling, boules, a bike ride, art  trail, book fair, a beer festival, food and drink festival, markets, children and youth activities,  treasure hunt, hypnosis, guided history walk, comedy night, tai chi and much more.

Meanwhile, the High Street Flags project, a three-year government funded Arts Centre project aimed at supporting and drawing attention to the High Street, and timed to coincide with the Festival, will exhibit an impressive 40 unique, hand-made flags during the Festival.

There will also be the culmination exhibition of the National Lottery-funded Buller Square phoenix project printmaking and writing project. Brochures with full listings are now available free of charge from the Arts Centre (01363 773260) but details can also be found on the website: www.credfest.co.uk. 

Admission to many of the events is free of charge, others are modestly priced, but in some instances it will be admission by donation of an item of food for the Festival’s charity, the Crediton Foodbank. Tickets can be bought either at Olivia James Design on Crediton or on line at http://www.ticketsource.co.uk/creditonartscentre/