Locals get creative for Lyme Regis ArtsFest (From Bridport and Lyme Regis News)

Locals get creative for Lyme Regis ArtsFest

11:00am Thursday 20th September 2012 in Lyme Regis By Rene Gerryts

THIS year’s nine-day Lyme Regis ArtsFest was another resounding success, says its retiring director, mayor Sally Holman.

There were 44 artists taking part in the main exhibitions, a full programme of events, workshops and demonstrations, as well as the St Michael’s Flower Festival and B Sharp’s Busking by the Sea.

Coun Holman said: “A most satisfying ArtsFest all round, even in these challenging times.

“The town joins in ArtsFest to a remarkable degree and we are thrilled that everyone can be part of it – even if that means simply pausing to comment on something in a display.”

She thanked all the sponsors and the artists willing to share their talent.

Along with all the exhibits and workshops, the B Sharp music project ran a very successful busking day on the seafront.

Elli Kirtley, piano player busker and singer, said: “I love this idea of having a piano on the seafront. It was a lovely experience to be a part of and I think it’s a really good inspiration.”

B Sharp’s director Fran Williams said she asked 98-year-old pianist Jack Marshall to be a project patron.

said: “I’m flattered. I wholly admire B Sharp and what they are doing for young people, getting them to perform in front of an audience and going to the trouble to provide the facilities and equipment involves a lot of investment and time.”

Chef Mark Hix from the Hix restaurant Fish & Oyster House drew in big crowds for his demonstration on how to cook seasonally and some of his recipe books were auctioned off for the benefit of B Sharp.

Ms Williams added: “It’s quite incredible to find just how many musicians there are tucked away out there who don’t ever get the opportunity to play in public.

“This is a community event and we are grateful to the town council for supporting us as part of the ArtsFest.”

Jennie Pearson, exhibiting at the museum, encouraged new ways of looking at exhibits and using artefacts for inspiration.

She said: “’Re:collection’ is the theme of a collaborative project for ArtsFest 2013.

“It was launched at the museum on Thursday evening, where participating artists discussed their individual projects.

“A great deal of interest and exciting initiatives were shared and will be taken forward.”

Also set to be a regular feature after a successful second year was poet and author Anthea Simmons’s poetry competition for youngsters.