CREDITON Heart Project’s Summer Arts Festival got off to a great start on Saturday, August 2 with the family-friendly programme of activities and shows due to continue until Saturday, August 9.

Tony Miller and some of the Turning Tides members performing at Four Mills Garden as part of Crediton Heart Project’s Summer Arts Festival. AQ 8034
Tony Miller and some of the Turning Tides members performing at Four Mills Garden as part of Crediton Heart Project’s Summer Arts Festival. AQ 8034 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

The first day saw outdoor music workshops, performances and food at the Four Mills Garden, hosted by The Turning Tides Project.

Many people went along and enjoyed a lovely day.

On the Sunday there were a series of workshops for children and the evening a magical evening was had in Newcombes Meadow.

Turning Tides members performing at Four Mills Garden as part of Crediton Heart Project’s Summer Arts Festival. AQ 8057
Turning Tides members performing at Four Mills Garden as part of Crediton Heart Project’s Summer Arts Festival. AQ 8057 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Crediton Heart Project members and volunteers asked those attending the outdoor cinema to fill out its survey about plans for an arts and community centre in Newcombes Meadow. AQ 8400
Crediton Heart Project members and volunteers asked those attending the outdoor cinema to fill out its survey about plans for an arts and community centre in Newcombes Meadow. AQ 8400 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

More than 350 people enjoyed an evening of music, laughter and community spirit watching, at the outdoor cinema in the park, the film “Wicked”.

Everyone took along blankets or chairs, picnics and drinks.

The Mayor of Crediton dressed as Elphaba, from the film, for the evening.

Members of the Crediton Heart Project explained details of their “Park House” project for an arts venue and cafe on the edge of Newcombes Meadow, many completing a questionnaire during the evening.

The Mayor of Crediton, Cllr Steve Huxtable, dressed as Elphaba, from the film ‘Wicked’, which was watch by 350 people in Newcombes Meadow. AQ 8407
The Mayor of Crediton, Cllr Steve Huxtable, dressed as Elphaba, from the film ‘Wicked’, which was watch by 350 people in Newcombes Meadow. AQ 8407 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Ready to watch the film ‘Wicked’ in Newcombes Meadow. AQ 8422
Ready to watch the film ‘Wicked’ in Newcombes Meadow. AQ 8422 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

The Festival then moved indoors for five days of creative workshops at the Arts Centre, activities from drama to mask making, pottery to felt flower making or crafting willow to making robots!

There will be two ceramic workshops when people of all ages can design and make tiles for a community mural.

Ready to watch the film ‘Wicked’ in Newcombes Meadow. AQ 8414
Ready to watch the film ‘Wicked’ in Newcombes Meadow. AQ 8414 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

On August 6 there was a matinée screening of “Paddington in Peru” at the Arts Centre and today, August 7, there is a 7.30pm concert “A Summer Celebration of Musical Styles” at the Congregational Church.

The festival culminates on August 9 with Arts in the Park - a fantastic day of free activities in Newcombes Meadow.

Workshops are £3 for under 16s or £5 for 16+ and the concert is £8/£10. For more details and to book tickets, visit: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/the-crediton-heart-project/