WE have had a great spring at Crediton Arts Centre hosting a whole range of events and performances including TicTac Theatre and our in-house “A Taste of Shakespeare”, a fundraiser for our Shakespeare in the Square production of which more later.

An Art-Centre trip to Vienna and Budapest has also just taken place with around 30 people enjoying an art-focussed week in these two great European cities – although the group (as I write) have only just returned the posts so far on Facebook suggest that they have had an opportunity to take in many wonderful sites in both the Austrian and Hungarian capitals.

Now, turning to two big events in June and July…

FOOD AND DRINK

FESTIVAL

First up we have Crediton Food and Drink Festival, in its eighth year, running over the weekend of June 18 and 19 in the Town Square and this year spilling right up through Market Street. This is a chance to meet (and buy from) many local producers of high quality food and drink as well as seeing some of the popular demonstrations of butchery, cookery and much more. As always there will be plenty to keep younger visitors occupied. The Festival runs from 10.30am on the Saturday through to 3.30pm but opens again in the evening when the Square will be filled with music, food and drink from 8pm to 11pm.

A time to get on your dancing shoes or simply enjoy the ambience in a friendly atmosphere with a local drink or two.

On Sunday the Festival opens at 12 noon with the ever-popular Big Sunday Lunch again accompanied by music. So choose your food from a range of stalls, get a drink and sit down with friends and family to enjoy some mellow music. Entry to both days is free.

SHAKESPEARE IN THE SQUARE

To commemorate the 400th year of Shakespeare’s death the Arts Centre will be performing both Henry IV and Henry V on alternating nights in Crediton Town Square from July 5 to 9 culminating in a matinee and evening performance on July 9 (Henry IV on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 2.30pm and Henry V on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 7.30pm).

Rehearsals are in full swing and Peter Hamilton, who is directing both productions says: “It is a challenge but a wonderful way to commemorate Shakespeare in this anniversary year.”

Tickets are £10 (£7 for under 18’s/students) or a discounted £17 for full price tickets if you buy for both Henry IV and Henry V – something very much recommended so that you follow the life of Prince Hal from the bar room to the throne and beyond.

To find out more please visit www.creditonartscentre.org .