A spokesman said: "This wonderful festival is held in the pretty market town of Garstang on the banks of the River Wyre.
2008 promises to be a spectacular arrange of varied events from live bands, painting exhibitions, walks, singing, crafts, and much more!"
The Arts festival is co-ordinated by the Garstang & District Partnership in conjunction with local community groups. Funding comes from tickets sales, donations from local businesses and from the North West Development Agency.
Full details below:

Saturday 16th August

Arts Trail!
Pick up your trail from the Discovery Centre, or most shops on the High Street. Follow the trail spotting pictures drawn by local artists in shop windows!


Montmartre! Local Artists
Watch out for local artists down Thomas Weind (just off the High Street) where you can sit and watch them draw the local scenery, ask them questions or just admire their work!
Also on various days towards the rear of the High Street Car Park, (behind Discovery Centre), towards the River, you may spot local artists exhibiting their work.
Please ask at the Tourist Information Centre for confirmed days and times 01995 602125


Caricaturist! (Also on Sun 17th, Thursday 21st, and Sat 23rd)
Watch a local painter do your caricature!
Time: 11:00am till 2:00pm approx
Venue: Arts Centre Courtyard, High Street
Cost: TBC


Art Exhibition
The Ron Coombes Art Exhibition by the painting group opens today!
Time: Please call 01995 606648 for further information
Venue: Garstang Arts Centre, High Street


The Big Picture!
Don't forget to look at the Big Picture canvas design, which will be situated on the side of the Old Council Buildings. The design this year is based on all things Garstang and was designed especially for the Entente Florale competition by a member of the Garstang Painting Group, and was painted by the rest of the group.



Morecambe Brass Band Outdoor Concert
Morecambe Brass Band will perform the opening ceremony down by the river on the main car park on Garstang High Street. Drinks will be available. Only a number of chairs will be available so please bring your own! This event has been kindly supported by Turner Pearson Solicitors, DCL Transport and Jon Cuff Electrical thank you.
Time: 7:00pm till 9:00pm approx
Venue: High Street car park, Garstang
Cost: Free. Donations welcome! Raffle on the night.


Sunday 17th August

Violin Recital by Patricia Donnelly
When Patricia Donnelly, violinist gave her talk/recital at last years festival it was mainly about her stories of auditions and life in the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, where she became a principal player. This year she will talk about aspects of her free-lance career, as well as playing more of her favourite party pieces. She looks forward to her return visit to Garstang.
Time: 2:00pm till 3:15 approx
Venue: Garstang Arts Centre, High Street
Cost: Free, donations welcome and light refreshments available


Caricaturist! (Also on Thursday 21st, and Sat 23rd)
Watch a local painter do your caricature!
Time: 11:00am till 2:00pm approx
Venue: Arts Centre Courtyard, High Street
Cost:TBC


A Night with local singer Pip Riley!
Enjoy a night of 60's and 70's music with Garstang local singer, Pip Riley!
Time: 7:30pm onwards
Venue: Garstang Arts Centre, High Street
Cost: Free. Donations welcome, enjoy a glass of Fairtrade wine! Raffle on the night. All proceeds to go to Fairtrade and the Arts Festival.


Monday 18th August

Children's Holiday Club for 4-11yr olds (daily until Fri 22nd)
The theme is 'The Big Prize Winners!' focusing on delivering a Christian message with an Olympic theme.
Time: 10:00am –12:00pm (daily until Fri 22nd)
Venue: Garstang Free Methodist Church, Windsor Road
Cost: Free, for more details call 01995 602852.


Children's Craft Activities at Clowns Toys, Games and Dancewear (daily until Fri 22nd)
Craft activities to make and take home! For children of all ages.
Time: 10:00am – 4:00pm (daily until Fri 22nd)
Venue: Clowns, Bridge Street, Garstang Tel: 01995 601306
Cost: Free

Exhibition at St Mary & Michael RC Church
Today is 150 years to the day when the, church was officially opened by the Archbishop of Liverpool. To celebrate this, the church will be exhibiting artefacts and memorabilia all week. So why not come and take a look at possibly some of Garstang most treasured possessions! There will also be guided tours throughout the week.
Time: Opening after evening mass today. Open daily from 10am – 6pm approximately
Venue: St Mary & St Michael RC Church, Bonds
Cost: Free, donation welcome
Further Information: Contact Dr Carter on 01995 602106
Gardeners Question Time
Garstang is well known for it's keen gardeners and excellent 'Bloom' efforts. Why not come along and put your question to an expert panel of 'green fingers'. In support of Entente Florale!
Time: 2.00pm - 3.30pm approx
Venue: Arts Centre, Garstang
Cost: Free, donations welcome and light refreshments provided


Poetry and Song Evening with June Baker and Barbara Hill
An evening of songs, music and poetry performed by local artists!
Time: 7:30pm
Venue: Garstang United Reformed Church
Cost: Free, donations welcome, refreshments available


Jazz Night at Th'Owd Tithe Barn
An evening of Jazz performed by the Lune Valley Jazz Band
Time: 8.30pm, raffle on the night
Venue: Th'Owd Tithe Barn, Garstang. All welcome!
Cost: Free


Tuesday 19th August

Children's Holiday Club for 4-11yr olds (daily until Fri 22nd)
Includes workshops and lots of exciting activities.
Time: 10:00am –12:00pm (daily until Fri 22nd)
Venue: Garstang Free Methodist Church, Windsor Road
Cost: Free, for more details call 01995 602852.


Children's Craft Activities at Clowns Toys, Games and Dancewear (daily until Fri 22nd)
Craft activities to make and take home! For children of all ages.
Time: 10:00am – 4:00pm (daily until Fri 22nd)
Venue: Clowns, Bridge Street, Garstang Tel: 01995 601306
Cost: Free


Guided Tour of St Mary & Michael RC Church
Are you interested in church history? If, so you are invited to attend a guided tour of this church. The tour will last approximately ½ hour and there will be chance to see the exhibition at the end (see details below). There will be chance to ask questions throughout the tour.
Time: 11am Tour Starts
Venue: St Mary & St Michael RC Church, Bonds Lane
Cost: Free, donations welcome


Exhibition at St Mary & Michael RC Church
To celebrate their 150 year anniversary the, church will be exhibiting artefacts and memorabilia all week. So why not come and take a look at possibly some of Garstang most treasured possessions! There will also be guided tours throughout the week.
Time: 10am – 6pm approximately
Venue: St Mary & St Michael RC Church, Bonds
Cost: Free, donation welcome
Further Information: Contact Dr Carter on 01995 602106







Music of the Shadows**
A tribute to Hank Marvin. Come and see local guitarist Brian Pinder! His performances have proved a big hit with the locals in the past, so book soon!
Time: 7:30pm
Venue: Garstang Arts Centre, High Street, Garstang
Cost: £3.00 includes light refreshments.
Limited tickets so book fast through the Discovery Centre on 01995 602125.



Wednesday 20th August

Children's Holiday Club for 4-11yr olds (until Fri 22nd)
Includes workshops and lots of exciting activities.
Time: 10:00am –12;00pm (daily until Fri 22nd)
Venue: Garstang Free Methodist Church. Details: 01995 602852.
Cost: Free


Childrens Craft Activities at Clowns Toys, Games and Dancewear (until Fri 22nd)
Workshops for children of all ages based at Clowns Shop. Craft activities to make and take home.
Time: 10:00am – 4:00pm (daily until Fri 22nd)
Venue: Clowns, Bridge Street, Garstang Tel: 01995 601306
Cost: Free


Exhibition at St Mary & Michael RC Church
To celebrate their 150 year anniversary the, church will be exhibiting artefacts and memorabilia all week. So why not come and take a look at possibly some of Garstang most treasured possessions! There will also be guided tours throughout the week.
Time: 10am – 6pm approximately
Venue: St Mary & St Michael RC Church, Bonds
Cost: Free, donation welcome
Further Information: Contact Dr Carter on 01995 602106


Walkin' Wyre Health Walk**
Part of a programme of regular walks to help you get fit, stay fit and keep healthy. Call for further details or to request your copy of the Health Walks Calendar.
Venue: Starting from Garstang Discovery Centre, High Street, Garstang.
Time: 1.30pm - 2.30pm.
Cost: Free
Further Information: 01253 863100


Choral Society – Celebration of Arts Concert
Join conductor Dennis Noble and accompanist Ruth Hunt for the concert
Time: 7.30pm - 9.00pm approx
Venue: Arts Centre, Garstang
Cost: Free, donations welcome at the door.








Thursday 21st August– MARKET DAY!!

Children's Holiday Club for 4-11yr olds (daily until Fri 22nd)
Includes workshops and lots of exciting activities.
Time: 10:00am –12:00pm (daily until Fri 22nd)
Venue: Garstang Free Methodist Church, Windsor Road
Cost: Free, for more details call 01995 602852.


Children's Craft Activities at Clowns Toys, Games and Dancewear (daily until Fri 22nd)
Craft activities to make and take home! For children of all ages.
Time: 10:00am – 4:00pm (daily until Fri 22nd)
Venue: Clowns, Bridge Street, Garstang Tel: 01995 601306
Cost: Free


Exhibition at St Mary & Michael RC Church
To celebrate their 150 year anniversary the, church will be exhibiting artefacts and memorabilia all week. So why not come and take a look at possibly some of Garstang most treasured possessions! There will also be guided tours throughout the week.
Time: 10am – 6pm approximately
Venue: St Mary & St Michael RC Church, Bonds
Cost: Free, donation welcome
Further Information: Contact Dr Carter on 01995 602106


Caricaturist! (Also on Sat 23rd)
Watch a local painter do your caricature!
Time: 11:00am till 2:00pm
Venue: Arts Centre Courtyard, High Street


Montmartre! Local Artists
Watch out for local artists down Thomas Weind (just off the High Street) where you can sit and watch them draw the local scenery, ask them questions or just admire their work!
Also on various days towards the rear of the High Street Car Park, (behind Discovery Centre), towards the River. You may spot local artists at work and maybe exhibiting their work.
Please ask at the Tourist Information Centre for confirmed days and times 01995 602125


Flower Festival (also on Fri, Sat, Sun and Mon)
The theme for the flower festival is musicals! This festival will display a range of flower designs and accessories based around this topic and looks to be an exciting and interesting addition to the festival.
The festival will be opened by Vicar Michael Gisbourne, of St Thomas's Church at the Thursday morning service at 10:30am. It will close at 4:30pm.
Please check each day for varying opening times.
Cost: Free, donations welcome and light refreshments will be available.
For further information contact 01995 604336


Street Entertainment All Day!
Visit Garstang on Market Day! There will be street entertainment on all day featuring face painters, magician, one-man bands, jesters, brass band music and Punch and Judy outside the Kings Arms Pub. Also look out for local band, Creeping Bentgrass playing in their usual spot outside the Discovery Centre!


Garstang Country Market
Excellent selection of home produced cakes, pies, jams and pickles. Plants, fruit, vegetables and crafts will also be on sale. (Also on Monday 25th downstairs at the Discovery Centre)
Time: 10am – 12:00 free
Venue: St Thomas Parish Church
Further Information 01995 602346
Millennium Green Coffee Morning
Come along and join us!
Time: 10:30am – 12noon
Venue: Garstang United Reformed Church Hall
Cost: £1.00 for 'Friends' and £2.00 for others


Flute Fiesta!
Come along to the Arts Centre today where you will see Flute player, Charles Edwards (of Kendal) and accompanist. This promises to be an exciting recital! (It replaces the traditional 'Palm Court', which has been moved to Thursday 14th August for 2008 only).
Time: 1pm till 2pm
Venue: Garstang Arts Centre, High Street
Cost: Free, donations welcome


Organ Recital with Nigel Gaze (FRCO FRCS)**
A graduate in both Music and Medicine, Nigel Gaze is an organ pupil of Caleb Jarvis and Noel Rawsthorne. A fellow both of the Royal College of Organists and of the Royal College of Surgeons, he practiced as a consultant surgeon until he retired to live in Portugal in 2003. He returned to the UK recently, and is now Director of Music at Masham Parish Church near Ripon, conductor of the Harp Singers and an organist to the National Trust.
Time: 7:30pm onwards
Venue: St Mary & Michael RC Church, Bonds.
Cost: £10 per person (to include a glass of wine) Buy tickets from the Discovery Centre on 01995 602125 or pay on the door.


Friday 22nd August

Children's Holiday Club for 4-11yr olds (daily until Fri 22nd)
Includes workshops and lots of exciting activities.
Time: 10:00am –12:00pm (daily until Fri 22nd)
Venue: Garstang Free Methodist Church, Windsor Road
Cost: Free, for more details call 01995 602852.


Children's Craft Activities at Clowns Toys, Games and Dancewear (daily until Fri 22nd)
Craft activities to make and take home! For children of all ages.
Time: 10:00am – 4:00pm (daily until Fri 22nd)
Venue: Clowns, Bridge Street, Garstang Tel: 01995 601306
Cost: Free


Exhibition at St Mary & Michael RC Church
To celebrate their 150 year anniversary the, church will be exhibiting artefacts and memorabilia all week. So why not come and take a look at possibly some of Garstang most treasured possessions! There will also be guided tours throughout the week.
Time: 10am – 6pm approximately
Venue: St Mary & St Michael RC Church, Bonds
Cost: Free, donation welcome
Further Information: Contact Dr Carter on 01995 602106


Flower Festival (also on Sat, Sun and Mon)
The theme for the flower festival is musicals! This festival will display a range of flower designs and accessories based around this topic and looks to be an exciting and interesting addition to the festival.
Time: 10:30am – 4:00pm




Storytelling Workshop**
James Dodding is kindly back once again for what is sure to be another fantastic workshop.
The Art of Storytelling" A practical participatory Workshop at adult level. Among the topics to be covered will be: "The Background and History of Storytelling" "Getting Started" "Finding the Stories to Tell" "Linking with your Listeners" "Using your Voice effectively"
James Dodding was born and raised in Garstang, James Dodding originally studied the Art of Storytelling under Rose Bruford and John Masefield, the late Poet Laureate. He has conducted Storytelling Workshops and Programmes of Storytelling in many countries, including the UK, Malta, Ireland, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Hong Kong, Canada and the USA. For 17 years he was story-writer and broadcaster of thrice-weekly BBC Programmes for Children. A Professional Theatre Director, he is also a specialist in all forms of Speech & Communication Skills. He has written 4 books on Mime and was Editor for "The Art of Speaking Made Simple" published by W.H.Allen.
Time: 1:30pm till 3:30pm
Venue: Arts Centre, Garstang
Cost: Free, however please book a place through the Discovery Centre on 01995 600551 as numbers are limited to 20.


John Tower Big Band Night!**
A rousing end to the day with a lively evening of traditional big band music, 60s classics and modern stuff too! All welcome and it's bring your own beer/ wine.
Time: 8.00pm onwards
Venue: Cabus Village Hall, Nr Garstang
Cost: £4 per person (includes a hot meal with a vegetarian option). Tickets available from Discovery Centre or pay on door. Raffle on the night.


Bat Night**
Discover our nocturnal wildlife with Wyre's Countryside Rangers in Garstang.
Time: from 8pm - 10pm. Suitable for children aged 10 - 15 years and indeed all the family.
Venue: Garstang
Booking essential. Cost: £2 per child.
Further Information: 01995 602125



Saturday 23rd August

Book Fair and All Day Breakfast!
Come and join us at the church!
Time: 10am - 3.30pm (last orders for food 3pm)
Venue: United Reformed Church, Garstang


Montmartre! Local Artists
Watch out for local artists down Thomas Weind (just off the High Street) where you can sit and watch them draw the local scenery, ask them questions or just admire their work!
Also on various days towards the rear of the High Street Car Park, (behind Discovery Centre), towards the River. You may spot local artists at work and maybe exhibiting their work.
Please ask at the Tourist Information Centre for confirmed days and times 01995 602125


Camera Club Display
Enjoy a wonderful open day and display from the Garstang Camera Club. Maybe even sign up to become a new member!
Time: 10am – 12:30pm approx
Venue: Arts Centre, High Street, Garstang
Cost: Free, donations welcome. Tea and coffee available.
Further Information, 01995 605210



Exhibition at St Mary & Michael RC Church
To celebrate their 150 year anniversary the, church will be exhibiting artefacts and memorabilia all week. So why not come and take a look at possibly some of Garstang most treasured possessions! There will also be guided tours throughout the week.
Time: 10am – 6pm approximately
Venue: St Mary & St Michael RC Church, Bonds
Cost: Free, donation welcome
Further Information: Contact Dr Carter on 01995 602106


Caricaturist!
Watch a local painter do your caricature!
Time: 11:00am till 2:00pm
Venue: Arts Centre Courtyard, High Street


Street Entertainment
Wander up and down the High Street and see street entertainers and local artists and circus workshop (see below)
Time: 10am onwards
Venue: High Street, Garstang


Circus Workshop!
Ever wanted to try your hand at juggling? The Community Circus School will be in Garstang for today only! This is very much hands on and audience participation workshop. If you want to learn something specific they will show you! From juggling and devil stick to plate spinning, Diablo and much more!
Time: 1:00pm till 3pm
Venue: Outside the Discovery Centre on the High Street
Cost: Free, donations welcome.


Flower Festival (also on Sun and Mon)
The theme for the flower festival is musicals! This festival will display a range of flower designs and accessories based around this topic and looks to be an exciting and interesting addition to the festival.
Time: 10:30am till 12:30pm then 2:30pm till 4:30pm


Flower Festival Concert with June Baker and Singers!
As part of the 5 day flower festival, June Baker will be performing with her singers. The flower festival is based around musicals and shows, and the concert tonight will include songs from some of those musicals! There will also be a raffle.
Time: 7:30pm
Venue: St Thomas's Church
Cost: £4.00 per person. This includes wine or a soft drink, and nibbles.
Please call 01995 604336 or 602125 for tickets and further information


Sunday 24th August

Exhibition at St Mary & Michael RC Church
To celebrate their 150 year anniversary the, church has been exhibiting artefacts and memorabilia all week. So why not come and take a look at possibly some of Garstang most treasured possessions!
Time: 10am – 6pm approximately
Venue: St Mary & St Michael RC Church, Bonds
Cost: Free, donation welcome
Further Information: Contact Dr Carter on 01995 602106




Flower Festival (also on Mon)
The theme for the flower festival is musicals! This festival will display a range of flower designs and accessories based around this topic and looks to be an exciting and interesting addition to the festival.
Time: 12noon till 6pm


Churches Together - Songs of Praise
A special songs of praise bringing the congregations of Garstang together.
Time: 7pm onwards
Venue: St Thomas's Church, Garstang. Free, donations welcome
Further Information: 01995 602162


Monday 25th August

Book Fair
Time: 10am - 3.30pm
Venue: United Reformed Church, Garstang
Refreshments available


Garstang Country Market (formerly WI Market)
Excellent selection of home produced cakes, pies, jams and pickles. Plants, fruit, vegetables and crafts will also be on sale.
Time: 10am – 4pm, free
Venue: Downstairs community room at the Discovery Centre
Further Information 01995 602346


Flower Festival Ends
The theme for the flower festival is musicals! This festival will display a range of flower designs and accessories based around this topic and is an exciting and interesting addition to the festival. Last day today
Time: 10:30am till 4:30pm


** denotes ticket required/ bookings advisable

Other dates for your diary

Garstang Food Festival - Fri 24th October – Friday 31st October

Pathways- Garstang Walking Festival – 2nd week in May 2009