Every September Hailsham, in EastcSussex, has 2 weeks dedicated to the Arts.

There is something for everyone. The Downland Poets hold a poetry reading, with an open mic, a local Townswomen’s Guild puts on a play. There is music in the church and other venues, workshops in painting, glass work and other things. Comedy is also included.

There is street drama, a talk on the history of Punch and Judy, and the magic of pantomime, as well as a performance by the Ukrainian Choir and Dancers.

Children aren’t left out, either. There are puppet shows and workshops for them, too, as well as stories. And a writing competition.

There is also a short story competition for adults, and a ‘Meet the Author’ session. No, I’ve not been invited to take part in that! 😕

Near the beginnjng of this festival, artists were invited to enter artwofk to be disp.ayed in shop windows. I had some of my paintings exhibited in that.

On one of the bridges, more recently, artists has been exhibited on a bridge over a disused railway line, now a footpath.

During the pandemic, the organisers put artwork online in a virtual art gallery. They have continued it this year, and I am pleased to say that some of my art is exhibited.

If you are interested, you can reach the virtual art gallery on http://www.hailshamfestival.co.uk

Do you have anything similar where you live?

I just went to loo, online at the gallery, and my work isn’t there! Still there are some good artists, so it’s still worth a look.