Totnes Festival
4-13 September 2009
Totnes is always a pretty colourful place, but the annual festival adds an extra splash of history, music and art to the town centre.
Festival committee chair, Judy Westacott, says organisers have made sure there is something for everyone at this year's event.
"The recent carnival showed off people's creativity, but this festival concentrates on everything - on all life in Totnes."
So, from story telling, wild food foraging, heritage open days at Totnes Castle and the Elizabethan House, as well as a variety of wicked workshops - everything from firecraft to peace chanting - you can't NOT get involved in one thing or another.
The Oxford Waites promise a 17th Century romp
Judy says it's a true reflection and celebration of local life, a festival by the people for the people: "The festival was originally conceived as a festival of arts where grassroots talent could benefit from the kind of publicity and excitement a big event generates.
"It soon became clear that people with other interests wanted to get involved and in the spirit of community involvement we thought why on earth not!"
Funding for this year's event has come at the eleventh hour from Dartington which Judy says has been instrumental.
"It's great that their continuing support has thrown us a lifeline.
"In these difficult times it's important for local people to have an alternative to all the stories of doom and gloom."
There's definitely no chance of that with contributors like TotΓ³ La Momposina.ΜύThe Colombian singer signed for Peter Gabriel's record label in 1993 and has already headlined other events like Womad and a festival at the Barbican in London.
The Totnes Symphony Orchestra has combined forces with Plymouth Philharmonic Choir for a special performance of Mahler's Symphony No 2.Μύ It's going to be big, so people are being advised to book early.
Playing Zappa at the festival are Mother People
You can also learn more about the town with a series of walks, talks and tours.ΜύDiscover hidden gems from the town's evacuee trail of World War 2, its supernatural stories, as well as the history of its plaster ceilings!
The grand finale will be the Lantern Procession, which Judy says has made a welcome return and the theme this year is 'Air'.
"Watch out for the new giant puppets making their way up Fore Street and High Street from the start of the parade at Vire Island.
"We hope to see hundreds of people taking part in this community event."
To find out exactly what's going on throughout this 10-day event click on the link at the top of this page.
