Monday 1st August - Saturday 7th August 2009
E-mail enquiry@holtsummerfestival.org
Welcome to the inaugural Holt Summer Festival.
For some years it has been mooted that a vibrant town and community such as Holt should have a festival – it is now a reality and we hope that this will be the first of many successful summer celebrations.
When I was approached to programme the festival, I was very keen that we should provide as broad a mixture of arts events as possible, so that there should be something for everyone to enjoy, be they North Norfolk residents or seasonal visitors. I hope you will agree that we have achieved this and that we are presenting a truly eclectic mix of engaging entertainment. I also hope that the relative proximity of all the entertainment will encourage audiences to attend events that they might not normally experience – the unifying factor in the programming being the excellence of all the performers and contributors.
The town itself is, quite rightly, central to the festival – all of us who live in and around Holt appreciate its unique charm. To this end, we have endeavoured to stage shows at as many venues as possible, as well as providing free entertainment every day around the town and in the three yards – Appleyard, Lees Yard and Chapel Yard. However, most of the major concerts and shows could only be mounted in a professional theatre environment and I am very grateful for the support of Gresham’s School – not only in allowing us to use the wonderful facilities at The Auden Theatre, but for encouraging us to unite town and school in creating a genuinely inclusive celebration.
Holt Town Council, North Norfolk District Council and the Holt Chamber of Commerce have been extremely supportive of our efforts. But, of course, none of this would have happened without the financial support of our founding sponsors, patrons, friends and programme advertisers. I am proud to be part of a community that puts aside the very real financial uncertainties that exist for everyone and embraces the bigger picture. A successful festival will enhance a vibrant town; a vibrant town will successfully surmount short term difficulties.
Finally, heartfelt thanks to the festival committee, supporters and volunteers. It would be invidious and impractical to pick out individuals; suffice to say that I have been extremely impressed by the talent and commitment of a large number of people whose only reward will be the satisfaction of a job very well done.
Please enjoy the Holt Summer Festival, and with your support and engagement it will be the first of many.
Tony Britten
Chairman and Artistic Director
Read Tony's biography >