Fete launches arts festival

AMID glorious sunshine, the North East Lincolnshire Arts Forum Festival was officially launched with a family fete in Grimsby.

For the first time, the festival – now in its sixth year – was launched outdoors.

It runs until Friday, August 7, and is a celebration of the best home-grown talent, as well as work from artists across the region.

Included in the programme of events are photography and art exhibitions, dance and animation workshops and music concerts and competitions.

There is plenty more besides, as Saturday's launch in St James' Square proved.

Hundreds of people gathered to watch live entertainment from singer Heather Pearson, jazz act Danzig Duo, folk band Merlin's Keep and Sambalada, among others.

There were food and craft stalls and artists showcasing their work.

Lee Beckett, chairman of the forum, was thrilled with the reaction to the launch.

He said: "It is the first time we have done a launch event like this and it seems to have gone down really well.

"It is a month-long festival and, having started out quite moderately six years ago, we are delighted with how it has grown.

"The whole point of the launch day is to show people what the forum is all about and attract their interest.

"We want people to come and enjoy themselves at some of the events during the forum, relax and take part.

"The forum is a showcase for members and it allows local people to see the fantastic and wide-ranging arts community that exists in North East Lincolnshire."

Tracey Walsh, 41, of Grimsby, mixed in with the atmosphere on Saturday and said she liked what she saw.

She said: "My eldest son, Tom Fleming, is a member of Class Act so I do have an interest in the arts.

"It has been a lovely day and the entertainment has been fantastic."

Amanda Strachan, 45, of Laceby Road, said: "I heard Heather Pearson singing when I was walking past so I thought I would have a look at what was going on.

"She is a brilliant singer and I enjoy watching people sing live.

"I got a bit of information about the festival, so I might have a look and see if there is anything I could attend."

The forum was officially launched by the mayor of North East Lincolnshire, Coun John Colebrook.

He said: "There is so much talent in North East Lincolnshire and this festival helps show that off.

"It is for all ages, and anybody can take part and show their talent – it is a fantastic festival."

Mayoress Coun Pat Colebrook added: "All too often, young people in the area are painted in a bad light. It is nice to see the other side of it, as there are more talented youngsters than there are causing problems and this festival illustrates that."

Ron Geddes and Anne Couch had a stall at the festival, on behalf of the Grimsby Writers group.

They were selling books containing the work of members of the club, who meet bi-weekly at Grimsby Central Library.

Mr Geddes said: "I think the Arts Forum Festival is a terrific idea."

More information

The festival runs until August 7 at a variety of venues in North East Lincolnshire. For a copy of the guide, call into the Tourist Information Centre, call the festival team on (01652) 662057 or visit www.artsforum.com