The first ever Alton Arts Festival is coming to the county. 

The 10-day, multi-arts, multi-venue festival will run from July 5-14 2024. 

It will be the first festival of its kind produced in and for the town.

An ambitious and eclectic programme will deliver events across literature, music, visual art and theatre, fringe and participatory events, and a family and schools programme. 

Nationally acclaimed names will sit shoulder-to-shoulder with professional artists from the community and a strand of emerging talent. Ticket prices will be set as low as possible to encourage accessibility, with a free schools’ programme and open events in the town’s public spaces and gardens.

The first headliners will be announced in the coming months, and tickets are expected to go on sale in early 2024.

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Programming is already underway and the festival organisers are calling for entries from the community. 

Anyone who would like to perform or lead an activity as part of the festival should submit their interest: altonartsfestival.com.

Funding is being sought from corporate sponsors, trust and funds as well as a crowdfunding effort and public fundraising events. A fundraising quiz will be held on Friday October 27 at Alton Assembly Rooms.

The festival has already developed partnerships with Jane Austen’s House, the Allen Gallery, and HSCD Alton, who have offered the use of their arts facilities for the duration.

Alton Arts Festival is conceived of and produced by the Guild of Optimists in partnership with Goldfinch Books, and run entirely by local volunteers.

Annie Lancaster, co-founder of Guild of Optimists and Alton Arts Festival chairman, said: “It is brilliant to announce our very exciting plans for Alton Arts Festival Altonians deserve the best of art and culture. We want every resident and audience member to leave the festival feeling proud of Alton, a town that celebrates heritage, talent, art and culture, and to feel inspired by what they've seen.

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“Accessibility and community are at the forefront of our decision-making. We want to entertain and to enhance the quality of life of the people of Alton and the surrounding area and attract the widest possible support from the community. Above all, we want to deliver unforgettable audience experiences that make people feel proud of Alton.

“But we need that community’s help. We want to hear from anyone who’s keen to get involved and perform, lead a workshop, or volunteer their time. And of course, if anyone feels they can support financially, please reach out – every little really helps to put on this celebration of Alton.”

For more information, visit altonartsfestival.com.