Alton Arts Festival returning with packed programme

Alton Arts Festival will run from July 3 to 12, bringing comedy, theatre, literature, music, workshops and family activities to venues across Alton, Chawton and Holybourne.

Highlights from this year’s line-up include comedian Lucy Porter, a live illustration event by former Children’s Laureate Chris Riddell, and children’s comedian Olaf Falafel delivering kid-friendly giggles following his sell-out run at Edinburgh Fringe last year.

Alton Arts Festival is making a return with 'something for everyone'. (Image: Alton Arts Festival/supplied)

The festival will also feature comedian and broadcaster Robin Ince, who will present a poetry reading and an exploration of neurodiversity, as well as a performance by alt-folk duo Memorial.

Dyad Productions will bring their acclaimed one-woman show based on Virginia Woolf’s A Room of One’s Own.

Returning artists include stone mason and sculptor David Wilkins, whose Stone Carving Workshop sold out in record time at the 2024 festival.

Chris Riddell said: "The Alton Arts Festival has a magic that reminds you that creativity isn't just something that happens on a stage or a gallery wall.

"It’s alive in every corner of the community, bringing people together. I can’t wait to come back this year."

Embracing its community-led ethos, the festival aims to offer opportunities for everyone to take part through workshops from bookbinding and illustration to editing for writers and writing for picture books.

Writing mentor Emma Darwin and author Louise Morrish will lead an event on turning real life into fiction, featuring readings from their latest historical novels.

Frantic Assembly, known for its physical storytelling, will deliver Devising and Physicality workshops for both teens and adults.

Outdoor events include a free, shout-along performance of Alice in Wonderland by Pumpkin Pantos in Alton’s Public Gardens on July 4, sponsored by Alton Town Council.

A new addition this year is the Art Box - a free, immersive, installation-style creative experience curated for pre-school and home-educated children and their families, offering different artists and experiences in each session, including Light Play Art, where children and older members of the community can explore art in the everyday together - through light, shadow and movement.

Annie Lancaster, chair of Alton Arts Festival, said: "We are incredibly proud of this year’s festival programme.

"It is ambitious in its range, but rooted as ever in the idea of bringing people together.

"We've worked hard to refine what we offer based on audience feedback, whilst keeping our ticket prices as low as possible and putting on more free events, because we want everyone to feel welcome.

"None of it would be possible without our generous sponsors, supporters, and our fantastic patrons.

"I just can’t wait to bring all this to Alton and for the creative, festival buzz to fill our brilliant town."

The full programme and tickets are available at altonartsfestival.com.