A celebration of the Arts on the Quantocks
The Mini Arts Festival was an extraordinary success, surpassing even our most optimistic hopes.
Over the course of four weeks, poets, painters, and musicians brought their talents to the library, performing to audiences that filled every corner with warmth and curiosity.
Painting the Quantocks
Our local painters, Clare DuVergier, Juliet Harkness, and Annabel Anderson, shared not only their stunning artworks but also the stories behind them. Each piece was a window into the Quantocks’ beauty, and the artists generously offered insights into the places and moments that inspire their creativity, making each viewing a personal journey through the landscape.
Charles Dickens and His Legacy
A highlight of the festival was a fascinating talk by the great-great-great-granddaughter of Charles Dickens, who offered a glimpse into the novelist’s life, his enduring literary legacy, and how his work continues to inspire today.
Cecil Sharps Quantocks
Music filled the festival with energy and tradition. Paul Upton, John Hartoch, Jackie Macbeth, and the Watchet folk duo Candelford delighted audiences with spirited performances of the folk songs collected by Cecil Sharp in and around the Quantocks. Their renditions were lively, authentic, and utterly captivating, reminding everyone of the rich musical heritage embedded in our local countryside.
Writing the Quantocks
Poets Graeme Ryan, Anne Lovejoy, and Viv Grant captivated listeners with their Quantock-inspired verses, transporting everyone to the landscapes and moods of the hills through their words. Attendees also discovered the innovative Quantock Poetry Trail project by Ralph Hoyte, a delightful way to experience poetry in situ. Using a smartphone, visitors can hear local poets reading their works in the very spots that sparked their creativity. Justin Shepherd added a musical dimension to the evenings, offering thoughtful interludes that perfectly complemented the poetry.
Thank You
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the performers who shared their talents, the library volunteers whose careful planning and dedication made the events possible, and the audiences whose enthusiasm and engagement brought the festival to life.
The Thomas Poole Mini Arts Festival was a celebration of creativity, community, and the inspiring landscapes of the Quantock, and it will be remembered for years to come.
