There is a packed schedule today for the Isle of Arts festival which kicked off last night with hugely successful gigs by Rich Hall and The Hamsters.
There are several strands to the festival today, including film, music, spoken word, art workshops and creative writing talks.
Edward Fox Does Trollope
One of Britain’s best-loved and most respected actors, Edward Fox, will be providing a dramatic insight into Trollope’s life, portraying the great novelist through extracts from his best-known works interspersed with accounts from his autobiography.
He’ll be appearing in the marquee at 4.30pm, tickets are £14.
Celebrating Film
Kicking off at noon in the Baptist church, Dave Ellison talks about the making of Tales from the Riverbank.
This will be followed at 2pm by film historian, Tony Dalton, giving a talk about special effects pioneer Ray Harryhausen, before introducing the afternoon’s Classic movie, Clash of the Titans.
The Wight Film Network showcase Island film maker’s short films at 5.30pm, before Island-based independent film director and winner of Variety Critics Choice Award 2010, Bruce Webb, shares an insider’s take of independent film making at 7.30pm. He’ll also be introducing the evening’s Classic movie, Stand By Me.
Piano, Piano!
Piano! Piano! kicks off at noon in The Boathouse (Spyglass) with Dave Smith and friends. Dave has played with many stars of the UK and European jazz world and is first choice for the many headline performers who have played at Island jazz events over the years. But in this session Dave is star of the show, accompanied by Leon Simmonds on double bass and Ken Black on drums.
Next in the line-up at 2.30pm is talented newcomer Adam Saunders, who is still a student at Trinity College of Music and divides his time between London and his hometown Portsmouth.
Opinions are divided about our third pianist of the day Bob Brace – people either think of him as a wonderful violinist who also plays piano, or a superb pianist who also plays a mean violin. At Piano! Piano! his talents on the piano will be at the fore with a selection of ragtime, stride, boogie-woogie and more from 5pm.
Headlining the piano fest, Piano! Piano!, is one of Britain’s most talented jazz pianists and winner of the 2010 UK Jazz Pianist of the Year award, Craig Milverton at 8.30pm.
Workshops, demonstrations and talks
If none of that takes your fancy, there’s a kite flying demonstration at 1pm by the Marquee in Salisbury Gardens, creative writing workshops at 2pm in the Wight Light Gallery, Quay Arts drop-in workshops for young children at the Masonic Hall until 3pm, followed by a chance to meet local authors at a book signing in the Masonic Hall at 4pm.
The evening finishes with the incredible Lesley Garrett performing with massed choirs from around the country (this event is sold out). It’s going to be spectacular for all attending and probably an unexpected treat for all those living nearby.
All in all, a fabulous day of arts and culture, right here in Ventnor with plenty more on the agenda tomorrow.
