WHAT’S ON
From classics to comedy – King’s Lynn Festival 2011 It’s one of the most prestigious cultural events in Norfolk, and this year promises to be extra special...
O
ne of the most prestigious events in the local arts calendar, the King’s Lynn Festival, celebrated its diamond anniversary in 2010. Sixty years ago, the Guildhall of St George, a significant building not only to the heritage of the town but also of national importance (it’s said to be the oldest theatre in Europe) was saved from demolition by campaigners. At the forefront of the drive to restore the dilapidated Guildhall was Lady Fermoy (grandmother of Diana, Princess of Wales) who was passionate about the arts and particularly King’s Lynn. Lord and Lady Fermoy raised funds for an ambitious restoration project which completed in 1951. To celebrate this remarkable achievement, Lady Fermoy organized a weeklong festival of music and arts which included the best of the best from the industry including Sir John Betjeman, Benjamin Britten and Peter Ustinov. “The programme for the first King’s Lynn Festival organized by Ruth Lady Fermoy read like a
who’s who of the world of music and the arts,” says Festival Press Officer Alison Croose, “and the event quickly earned national and international renown. In more recent years world-famous names have included Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Stars of the Bolshoi Ballet, Alfred Brendel, Sir James Galway, John Lill, Lesley Garrett and Dr David Starkey.” A close friend of Lady Fermoy, The Queen Mother agreed to become the patron for the festival – she would spend a week in July residing at Sandringham House so she could enjoy both the Sandringham Flower Show and The King’s Lynn Festival. The high standard was set and so it continues year after year, as internationally acclaimed performers are presented in some of King’s Lynn’s (and West Norfolk’s) most historic buildings. King’s Lynn Festival organisers are receiving calls and e-mails from people all over Britain who want to attend concerts during this summer’s feast of music and arts staged from 17th–30thJuly 2011. Top names from the worlds of
FESTIVAL STARS: Performers at this year’s Festival include Hayley Westenra (main picture), the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain (opposite top) and maestro of the Czech National Symphony Orchestra Libor Pesek (opposite left). 54
KLmagazine July 2011