Royston Arts Festival 2024 Programme of Events by RoystonArtsFestival

ROYSTON ARTS FESTIVAL ‘24 ARTS IN MOTION

20 SEPT - 5 OCT

Welcome to Royston Arts Festival

I must start by saying how amazing it is to have such a wide variety of fantastic events as part of Royston’s Arts Festival - and all from Royston and the surrounding area. We have some established favouritesMusic Fest and our Community Event Gala in the Gardens for instance. For those of you looking for the Finale Concert and not finding it, don’t worry - the same wonderful event has been renamed the Celebration Concert as it now does not close the Festival! We have extended the dates to embrace Barkway’s Literary Festival taking us into October for the very first time.

Do take your time to look through the programme (a couple of times to allow you to take in the myriad of arty delights) - I’m sure you will find something that captures your imagination. As you will see, many businesses, organisations and groups are holding events and I’d like to thank them for taking the time out of their busy lives to put Arts in Motion this year.

Our wonderful, selfless committee and group of volunteers has pulled together strongly as a team to deliver the festival - it’s quite a commitment and I would like to thank them too for their dedication to the cause.

Tag us in your selfies and check ins @roystonartsfestival and @creativeroyston on socials - how many events can you attend?

Chair, Creative Royston

Cover image: ‘Claudia McKenzie’ by Vivienne Machell

This year we ran a cover art competition for our festival programme, inviting members of Royston Arts Society (RAS) to submit paintings inspired by the festival theme ‘Arts In Motion’. You can see the entries received at the Cover Art Exhibition, see page 4 for details, and look out for Claudia at Gala in the Gardens, featured on page 14.

sept - 5 oct

Festival Cover Art Exhibition

Exhibition, Arts

Student’s Art Exhibition Exhibition, Arts

Design a Bookmark Competition Competition, Arts

Art Competition Competition, Arts

Jog Your Imagination! Workshop, Literature

Megson - Live at St John’s Music, Performance

Paint the Market Workshop, Art Out of This World Crafts Activity, Crafts

Royston’s Astronaut Talk, Literature Tour of Royston Cave Tour, History

Transport][ed : Scene Through a Window Workshop, Literature Body, Breath, Movement - Life Workshop, Wellbeing

Performing Arts Workshops Workshop, Performing Arts

Out of This World Crafts Activity, Crafts

Out of This World Stop Motion Animation Workshop, Film

Royston MusicFest Music, Performance Tour of Royston Cave Tour, History

Dance Re:Ignite Performance, Performing Arts

Somewhere 2 Sing Choir Workshop Workshop, Music

Royston MusicFest Music, Performance

Museum Tots Activity, Crafts

Floral Pot Arrangement Class Workshop, Crafts

Sketch and Draw Workshop, Art

Social Ceramics Workshop, Crafts

Royston Musicfest Music, Performance

Museum Babies Activity, Crafts

Paint and Sip: Flossy the Flamingo Workshop, Art

Bringing Local History to Life: a Talk by Local Author Fiona Anderson Talk, Literature Singers & Players Night Music, Performance

AllSing Workshop, Performance

Cheese & Winyl Sept 2024 Music, Event

Organ Recital Music, Performance

Royston Arts Society 2024 Autumn Exhibition Exhibition, Arts Grownup Glazing Workshop, Crafts

BEEE Creative Workshop, Performance

Priory Quilters 2024 Exhibition Exhibition, Craft

Gala in the Gardens Music, Performance, Event

Sustain-Ability 2024 Exhibition, Event

Arts & Crafts Expo Competition, Exhibition, Crafts

Photography Exhibition Exhibition, Arts

Royston Arts Society 2024 Autumn Exhibition Exhibition, Arts

Local Writers Book Fair Event, Literature Tour of Royston Cave Tour, History

Kinetic Crafts Activity, Crafts

DJ Set ft. Vinyl Rob & Martin Music, Performance

Photography Exhibition Exhibition, Arts

Priory Quilters 2024 Exhibition Exhibition, Crafts

Royston Arts Society 2024 Autumn Exhibition Exhibition, Arts

Soul Sunday Music, Performance

Tour of Royston Cave Tour, History Celebration Concert Music, Performance, Event

Student’s Art Exhibition Open Evening Exhibition, Arts

Royston Rocks Music, Performance

Barkway Literary Festival Event, Literature

Throughout the Festival

Cover Art Exhibition

Enjoy the display of paintings from our Cover Art Competition, including winner ‘Claudia McKenzie’ by Vivienne Machell. In association with Royston Arts Society (RAS) Tues 2nd to Sat 28th Sept

Opening times: Monday-Wednesday, 10am-5.30pm; Thursday 10am-1pm, Friday 10am-5.30pm, Saturday 9am-4pm Royston Library (venue 4)

Student’s art exhibition

Enjoy an art exhibition by the students from KJAR Daily until Wed 2nd Oct, Mon to Fri 9am to 5.30pm Open evening Wed 2nd Oct, 5.30-6.30pm Curwens Solicitors Community Art Gallery (venue 12)

Design a Bookmark Competition

Get creative and design a bookmark with the theme of “Transport”. The winning design will be used in store with the winner receiving 50 of their printed bookmarks. Full Ts & Cs and entry form in store - Free Entry (up to 12 years old) Competition open from Fri 20th Sept, deadline Fri 1st Nov. Bow Books (venue 9)

Art Competition

A drawing competition for under twelves, based on the Arts In Motion theme, with a prize to be won. Art can be handed in to Ladds during opening hours Competition runs from Fri 20th Sept – Sunday 29th Sept Ladds (venue 11)

Thursday 19th September

Jog Your Imagination!

Always wanted to write, but lack the time or the motivation? Need some literary friends to make your writing workouts more fun? Join Royston Writers Circle to flex your lexicon, stretch your sentences and pump up your prose with our writing exercises! No preparation necessary, just bring your pen and paper/laptop/tablet and write on the night! Free to attend but places limited so booking essential roystonwriters.org Thurs 19th Sept, 8-10pm Royston Town Hall (Committee Rooms) (venue 1)

Friday 20th September

Megson - Live at St John’s

Enjoy a musical evening with Megson, husband & wife duo Debs Hanna (Vocals, Whistle, Piano Accordion) and Stu Hanna (Guitar, Mandola, Banjo), four times nominated in the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. An infectious mix of heavenly vocals, lush harmonies and driving rhythmic guitars. Bar – cash only.

Tickets: £17 from www.megsonmusic.co.uk/ product/live-stjohns

Fri 20th Sept, Doors: 7 for 7.30pm start Royston Parish Church (venue 2)

Paint The Market

Saturday 21st September

The Friends of Therfield Heath’s plein-air painting group will be sketching and painting the colourful scenes around them in the market. Join in, have a go or chat to them about the group. The group moves around to a variety of venues during the warmer months. Free event, open to all ages.

Sat 21st Sept, 9am-1pm

Royston Market (venue 6)

Out of this world crafts

273 years ago, a man from Royston flew to the moon and back again. Inspired by his story, told in one of the first sci-fi novels, join us for out of this world craft activities. Free event, open to all ages.

Sat 21st Sept, 10am-4pm

Royston Museum (venue 20)

Royston’s Astronaut

273 years ago, a man from Royston flew to the moon and back again. His story is told in one of the first sci-fi novels, The Life and Astonishing adventures of John Daniel. Find out how he got on in this short pop-up talk from Graham Palmer. Age range: Age 16+. Free event, drop in.

Sat 21st Sept, 11am

Royston Museum (venue 20)

Megson Live at St John’s

Photography Exhibition, 2023

Saturday 21st September

Tour of Royston Cave

Delve deep beneath the streets of Royston and unearth this unique heritage site’s mysterious past. Your knowledgeable tour guide will delight you with tales of Royston through the ages and offer the theories that have been given about the cave’s origins and purpose. Book online at www.roystoncave.co.uk/visit

Sat 21st Sept, 1-3pm

Royston Cave (venue 15)

Transport][ed : scene through a window

Whether you’re a beginner in creative writing or a more advanced writer looking for ideas, this half-day workshop, led by local author Graham Palmer, will help you discover how changing your viewpoint can unlock new worlds. Age 16+. £5, maximum of 10 participants. Book via https://buytickets.at/roystonmuseum

Sat 21st Sept, 2-4.30pm

Royston Museum (venue 20)

Body, breath, movement - life

Combining meditation, mindful breathing and body awareness to explore our connection to life inside and outside of our physical being. Movement is everything we do with our bodies from breathing to walking. Explore how important it is to move and how the right movement can be healing and beneficial for our health. Free to attend, places limited so booking essential: ivana_kisegi@yahoo.com

Sat 21st Sept, 5-6.30pm

Royston Catholic Church Sports Hall (venue 23)

Sunday 22nd September

Performing Arts Workshops

Performing Arts Workshops by Stagecoach Royston and Baldock, for ages 2 to 18. Mini Stages (2-4yrs) 10-10.45am

A fun session for both children and their adults, themed What’s In the Garden, focusing on the bugs and insects that live amongst the flowers. Stories, singing, dance and play. Early Stages (4-6yrs) 11.15am-12.15pm

Using the sea as our theme, develop performance skills and confidence as we go on a wild adventure across the seven seas. Singing, dancing and acting, with lots of games. Main Stages (6-18yrs) 1.30-2.30pm

Working a short musical theatre song and dance number to share with parents at the end. Singing, dancing and acting to develop courage and confidence to perform. Free workshops, no need to book

Sun 22nd Sept, 10am-2.30pm, St Mary’s Primary School (venue 24)

Sunday 22nd September

Out of this world crafts

Sun 22nd Sept, 10am-4pm

Royston Museum (venue 20)

Out of this world stop motion animation

273 years ago, a man from Royston flew to the moon and back again. Inspired by his story, told in one of the first sci-fi novels, create an out of this world stop motion animation. Create your own story and props before filming it on your own camera or tablet. Young people aged 8+. Tickets £2.50, maximum of 10 participants per session. Book via https://buytickets.at/roystonmuseum

Sun 22nd Sept, 10.30am-12:30pm and 1.30-3.30pm

Royston Museum (venue 20)

Royston MusicFest

Royston MusicFest returns with live music in venues around town and is spreading its wings with additional dates, see pages 9 & 11. Keep an eye on roystonmusicfest.uk or unicornfolk.uk from late August for details of a preview show on Royston Radio and a full list of artists and timings for each venue. FREE entry at all venues.

Banyers House: Kaszak & Afifi, Bill Tarran, Rich Young, All My Trials, Linda Moylan & Ian Montague

Conservative Club (Free entry to all inc non-members): Rhys Wilson, Bill Tarran, Rich Young, All My Trials, Linda Moylan & Ian Montague

Old Bull Inn: Thursday’s Band; Kelly & Woolley, Rhys Wilson

Sun 22nd Sept, 12noon-4.30pm

Banyers House (venue 19), Conservative Club (venue 17) and The Old Bull Inn (venue 8)

Tour of Royston Cave

Explore this unique heritage site with a guided tour. Delve deep beneath the streets of Royston and unearth the cave’s mysterious past. Your knowledgeable tour guide will delight you with tales of Royston through the ages and offer the theories that have been given about the cave’s origins and purpose. Book online at www.roystoncave.co.uk/visit

Sun 22nd Sept, 1-3pm

Royston Cave (venue 15)

Book a Tour of Royston Cave

monday 23rd September

Dance Re:Ignite

A short performance (10 mins) and follow up workshop (45 mins) of dance and visual arts activities, delving into the making of the piece and finishing off with refreshments and time to chat with the performers. Dance Re:Ignite celebrates dance for older adults and inclusive groups but this event is an intergenerational celebration suitable for all ages and experiences. Developed through a collaboration with dance artist Carrie Washington and Visual Artist Jane Glynn. Open to all ages. Free tickets in advance from carrie@beee-creative-cio.uk or on the day.

Mon 23rd Sept, 11am-12.30pm

Royston Town Hall (venue 1)

Somewhere 2 Sing Choir Workshop

No experience necessary. Come and try your hand singing out in a big group! Completely free! You can just walk-up on the night or let them know you’re coming by way of the taster form on the choir website www.somewhere2sing.co.uk

Mon 23rd Sept, 7.30-9pm

Royston Town Hall (Hardwicke Hall) (venue 1)

Royston MusicFest

Royston MusicFest returns with live music in venues around town, see also pages 8 & 11. Keep an eye on roystonmusicfest.uk or unicornfolk.uk from late August for details of a preview show on Royston Radio and a full list of artists and timings for each venue. Free entry.

The Larks + Causton & Walker

Mon 23rd Sept, 8pm

The Jolly Postie (venue 13)

Museum Tots

Wednesday 25th September

Inspired by E.H. Whydale’s paintings, we’ll be taking a romp around the countryside all from the comfort of the Museum. With stories, songs, crafts and hands-on activities there will be plenty to keep your little ones moving and creating. Free event for under 5s, maximum of 15 children plus accompanying adults. Book via https://buytickets.at/roystonmuseum

Wed 25th Sept, 10-11am

Royston Museum (venue 20)

Gala in the Gardens 2023

See page 14 for Gala in the Gardens 2024, Sat 28th Sept

Wednesday 25th September

Floral Pot Arrangement Class

Create a beautiful Autumn Floral Pot Arrangement in a pot to take home and enjoy, and learn about the flowers and foliage used. Tea and cake included. Age: 18+. Booking required. Tickets £35pp, capacity 12 people. To book, call 01763 290157 or email info@bloomroyston.co.uk

Wed 25th Sept, 11am

Bloom Royston (venue 7)

Sketch and Draw

One-hour, untutored workshop, the medium of choice will be pencils, chalks and charcoal. A4 clipboards available for use, but artists are invited to bring their own if preferred. Cost £8 per person, restricted to 10 visitors

Please book your tickets online at www.roystoncave.co.uk/events

Wed 25th Sept, 7pm

Royston Cave (venue 15)

Social Ceramics

This is an art in motion interactive evening where pottery painting happens along the way and it’s more about the social interaction process of this event. Be prepared to let go of your creative control and find inspiration by collaborating with others. To book, please visit www.glazedcreations.co.uk/online-bookings

Wed 25th Sept 7-9pm

Glazed Creations (venue 18)

Royston Musicfest

Royston MusicFest returns with live music in venues around town, see also pages 8 & 9. Keep an eye on roystonmusicfest.uk or unicornfolk.uk from late August for details of a preview show on Royston Radio and a full list of artists and timings for each venue. Free entry including for non-members. Elizabeth & Jameson + Boxwood Chessmen

Wed 25th Sept, 7pm

Royston Golf Club (venue 21)

Visit creativeroyston.org for latest updates to the Festival programme.

Social Ceramics at Glazed Creations

Thursday 26th September

Museum Babies

Inspired by E.H. Whydale’s paintings, we’ll be taking a romp around the countryside all from the comfort of the Museum. With stories, songs, crafts and sensory activities there will be plenty to for your little ones to enjoy. For babies, from tiny to first steps. Free tickets, maximum of 15 children plus accompanying adults. Book via https://buytickets.at/roystonmuseum

Thurs 26th Sept, 10-11am

Royston Museum (venue 20)

Paint and Sip: Flossy the Flamingo

Paint and Sip is a great way to have fun, in a creative way. Unwind, enjoy quality time with friends, and explore your artistic side as you are guided, step-by-step, to paint acrylic on canvas. All the arty stuff is included: paint, brushes, palette, easel, apron and your completed canvas to take home!

Guided by Sandra McDonald from The Creative Canvas, a local and independant artist. Tickets £30 from www.thecreativecanvas.co.uk, 10% discount when purchasing two tickets in one transaction

Thurs 26th Sept, 7-9pm

The Old Bull Inn (venue 8)

Bringing Local History to Life: a talk by local author Fiona Anderson

A talk by author of non-fiction book “Secrets Never to be Told” followed by Q&A at Royston Library. Tickets £5 direct from the Library and online at www.hertfordshire.gov. uk/libraries Age 18+

Thurs 26th Sept, 7pm Royston Library (venue 4)

Singers & Players night

Join Bryan, Guido, Jeremy & Penni, your Royston Folk Club hosts look forward to welcoming you to a wonderful evening of short varied sets of 20+ minutes of top quality entertainment from tunesmiths & songsmiths. Tickets £10 from www.roystonfolk.org/tickets-3/ in advance, and £12 on the door

Thurs 26th Sept, 8-10.30pm

The Plough, Shepreth (venue 25)

Create Flossy the Flamingo

Friday 27th September

AllSing

An hour of singing for all generations together. Any age. young or old, you are most welcome. No previous experience required. We’ll be moving! You can’t stay still whilst singing. FREE! Just turn up

Fri 27th Sept, 5-6pm

Coombes Community Centre (venue 22)

Cheese & Winyl Sept 2024

A collaboration between Revolution Records Royston, Cambridge Wine Royston and The Honest Fig. DJ’s playing vinyl records, a mix of different genres including funk, soul, jazz, reggae, rock, latin - musical vibes for everyone!

Fri 27th Sept, 5-9.30pm

Corn Exchange Royston (venue 10)

Organ Recital

To celebrate 50 years of our twinning between Royston and Großalmerode, Revd Dr Steven Sivyer, who has played in many cities and cathedrals across England, Europe and America, will play music from Germany and England across the ages. This recital, which will include some well known pieces such as Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, will be given the following week in Großalmerode. Tickets £12 adults, £3.50 under 18s, in advance from https://bit.ly/organ24 and on the day

Fri 27th Sept, 7.30-9pm

Royston Parish Church (venue 2)

Royston Arts Society 2024 Autumn Exhibition

This is Royston Arts Society’s annual open exhibition. Free entry to affordable art by talented local artists featuring hundreds of paintings, both framed and unframed in a variety of styles and media.

Fri 27th Sept, 7.30-9.30pm

Royston Town Hall (Heritage Hall) (venue 1)

Grownup Glazing

A lovely social evening for adults to attend either with a group of friends or alone to paint pottery. We provide refreshments, additionally you are welcome to bring alcohol if you wish. To book, please visit www.glazed-creations.co.uk/online-bookings

Friday 27th Sept 7-9.30pm

Glazed Creations (venue 18)

Visit creativeroyston.org for latest updates to the Festival programme.

Saturday 28th September

BEEE Creative

Get moving with BEEE Creative, with a morning of creative movement and visual activities for families. Open to all ages. Free event, drop in.

Sat 28th Sept, 10am-12noon

Royston Museum (venue 20)

Priory Quilters 2024 Exhibition

A display of quilts and other sewn items produced by members, both individually and at meetings and workshops. We will have a small sales table, raffles, a demonstration and tea/coffee, drinks and cake on offer. Free entry. Our Sue Robertson Challenge will be based on the Festival Theme.

Sat 28th Sept, 10am-5pm

Market Hill Rooms (venue 5)

Gala in the Gardens

Creative Royston’s Community event “Gala in the Gardens” returns to the beautiful Priory Memorial Gardens in the heart of Royston again this year. There will be artistic performances of all kinds to delight the whole family, including Claudia McKenzie, featured on our programme cover, and lots of extra fun for the children in the Kids Zone. Royston Environmental Group join us, holding Sustain-Ability 2024 to showcase what we can do to contribute to a sustainable future. Street Food Heroes will again provide a plethora of food choices or bring along a picnic to enjoy.

Sat 28th Sept, 12 noon-5pm

Priory Memorial Gardens (venue 3)

Sustain-Ability 2024

Royston Environmental Group is here to help build a more sustainable future through useful and practical information about environmental issues for the Royston area by improving our surroundings from our own back gardens to developing more global awareness. Come to the Sustain-Ability Zone and meet Reggie the Goat, our little mascot for our REG Kids’ Club. There will be visitors from all sorts of eco aware groups, such as sustainable heating, camping supplies and wildlife protection to inspire ideas.

Sat 28th Sept, 12noon-5pm

Priory Memorial Gardens, as part of Gala in the Gardens (venue 3)

Sustain-Ability at Gala in the Gardens

Saturday 28th September

Arts & Crafts Expo

A brand new exhibition/competition open to local amateur crafters & artists, to enter pieces of work based on this year’s theme: Arts In Motion. Four categories, prizes to be won! Over 18s only. Find out more: www.no3royston.com/pages/artcraftexpo-full-info

Sat 28th Sept, 12noon-5pm

Priory Memorial Gardens, as part of Gala in the Gardens (venue 3)

Photography Exhibition

Royston Photographic Society present over 40 mounted photographs on the festival theme, ‘Arts in Motion’, and other themes, taken by their members.

Sat 28th Sept, 10am-4pm

Royston Town Hall (Upper Hall) (venue 1)

Royston Arts Society 2024 Autumn Exhibition

Sat 28th Sept, 10am-5pm

Royston Town Hall (Heritage Hall) (venue 1)

Local Writers Book Fair

Come and meet your next favourite author! Over 20 local writers will be gathering to showcase their books, with book signings, talks and readings covering fiction, non fiction and poetry. From the very young to the young-at-heart, we guarantee that there will be something for everyone as Royston Arts Festival celebrates the literary talent that surrounds us. “Every book is a journey, a map into the complexities of the human mind and soul.” (Elif Shafak)

Sat 28th Sept, 11am-4pm

Royston Masonic Hall (venue 16)

Tour of Royston Cave

Sat 28th Sept, 1-3pm

Royston Cave (venue 15)

ROYSTON MUSICFEST

Free music events at various venues in Royston

Banyers House | Conservative Club | Royston Golf Club Jolly Postie | The Old Bull Inn

Sunday 22nd September

Monday 23rd September

Wednesday 25th September

roystonmusicfest.uk

Free fun for all the family

Priory Memorial Gardens, Royston Saturday 28th September, 12 noon-5pm

- Food Zone with Street Food Heroes

- Performance Zone

- Kids Zone

- Community Zone

- Sustain-Ability Zone

- Arts & Crafts Expo

creativeroyston.org

A celebration of music and song Parish Church, Royston

Sunday 29th September, 7.30-9.30pm

Compered by Hannah Long Featuring Royston Town Band, WomenSIng, Steven Sivyer and students from King James Academy and Freman College

Tickets from creativeroyston.org

Saturday 28th September

Kinetic Crafts

A children’s storytime, followed by a craft event with activities suitable for ages 4-10 Years old, all linked into the Arts in Motion theme. Drop in event.

Sat 28th Sept, 2-3.30pm

Royston Library (venue 4)

DJ Set ft. Vinyl Rob & Martin

DJ’s playing vinyl records in the shop – mix of different genres including funk, soul, jazz, reggae, rock, latin - musical vibes for everyone!

Sat 28th Sept, 3-7pm

Revolution Records Royston (venue 14)

Photography Exhibition

Sunday 29th September

Royston Photographic Society present over 40 mounted photographs on the festival theme, ‘Arts in Motion’, and other themes, taken by their members.

Sun 29th Sept, 10am-4pm

Royston Town Hall (venue 1)

Priory Quilters 2024 Exhibition

Sun 29th Sept, 10am-4pm

Market Hill Rooms (venue 5)

Royston Arts Society 2024 Autumn Exhibition

Sun 29th Sept, 10am-5pm

Royston Town Hall, (Heritage Hall) (venue 1)

Priory Quilters Exhibition

Sunday 29th September

Soul Sunday

Showcasing songs to sing along to, local talented singers and musicians are bringing live music to your local record shop! Acoustic sets by local singers and musicians

11-12noon Laura & guest

1-2pm Eddie Parker

Sun 29th Sept, 11am-12noon & 1pm-2pm

Revolution Records Royston (venue 14)

Tour of Royston Cave

Sun 29th Sept, 1-3pm

Royston Cave (venue 15)

Celebration Concert

Join us for our Celebration Concert, exploring the festival’s theme of ‘Arts In Motion’ explored through music and song. Compered by Hannah Long and featuring Royston Town Band, WomenSIng, Steven Sivyer and students from King James Academy and Freman College. Cash bar.

Tickets £7 adult / £3 child in advance only from www.creativeroyston.org

Sun 29th Sept, 7.30-9.30pm

Royston Parish Church (venue 2)

Wednesday 2nd October

Student’s art exhibition open evening

Enjoy an exhibition by the students from KJAR and performances from fellow music students

Wed 2nd Oct, 5.30-6.30pm

Curwens Solicitors Community Art Gallery (venue 12)

Royston Rocks

A brand-new open mic acoustic night for local musicians to come and play, locals to come and listen & all to grab a drink! Free event, just turn up.

Wed 2nd Oct, 8-11pm

The Old Bull Inn (venue 8)

Saturday 5th October

Barkway Literary Festival

Experience an explosion of literary creativity in the beautiful village of Barkway. Barkway’s third literary festival has a diverse programme of world class authors, wordsmiths, podcasters, adventurers and children’s writers.

This year’s event has been created to entertain children in the morning, inspire the most determined individuals to achieve their life goals regardless of what challenges life throws at you during the afternoon and marvel at our evening keynote speaker. Events chaired by Jude Simpson, authors will talk about their life, new books and careers. Meet the authors afterwards at the book signings. All book sales and signs are undertaken by Bow Books, our local independent book store. Tickets £10 adults, £5 children. Day tickets £40 and allow access to all seven author events and four workshops. Adults may accompany children free of charge to the children’s author events, but must book a ticket as limited capacity. Tickets available from www.barkwaylitfest.co.uk

Sat 5th Oct, 9.30am-8.30pm

Jude Simpson - A Noise Annoys, 10am

Jamie Hull, 11.30am Lottie Mills, 1pm

James Riley, 2.30pm

Sir Richard Evans, 4pm Tracy Waples, 5.30pm Christopher Hadley, 7pm

Barkway Village Hall (venue 26)

Low to No-Budget Filmmaking, 10am

Building Community Through Story Exchange, 12noon Writing a Podcast Drama, 2pm Meet the Authors: How to Get Published, 4pm

Barkway Pavillion, Recreational Ground (venue 27)

Details and times are correct at the time of printing but are subject to change. For latest updates, visit creativeroyston.org.

Royston Arts Festival is organised by Creative Royston. Many events participating in the festival are organised by third parties. Creative Royston accepts no liability for loss, damage or injury sustained by any member of the public visiting any venue participating in the festival. It is the individual venues and/or event organiser’s responsibility to have public-liability insurance. For venue access information, please contact the individual venues. We may take photographs and/or video for publicity purposes. All persons attending the festival events will be deemed to have consented to being recorded in this way and for their images to be used. If you do not want your image used in this way, please inform the event staff.

Visiting adults are responsible for the supervision of any children or vulnerable adults in their care. Refunds for paid events are at the discretion of individual event organisers.

Find us: Use postcode SG8 8BS Venues: • Village Hall • Pavilion

Tickets: Day ticket £40 or £5/£10/£20 per event. www.ticketsource.co.uk/barkwaylitfest

Saturday 5th October 9:30 am – 8:30 pm

Welcome to our creative and varied programme of children and adult events. With outdoor cafe, Bow Bookshop and bar!

Jude Simpson

Jamie Hull

James Riley

Lottie Mills Christopher Hadley

Nicola Irvine

Helen Cross

Tracey Waples

Gemma Paget & Sean McGrath

Sir Richard Evans

AUTHOR EVENTS – VILLAGE HALL:

10:00 – 11:00 JUDE SIMPSON’S energetic children’s show A Noise Annoys is the kick start your family needs on a Saturday morning! Suitable for all ages.

Tickets £5

11:30 – 12:30 After JAMIE HULL’S life-changing air accident, the former SAS trooper became a high-profile Ambassador for Help for Heroes and motivational speaker. Truly inspirational! Tickets £10

13:00 – 14:00 Winner of the 2020 BBC Young Writers’ Award, LOTTIE MILLS discusses what it means to be different in a world that values perfection before signing copies of her latest publication - Monstrum (Oneworld Publication, 2024). Tickets £10

14:30 – 15:30 Master of modern culture JAMES RILEY explores the iconic music of the Sixties. His kaleidoscopic, illustrated talk ‘Scream and Shout’ sets the legends of the era against their psychedelic backdrop - think Beatles, Rolling Stones, punk and heavy metal.

Tickets £10

16:00 – 17:00 Is it possible to understand the horrors of the Nazi regime? SIR RICHARD EVANS latest creation Hitler’s People considers an alternative perspective. Hosted by James Riley. Tickets £10

17:30 – 18:30 TRACEY WAPLES presents her latest thriller, The Little Sister. Currently plotting her sequel, join our local author in conversation with Jude Simpson. Tickets £10

19:00 – 20:30 CHRISTOPHER HADLEY presents his superb The Road: A story of Romans and ways to the past (HarperCollins, 2024). As well as discussing this book, Christopher will talk about the folklore of Hertfordshire. Tickets £10

WORKSHOPS – PAVILION:

10:00 – 11:45 NICOLA IRVINE hosts a fascinating workshop on the art of creating low to no-budget films based on her own experiences. Suitable for ages 12+. Tickets £20

12:00 – 13:45 GEMMA PAGET and SEAN MCGRATH of Narrative Alchemy will use this workshop to explore the importance of stories in connecting with communities. This theatre-in-education company uses drama and film to address social trends. Suitable for ages 10+. Tickets £10

14:00 – 15:45 Ever dreamed of creating your own podcast? HELEN CROSS has written audio and podcast drama for BBC Radio for twenty years! Tickets £20

16:00 – 17:45 ALEX PRIOR (see right).

HOW TO GET PUBLISHED

16:00 – 17:45

ALEX PRIOR, is joined by fellow authors to discuss the process behind becoming published. Alex is joined by

• KATE MOORE,

• DAMIEN O’DELL and

• J.S.WATTS

Tickets £20

Town Hall, SG8 7DA

Parish Church, SG8 9LG

Priory Memorial Gardens, SG8 9DX

Royston Library, SG8 9JN

Market Hill Rooms, SG8 9JL

Royston Market, SG8 9JS

Bloom, SG8 9JS

The Old Bull Inn, SG8 9AW Bow Books, SG8 9AS

Corn Exchange Royston, SG8 9JR

Ladds, SG8 9AA

Curwens, SG8 9AA

Jolly Postie, SG8 5AY

Revolution Records, SG8 7BP

Royston Cave, SG8 7BZ

Royston Masonic Hall, SG8 9AP

Conservative Club, SG8 5AA

Glazed Creations, SG8 5AY

Banyers House, SG8 7BZ

Royston Museum, SG8 5AL

Royston Golf Club, SG8 5BG

Coombes Community Centre, SG8 5PT

Catholic Church, SG8 7DB

St Mary’s Primary School, SG8 7DB

The Plough Shepreth, SG8 6PP

Barkway Village Hall, SG8 8BS

Barkway Pavillion, Recreational Ground, SG8 8BS

THANK YOU to our partner, sponsors and supporters:

Brian Leslie Racher Trust

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

All the local societies, businesses and individuals who put on events. All our volunteers without whose assistance the festival would not be possible. Staff and students of Royston’s schools for help on a number of levels.

Royston Arts Society for providing their display space in the library for our cover art exhibition.

The Listing team for their help with publicity throughout the year. Royston Town Council and staff for all their help during the year.

Creative Royston ManageMENT COMMITTEE

Mary Antony, Kate Berry, Cath Boughton, Eleanor Cashman, Liz Cox, Carl Filby, Fran Foster, Laura Hopwood, Vicky Key, Ivana Kisegi, Phil Oddy, James Watt.

Let us know what you think

Please go to creativeroyston.org/2024-feedback or use the QR code to provide us with some feedback. For general comments and enquiries, email chair@creativeroyston.org.

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