Leominster Festival 1988
| Year | 1988 |
|---|---|
| Dates | 4th - 19th June 1988 |
4th - 19th June 1988
Leominster Festival 1988 is the fifth festival, once again running two years after the previous festival in 1986. Since the last festival, the Leisure Centre just off the town centre has been completed and the editorial mentions the Tourist Information Office and Community Association being now firmly part of the town landscape.
The programme is, once again, in a larger format and the price has now doubled from 50p in 1986 to £1. But, unfortunately, it doesn't seem to have used the beautiful design by Jane Wells on the cover as it did in 1986.
But, otherwise, the festival feels like it is now finding its feet with a solid array of entertainment which contains both new performers and some familiar acts.
Programme Introduction
EDITORIAL
Leominster Festival ‘88
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome new patrons to this the fifth Leominster Festival and to those of you who have enjoyed previous Festivals it will be a pleasure to see you again. I trust that you will all find something in our programme to please and to entertain you.
For the benefit of our newcomers can I tell you that the Festival was the splendid idea of a small group of altruistic individuals who decided that the annual visit of Birmingham Philharmonic Orchestra and the major production by Leominster Choral Society should be augmented. Since that first Festival ten years ago the event has grown to the extent that it is difficult to contain the Festival to two weeks. The work of organising the next Festival usually begins shortly after the completed Festival, so it tends to be a never ending job of work for the committee.
I am often asked how one can become involved, it is very simple, you can become a Friend of the Festival for a modest sum simply by contacting the Hon. Treasurer, Mr. C. Sansom, Fircroft, Hereford Road, Leominster. You can come along to our Annual General Meeting, on 23rd September, at The Royal Oak Hotel, and participate or possibly become a committee member.
My predecessor, in his introduction to Festival ‘86, commented on the changes which were taking place in Leominster. He referred to the Leisure Centre, which was then under construction. It is now finished, open and is satisfying the physical needs of many people. He also referred to the Tourist Information Centre and to the Community Association, which are now so firmly established that it is hard to remember a time without them.
It is pleasing to report that the Leisure Centre and the Community Association are included as venues in this year’s Festival and I would hope that in the future we will be able to use the Leisure Centre as a venue for some more ambitious light entertainment. At present there is no venue in Leominster large enough to attract an audience to meet the costs of to-days light entertainment. As each Festival is in the planning stage we discuss light entertainment, the result is always the same, costs run into thousands of pounds and the regrettable fact is that we cannot afford to pay such prices until we can attract large audiences. Until that time we have to accept the criticism that the Festival does not cater for all tastes.
I am hopeful that another venue may become available before the next Festival. I refer to the assembly rooms to the rear of the Lion House, better known locally as the Lion Ballroom. This is a magnificent regency ballroom which is, hopefully, to be restored to its former glory and will make an unrivalled local venue for many types of musical entertainment.
To the programme
It is not easy for me to highlight any particular event or person because, whatever one’s taste, I think there are a number of each which catch the eye. We start again with a Craft Fair which is intended as a shopfront for local craftsmen and women to demonstrate their expertise, this will be punctuated by various entertainments, bands, clowns, dancing, Radio Wyvern Roadshow and others.
On the musical side of the programme the style is varied and definitely has an international flavour with performers from Denmark, Scotland, India and the Caribbean. For those who like their music “en masse”, making their annual visit is Birmingham Philharmonic Orchestra, on this occasion with pianist Phillip Dyson making a very welcome return. Leominster Choral Society has joined forces with Bromyard and District Choral Society, Leominster Festival Orchestra and soloists to present Verdi’s Requiem. This promises to be a memorable evening. On the lighter side the folk evening and the ceilidh are a must for those who enjoy audience participation.
A wide range of topics are covered in the various talks, from Contemporary Art to Ley lines and art lovers will be able to see children’s art and also an exhibition by two local, but nationally acclaimed, artists.
We seem to be establishing a habit of presenting a debut or premiere at the Festival. On this occasion we have a première, a one woman show by actress, Faith Kent. We are also pleased to welcome Hagley Theatre Group, which in addition to Leominster Drama Group gives us more drama than any previous Festival.
I have mentioned the three principal arts but there is much more and all is explained in greater detail in the remainder of this programme.
I would like, so far as the programme is concerned, to conclude by making special reference to the lunchtime concerts in the Priory Church. These are provided for people to wander in and out and have a break from their workplace. The performers donate their services and therefore admission is free but obviously donations would be welcome to cover expenses.
Finally, but most importantly, I have to advise you that this Festival only happens because a number of people work very hard to make it possible. My personal thanks go to the Festival Committee, I also thank the patrons who, apart from being Friends, have supported the many fund raising events. The Festival now costs many thousands of pounds and we are dependent on the generosity of sponsors, the local authorities, West Midlands Arts, local companies and individuals. The total monies raised by fund raising and sponsorship amount to approximately 40% of the total cost of the Festival. The conclusion to the equation is that we must sell tickets—to you, in order to make this Festival possible.
So please support us and thank you for doing so.
DOUGLAS DICKSON Chairman Leominster Festival Committee
Events by Date
| Date | Events |
|---|---|
| Sunday xth June 19xx | Pretext Event1 Posttext |
| Monday xth June 19xx | Event |
Fringe Events
From the programme of events...
Thanks
From the programme of events...