Dear Friends,

Things are hotting up in the Art in Action office as the show draws nearer by the day.

The first of the leaflets arrived today and our band of volunteers will soon be stuffing envelopes and sending them off to far flung art’s centres and crafters around the country and even the world.

Meanwhile at Waterperry Gardens we have been battling with wild weather and making some big changes.

Our planned last snowdrop weekend in February went a bit pear-shaped – by the time our visitors turned up the beautiful little white flowers were nearly all gone!

The new entrance is a hit with everyone and we have a new play area for children which is already very popular. The festival now offers so much for kids of all ages including our famous practical classes which are incredible value for money and staffed by experts. They really are not to be missed.

You can book classes through the website closer to the show to avoid the early morning rush. We’ll let you know when they are available.

As well as theatrical performances in the theatre we have a story telling tent where the kids can lose themselves as their imaginations are captured by our tale-tellers.

As well as all the wonderful demonstrators there are acres of gardens to wander through. Please try and keep little feet off the flowerbeds though or Pat (Head Gardener) will throttle me and give them an espresso.

One of my earliest memories of Art in Action as a kid was the thrill of being allowed to sell wooden toys and gifts in the market tent. There are opportunities still for youngsters to get involved with the show so do look at the volunteering section on the website.

I’ve just got back from talking to the lovely woman from our local coach company who has on careful inspection, assured me that we can indeed drive a coach through the new coach entrance gate. This will make Dan (our new Parking-man) very happy.

You may have noticed that that the Art in Action logo has changed this year. It is a nod to our 40 year old roots and it reflects my own taste as a lettering artist.

Best wishes,

Simon Buchanan

Organiser

Breaking News: I’ve just ordered 20 really cool handmade festival flags for the entrance gate but I haven’t told our long suffering treasurer Bruce – yet. Keep it under your hat – it’s our secret.