Call for Mansfield and Ashfield artists, writers and creatives for virtual festival

The ‘Ashfield Virtual Arts Festival, 2021’ is the brainchild of 32-year-old Kirkby actor Claire Finn in collaboration with Joel Hall of Stream Park interactive digital events platform.

Claire hopes the community pop-up festivity will help support the arts in Ashfield and offer a “positive boost” to the area after the pandemic.

She had the idea after she had been furloughed whilst working in the London theatre scene and came home to Kirkby.

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Claire said: “The response to the virtual festival has been amazing. We’ve had about 80 people taking part but would love more. It’s gone from a small idea on Facebook, bringing artists together to blossoming into a full on virtual arts festival.

“How it works is there will be a map, like a real festival you can move around visiting different areas with local names. On the Byron and Ada Lovelace stage you can watch performances from poets, musicians, actors and dancers.

“The Hidden Valley’s gallery will include beautiful art work from painters, sculptures and photographers. You can spend time at the Lindleys Mill workshop tent and watch tutorials on all things crafty.

"There’s a chance to learn about the wonderful heritage of Ashfield in the Annesley Hall, but if you enjoy meeting others, connecting with creatives you can visit the Miners’ Wheel chat area for a virtual social!”

The event runs from May 29 - 31 and there’s still time to apply.

Claire added “It’s open to anyone, individuals or groups. We’d like to hear from people in Sutton, Kirkby, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and further afield. anywhere. We have people taking part from as far away as London.

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“There’s been a lot of interest and demand for the arts during lockdown, they have a powerful effect on people’s wellbeing and mental health.

"A lot of people took up arts and crafts, even starting businesses, so it offers is an opportunity to showcase skills and talents and share what Ashfield has to offer to the world.”

The deadline to participate is May 14. Anyone interested should email [email protected]

Tickets are free at: https://www.stream-park.co.uk/event-details/ashfield-arts-festival See Facebook, Instagram Twitter at: artashfield2021