Hitchin Festival Round-Up
| Published: 28th July 2008 12:07 |
A post-festival report from Keith Hoskins (right), Hitchin's Town Centre Manager...
Thanks to all those who organised, sponsored, bought tickets or just turned up to the free events over the last three weeks and four weekends of Hitchin Festival - certainly the best year.
Lunchtime Concerts were an absolute delight thanks to the organising skills of Liz Childs - about 600 people took the opportunity to enjoy an oasis of tranquility in the middle of the day to hear a diverse range of musicians and singers perform in St Mary's. The Ghost Walks sold out as ever as did the Railway History Walk, the Yards & Alleys Walk and the Priorys Garden Walk. ‘House Full' signs were needed for the talk by Christine Walkden on ‘Growing Veg in Small Space'; The Humphrey Jennings Documentaries and ‘The Kite Runner' for Film Festival; Anthony Slinn French Impressionists; the pre-Edinburgh launch of ‘The Balloon Debate' 4 Poofs and a Piano and the talk on ‘The Industrial Archaeology of Hitchin'.
The Art Trail was excellent and drew a steady flow of people with several sales achieved. Our only disappointment was the cancellation of the Priory Picnic because of the wet conditions, particularly after the success of the Tributes Bands concert on the previous Friday.
Rhythms of the World seemed to work well at Hitchin Priory and received very positive comments from those who attended, helpers, supporters and the enforcement agencies. Congratulations to all concerned and especially to Thierry Viatge and the team at Hitchin Priory for agreeing to host.
As well as the Lunchtime concerts, there were a further dozen or so free events including brass bands, jazz, poetry, markets, busking and open air events to entertain.
And so as we wrap up this year, we can announce that Hitchin Festival 2009 will run from Saturday 27 June until Sunday 19 July - so don't book holidays!
Keith Hoskins
Hitchin Town Centre Manager
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