Dame Judi Dench set to open first Ardingly Arts Festival

On Monday, June 24, visitors can enjoy the ArtsFest Gala Evening.

At 7.15pm festival patron Dame Judi Dench opens this first Ardingly Arts Festival in conversation with Tom Gatti of The Times at a Gala Reception.

The evening includes a buffet and live jazz and is followed by a performance by The Showstoppers.

Straight from the West End, this astonishing group of improvisers aims to create a brand new musical in front of your very eyes.

Inclusive Gala tickets are great value at £25.

There is also the chance to have an early evening treat first by catching the Fontanella Recorder Quintet at 6pm for an extra £6.

On Tuesday, June 25, at 7.30pm top comedian Russell Kane, star of BBC’s Unzipped and Mock the Week, takes to the stage with support acts Ed Petrie and Clint Westwood and pop band Reachback.

Tickets: £16.50

Stomp bring extracts from their international, award-winning shows plus performances from student Stompers to the Festival at 4pm. Tickets cost £10.

The ArtsFest also includes an exciting and varied Lunchtime Programme, which includes:

The Yeomen of the Guard: The Oxbridge Opera Company.

John Agard: Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry winner performs and talks about his work.

The Role of Art in Society: Samuel Jones, Tate Galleries.

What Makes us Laugh?: with stand-up comedian Ed Petrie and comic coach Jill Edwards.

The festival takes place at Aringly College, College Road, Haywards Heath.

For information on all the events and tickets log on to www.ardinglyartsfest.com.