Fabulous final weekend planned for Steyning Festival 2014

The Steyning Festival is in full swing with plenty of fun events lined up for the final weekend.

The fun kicked off on Saturday, May 24, when the sun came out for a vibrant children’s parade.

Christine Aubrey, chair of the Steyning Festival, said: “The Children’s parade was a riot of sound and colour. It certainly launched Steyning’s festival in style – and with a bang. No-one could have missed it.”

Upcoming events include:

Friday, June 6

Meet the Children’s Author Adam Stower, Steyning Bookshop Marquee, Steyning Bookshop, 4pm, free.

Adam Stower’s latest picture book, Troll and The Oliver, is the amusing story of a boy called Oliver’s attempts to outwit a troll who is hell-bent on gobbling him up.

SDS Acoustic, The Old Flint Barn, 7pm, adults £3, under 18s donation. Payable on the night.

An evening of musical entertainment showcasing local talent by young performers within the natural amphitheatre of the old Flint Barn chalk pit. BBQ included.

l Recreating Shackleton’s Epic Journey, Steyning Grammar School, 7.30pm, £8.

In 2013, adventurer Tim Jarvis and five companions set out to recreate Ernest Shackleton’s epic journey by boat from Antarctica to South Georgia and over the mountains to the north of the Island. In a replica of Shackleton’s ‘James Caird’ and using clothing, food and equipment of the time, they succeeded in this gruelling adventure. Tim will describe the journey, pointing to lessons about Shackleton’s leadership skills and drawing attention to evidence of how the climate has changed in the past 100 years.

Saturday, June 7

‘New Topics’ – Creative Writing Workshop, Meet at grass bank by Mouse Cottage, off Mouse Lane, Steyning, 10am, £5.

An open-air creative writing workshop in the heart of the Steyning Downland countryside. Led by Emma-Jane Hughes (Highly Commended, The Bridport Prize 2012). Just bring a pen and paper and a pre-lunch snack. Pre-booking essential. 1.5 miles (2.4km).

The Emerald Crown, Church of St Andrew & St Cuthman: Two performances – 2.30pm and 5pm, £6 (concessions £4).

The Emerald Crown is the term given to the luscious green canopy that covers the Amazonian rainforest. Under attack from developers, the jungle richness and tranquillity is protected in this story by its animals, led by the ‘rapper’ Toucan and the ‘Amazonian Aristocrat’ Jaguar.

Sunday, June 8

Organ Recital, Brian Sawyer, Church of St Andrew & St Cuthman, 11.15am, free.

After the morning service, this is a concert of popular organ music, including the famous Toccata and Fugue in D minor by J.S.Bach and Widor’s Toccata.

1614 Music and Dance, Hog Roast and Bar, Wiston House, Steyning, 7.30pm (house open from 7pm), £30 to include Hog Roast supper (concessions for 16 -18 year olds, £20).

Wiston House provides a Jacobean setting for this festival finale. There will be dancing (like a barn dance but with the music and dances of the 1614 era), a hog roast provided by Steyning Butchers, a bar, and the opportunity to enjoy the house and gardens. The music will be provided by The Broadside Band, directed by Jeremy Barlow who has worked extensively with historical dancers for more than thirty years. It is not necessary to dress up but people can attend a workshop where they can get ideas for a costume.

For a complete list of Steyning Festival events log on to www.steyningfestival.co.uk. You can also book tickets online or from Steyning Bookshop on 01903 812062.