The first Allington Arts Weekend will take place from Thursday, September 25 to Sunday, September 28 at the recently restored St Swithun’s Church in North Allington, and is set to become a “standout celebration” of creativity in the community.
The festival will open with a performance by children from Bridport Primary School and promises a diverse programme of music, theatre, talks and visual arts.
Mandi Sturrock, event organiser, said: “We are thrilled to be announcing our first arts weekend and to have such a wonderful line-up of local arts events – music, theatre and visual arts – for the whole community to enjoy.
“Alongside the use of the church hall by community groups, the church exists to serve the people of Allington and Bridport. It is where many were baptised or married and it’s where many choose to return.
“We want to make greater use of its unique advantage as a venue. It is such a versatile and wonderful open space and now has the addition of a concert grand piano which is regularly used by local people.”
The idea for the weekend grew out of a desire to involve the wider community in the life of St Swithun’s.
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Events will include a talk on the history of Allington, music spanning folk, rock, ragtime and classical genres, an art exhibition, a workshop and theatre performances.
Some events are free to attend, while others require tickets.
For the full programme or to book tickets, visit bridportandwestbay.co.uk.
St Swithun’s Church has long been a centre for community gatherings, worship and celebration.
Located in the heart of Allington for 200 years, the church was recently restored to reflect its Georgian heritage, though further work is planned for the interior. Much of the renovation was funded through community efforts.
The festival aims to highlight both the cultural vibrancy of the area and the renewed potential of this historic building.