Newton Abbot Festival: The First for Thirty Years!

Wherever you live, it is all too easy to spend more time criticising a place, than enjoying what it has to offer. It is easier still, to miss events and ignore areas right on your doorstep- especially if that doorstep is at times subject to denigration.

Next month presents the perfect opportunity to shake off those critics and reacquaint yourself with Newton Abbot’s unique heritage under the creative umbrella that is Newton Abbot Festival. The festival is the first of it’s kind for thirty years, and takes place at a variety of different town locations, on Saturday 25th July.

Festival go-ers can expect an action packed day, ranging from Tai-Chi and Dance workshops, to performances from Newton Abbot Orchestra, and Duke Johnson & The Scorchers. Alongside this, there are also poetry readings taking place throughout the day at the Clock Tower Café, and in between readings, the chance to participate in some Ale Tasting at the Clock Tower. "Anything that brings the community together and celebrates the place in which we live is money well spent," said Newton Abbot Councillor David Howe. "A lot of great things have and will happen in this town, so I think it's wonderful that we can all come along and make a day of it!"

To their credit, organisers have concentrated on catering for all age ranges, placing a great deal of emphasis on Urban Arts and Sports, with BMX, Skateboarding, DJing and a Graffiti Wall in place (at a separate location) for local residents who may not be so keen on Clog Dancing.

For those not in the know, 2009 also marks the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin, the man behind the theory of evolution. In conjunction with Newton Abbot Festival, Newton Abbot Arts Group is putting on an exhibition at Forde House to celebrate this creator. Throughout the day, there will be talks, workshops, a bug hunt for the children, and ‘Darwin and the Dodo’ Street Theatre.

Showcasing some of Newton Abbot’s finest talents, and budding amateur and professional groups, it is a great chance to try out some new things and enjoy a relaxing day out with friends and family. All aspects of the festival are free of charge, and a free and regular bus service is also in place to enable you to activity-hop with the highest level of comfort and ease! For more information and a programme of events please go to http://www.newtonabbotfestival.co.uk/.