Showcase Conference follows summer programme of arts

Despite August’s wet and chilly weather, around 2,000 people came to see the Waterside Weekends programme of arts.

Heidi Hadley, South Norfolk Council’s Cultural Regeneration Manager, organised and ran the Weekends as part of the three year Southern Broads Cultural Initiative. She said:

“It’s been a wonderful summer for the arts – we’ve had classical and chamber music, opera, jazz, African storytelling, music and dance, ballroom dancing, musical comedy, as well as temporary sculptures created before the audience’s eyes.

“And wherever we went, the response has been fantastic. The idea of the Southern Broads Cultural Initiative was to bring quality arts into rural areas – and this summer we have certainly fulfilled that objective!”

But now this three-year Initiative is coming to an end and Heidi is preparing for the final event – a conference called Showcasing the Southern Broads, which will be “a celebration of the successes of the project.” It will take place on Wednesday 20th October at the Elms in Toft Monks.

Heidi said: “The conference will bring together the communities that have benefited and taken part in the events over the three years, with the arts professionals and other involved partners, to share their experiences and assess how to build towards future economic and cultural expansion in the area.

“The Southern Broads Cultural Initiative officially comes to an end this year and we now look forward to working closely with communities on developing their own ideas. We are particularly pleased that as a result of last year's hugely successful Celestial Festival, the Chet Valley Festival Group has been formed and their forthcoming Victorian Festival will certainly brighten up the darkening days over half-term from October 23rd - 30th.”

For more information about the Victoria Festival and the Chet Valley Festival Group call Melanie Ruse on 01508 520739

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