arundel_festival

Thank You For The Music

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 07:27:13 GMT

Pure ABBA Magic!

It’s hard to imagine 2,000 happy people in one place — all laughing, all singing, all dancing, with no hassle, no drama, just joy. But

here it is. Proof that when Arundel comes together, it not only shines it dazzles

It wasn’t just ABBA Magic that was magic — it was everything. Over 2,000 people filled the High Street with joy, song, and dancing, creating Arundel Festival of the Arts 2025 happiest and most memorable night.

But none of it would have been possible without the generosity of those who donated to get a ticket and make it happen. Every contribution, big or small, helped towards the costs of staging an event of this scale — from staging and sound to safety and

security. Your support has transformed ABBA on the High Street from a much-loved tradition into a sustainable event that we

can now plan for the future with confidence.

This is what the festival is about: community, kindness, and creating the kind of night people talk about for years for all the right

reasons – best music, best fun, and best night for businesses by far. This is 2,000 reasons why it matters. We’re proud that

together, we’ve shown what’s possible when a community comes together: happy people, thriving businesses, and a festival that

truly reflects the heart of Arundel.

From the bottom of our hearts (and with a little glitter on top): thank you. ��

Massive thanks to AbbaMagic who were totally amazing as always, to DJ Eddie J your dancing was almost entertainment enough

and to Kieran and Showmen Events we couldn't have done it without you!

�� If you’d like to continue supporting the Festival — whether through donations, sponsorship, or by giving a little of your time

as a volunteer please just get in touch

Photo Credit - Fletcher Johnstone Photos

A New Chapter for a Cultural Charity

kent020906@gmail.com (Michelle Kent) — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 19:23:22 GMT

Arundel Festivals & Events Press Release

Arundel Festivals and Events, the charity behind the Arundel Festival of the Arts (AFOTA), is embracing a transformative new chapter following the appointment of a fresh Board of Trustees in February 2024. This change signals a renewed focus on delivering a dynamic and sustainable programme of cultural activities that will re-energise both the charity and the festival.

For decades, the August festival has been a highlight of the Arundel calendar, and the new trustees remain committed to honouring the positive heritage that has helped shape the organisation into what it is today. Alongside reinvigorating AFOTA in 2025 there is a bold commitment to expand its reach and impact and deliver new initiatives that celebrate creativity, foster inclusivity, and engage the entire community.

This strategic shift reflects a renewed commitment to listening to and collaborating with the people of Arundel. We are working to strengthen our relationships with local artists, businesses, and residents, ensuring that the charity serves as a unifying force for cultural development. By focusing on inclusivity, innovation, and sustainability, we aim to create opportunities for greater participation in the arts and foster a deeper appreciation for cultural expression.

Despite being a challenging year for the new trustees, 2024 has delivered a clearer vision for governance and sustainability, ensuring the charity is well-equipped to deliver its mission effectively. As part of this transition, the Trustees are keen to express appreciation to Sharon, who has now stepped away from her role as Festival Director, for her tireless dedication over the past five years. Her contribution, passion and energy have been instrumental in shaping the festival and will remain a valued part of the charity’s journey.

For more information about Arundel Festivals and Events, our updated mission, and upcoming activities, please visit www.arundelfestival.co.uk

End of Press Release For media inquiries, please contact – trustees@arundelfestival.co.uk

Press Release

kent020906@gmail.com (Michelle Kent) — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 13:52:45 GMT

Arundel Festival of the Arts Celebrates Community, Cultural and Collaboration Success

The Arundel Festival of the Arts Committee and Trustees, alongside local residents, businesses, musicians, and sponsors, hosted a vibrant fiesta-style evening featuring steel pan and acoustic guitar, enhancing the celebratory atmosphere. The event was about showing our appreciation as a Festival to all those who play a vital role in making this happen. Distinguished guests included Their Graces, The Duke and Duchess of Norfolk, and the Mayor of Arundel, Cllr Tony Hunt.

Festival Director Sharon Blaikie welcomed attendees and expressed heartfelt gratitude to the volunteers whose tireless contributions made the festival a reality. “This year has been especially poignant,” she noted. “We formed a Board of Trustees that provided invaluable guidance on governance and logistics for this monumental Festival, which showcases over 200 events in this beautiful and historic town.” With the support of more than 80 volunteers, the festival highlights the dedication and spirit of the community and its contributors.

This year’s excitement kicked off with a fundraising duo at Arundel Castle in June, followed by a 3 day music festival in Brooks Field in July. The main festival in August transformed the town as residents and venues generously opened their doors to exhibit art in the Gallery Trail, featuring over 100 artists and makers. Sharon also acknowledged the support from partners, supporters and sponsors, particularly Esquire Developments, who demonstrated their commitment to community engagement and highlighted the positive relationships built with the Arundel Volunteer Team as an example of why Arundel is such a wonderful place to live.

A sense of pride and unity filled the evening, further enhanced by the announcement of Phil Fitzalan-Howard, the Duke of Norfolk’s son, joining the Board of Directors as a Trustee. Each year, the festival strives to enhance this beloved celebration and appreciation of arts and culture, drawing visitors to the historic town while providing enriching experiences for local residents. "It was a wonderful opportunity to network and to hear feedback on the events. There are exciting times ahead and we look forward now to building on this solid foundation to deliver a fantastic Festival for 2025”.

Rachel Fellows, Chair of the Board of Trustees, and Trustee Wendy Marshall shared insights on the efforts to strengthen the festival’s sustainability, acknowledging the logistical challenges and rising costs faced. They highlighted the trustee boards agility and commitment to delivering an exceptional event despite these obstacles, emphasising that the Charity is well placed for the future.

Mayor of Arundel Cllr Tony Hunt congratulated the Festival of the Arts on their achievements, emphasising the importance of sustainability and the environmental impact of the festival. He noted the collaboration with the ‘Arundel Wombles,’ local volunteers who ensured recycling was prioritised at numerous events. This year, Arundel became one of the first towns to be licensed as a member of the Wombles charity, reinforcing the community’s commitment to sustainability.

For more information about the festival, volunteering opportunities, or sponsorship inquiries, please contact secretary@arundelfestival.co.uk .

Notes for Editors:

The Arundel Festival of the Arts is a vibrant celebration of the arts, music, drama, and visual arts, featuring a diverse programme that includes Shakespeare at the Castle, performances by Drip Action Theatre, and the Arundel Players. Music highlights this year included The Hanover Band, Burfest, Glen Miller, and Billy’s Band, along with events at the Cathedral, St Nicholas Church, the Victoria Institute and the Jailhouse.

New partnerships were established this year, including the Festival’s Open Air Cinema and an "It's a Knockout" Challenge hosted at Arundel Football Club. Additionally, the festival featured the Gamelan Bus and a return of the Duck Race, which raised over £5,000 for the RNLI. Despite unpredictable British weather, events such as ABBAMAGIC on the high street attracted enthusiastic attendees, contributing to the festival’s resounding success. Festival markets, Dream Rides in sport and classic cars (raising money for children’s charities Home-Start Sussex and The Lavinia Norfolk Centre Charitable Trust) as well as the Arundel 10k Run organised by the 1st Arundel Scout Group as their yearly fundraiser with 450 participants.

The festival also supports other local charities, including raising funds for organisations such as Keep Me Breathing, The Sussex Snowdrop Trust, Chestnut Tree House (the Big Hoot Arts Trail) and the Bishop Luffa Chicken Club Project. With a focus on charity and community collaboration, inclusive of the arts, the festival offers free family entertainment, al fresco dining experiences, and an atmosphere filled with fun and music.

New for 2024: The festival placed a spotlight on environmental impact through a 13-foot sea giant puppet and a contemporary dance performance inspired by climate emergency and biodiversity themes. “Out of the Deep Blue” highlighted the festival’s commitment to sustainability, with the festival committee collaborating with the Arundel Town Council Environment Working Group. The Arundel Wombles were present at all major events to assist with recycling efforts, achieving over 50% waste recycling and developing future initiatives to raise public awareness

Thanks to All!

kent020906@gmail.com (Michelle Kent) — Mon, 05 Aug 2024 14:46:51 GMT

"Arundel Festival - building for the future - connecting people with a shared vision

THIS 46th year of celebrating the 'arts' in Arundel brings together the community, its heritage, talents and activities.

The extensive programme of events is only possible through the collaboration of the residents, businesses, attractions, local organisations, producers, venues, event planners, sponsors and the manpower of the fantastic committee, together with the Team Arundel volunteers.

Your support enables the Town to host over 200 events which generate footfall to this historic place and in turn repeat visitors for the future. The Festival boosts Arundel's profile as a cultural centre and is the biggest event in Arun attracting up to 50,000 visitors with a national and international reputation. Arundel, with its population of just under 3,500 residents is proud to host a Festival of this scale and quality.

The Festival belongs to the community where there is something for everyone. Your support means we can deliver Festival favourites such as ABBA on the High Street, Sporting Bears performance and classic cars, as well as new events including 'Knockout Challenge' and Open Air Cinema, through our new partnership with the Arundel Football Club, plus family workshops and children's entertainers. An innovative newcomer 'Out of the Deep Blue' giant puppet and a contemporary dancer will wow visitors enforcing the message of the impact of climate change and our role in working with The Arundel Wombles and other environment groups will support our sustainability mission.

Arundel Festival Ltd is a registered charity that organises arts-based, community-focused cultural events throughout the year. It supports inspiring, entertaining and educational events for citizens of and visitors to Arundel alike. The Trustees and the Festival management team bring a wealth of experience, expertise and professionalism to the event. The Festival continues to evolve and the teams are constantly exploring options all of which require resources and finance. A huge amount of work has already taken place as the Board continues to build a robust, sustainable governance structure to nurture and oversee the charity's long-term financial stability, strategic direction and growth, as well as a vision for the future..

We are grateful for all our partnerships and everyone who contributes to this exciting programme. Together we strive to produce yet another outstanding and memorable Festival. The town is transformed with colour, new connections, cultural celebrations and creativity. Please show your appreciation by sharing some of your Festival Fun, tag us in on social media and donate in our buckets or online.

From myself, the dedicated Festival Committee and Board of Trustees, we wish you a fabulous 46th Festival!

Sharon Blaikie - Festival Director

Committee Roles and Volunteer Opportunities

karl@simplifiedideas.co.uk (Karl Salter) — Thu, 24 Jun 2021 14:30:59 GMT

Committee Roles and Volunteer Opportunities available.

“Volunteers are unpaid. Not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless”

As we slowly and carefully emerge from COVID lockdown, the Arundel Festival of the Arts Committee are still working hard behind the scenes to ensure that when the time is right, we can once again stage a safe and responsible festival.

In the meantime we are urgently seeking to fill the following committee roles:

Secretary

PR/Marketing Lead/Advisor

We are also seeking expressions of interest from community minded, “team players” of all ages who can offer a few hours (or days) of their time to make a positive contribution as Arundel Festival of the Arts Volunteers.

Your time and skills will be used wisely, as we aim to match volunteers interests, skills, and strengths to appropriate roles and events. Full safety briefings and training will be provided. Support and advice from the Volunteer Co-ordination and Health & Safety Teams will also be available throughout the duration of the Festival.

We are currently seeking to build a database of volunteers in

the following areas:

Welcome/Public Interface/Festival Ambassadors

Railway Station Meet and Greet Volunteers

Information Desk Volunteers

Circus & other Ticketed Events Volunteers (daytime & evening)

Pram/Pushchair Park Volunteers

‘Fed & Watered’ Volunteers (lunchtime cover)

Parking Volunteers (Mill Road and various Fields)

Please email: secretary@arundelfestival.co.uk with your name, email address, contact numbers, areas of interest and time availability (hours/days etc).

A short history of Arundel Festival

karl@simplifiedideas.co.uk (Karl Salter) — Sun, 02 May 2021 15:38:10 GMT

1978 - First one: Shakespeare in the Castle tilting yard by the New Shakespeare Company From Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre

1979/80 - Comprehensive Arts programme - inc David Hockney & John Bratby in Arun Art Centre

1980 - Arundel Festival Society: Duke of Norfolk is President, VP’s are Chair of ADC, Mayor, plus 3 others; Management Committee led by Judith Buckland; large admin team (inc manager of “Heavy Brigade”); High profile sponsors plus patrons.

1982 - Theatre (cast included Kate O’Mara) moved to the lower lawn of Castle, Festival Patrons Club launched with £50 annual subscription

1983 - Town Activities Committee: Mayor is President with Don Ayling as Chair later & Bill Beere. Friends sub added @£5 pa

1984 - Format develops - Quality Music, Art & Drama plus community events. Events included Shakespeare, Jazz, classical music in St Nicholas Church & Nigel Kennedy in the Great Drawing Room, Arundel Castle (sponsors inc Body Shop, M&S, Southern Arts & patrons)

1985 - Follies, Trust Players at WWT and an exhibition of watercolours by Sir Hugh Casson at Arun Art Centre. Music inc Julian Lloyd Webber. Many community events. One central box office.

1986 - Still attracting big names: Derek Jacobi, George Melly.

1988 - First mention of Festival Fringe with input from Chamber of Commerce: Street entertainment plus plus plus.

1990 - American ground used for performances.

1990 - “Festival at its best” The Times. At this time events took place in Boxgrove, Parham House, Dorset House School, Littlehampton Parish Church, Champs Hill, a marquee in the Castle as well as venues in town. The Festival has an Artistic Director, and with main sponsors a new production of a Shakespeare play was produced each year.

2000 - Abba & Queen - tribute bands appear for the first time

2002 - Silver Jubilee Festival - Judith Buckland steps down as Chair & reflects on putting on some events on the August bank holiday weekend to “creating an arts festival in a parkland site”.

Amazing contacts from across the art world made many things possible - Sir David Frost, Lord Harewood then Chair of ENO, etc etc. Street theatre started as a way to introduce international culture with groups. Largely helped by their recruitment of the Heavy Brigade. Supported by major sponsors: NWB, BAA, EDF, etc etc as well as Arts Council.

2005 - Last year for Arundel Festival Society, after the Festival it winds down. Arundel Castle ensures all creditors paid off.

2006 - New festival committee headed by Duke of Norfolk, limited events at Castle all other events are Fringe & “Madfest” (inc Gallery Trail, Theatre Trail and Festival Music for the first time by Nick Plumley). Separate box offices for each venue/event. New Ltd company formed for the Festival.

2008 – New committee again with Penny Hadley & Justin Williams as co-chairs, James Stewart as Treasurer. One brochure incorporating all events plus Town Fair Day at Football Club for local community.

2010 - Charitable status gained.

2012 & 2015 - New committee again with same format.

2016 - Arundel Festival wins Sussex Life Festival of the year

2017 – Festival Fundraiser in July becomes a ‘mainstay’ in the Arundel social calendar

2018 – Dragon Boat Races for the first time

2019 - Party by the river, Dramatic Truth Ballet Theatre, Happy’s Circus for the first time.

2020 - New committee with Sharon Blaikie as Chair - new format...Festival goes Virtual for the first time!

Arundel Festival of the Arts Needs You!

karl@simplifiedideas.co.uk (Karl Salter) — Wed, 31 Mar 2021 18:12:51 GMT

Committee Roles and Volunteer Opportunities available.

“Volunteers are unpaid.

Not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless”

In the meantime we are urgently seeking to fill the following committee roles:

Secretary

PR/Marketing Lead/Advisor

We are currently seeking to build a database of volunteers in

the following areas:

Welcome/Public Interface/Festival Ambassadors

Railway Station Meet and Greet Volunteers

Information Desk Volunteers

Circus & other Ticketed Events Volunteers (daytime & evening)

Pram/Pushchair Park Volunteers

‘Fed & Watered’ Volunteers (lunchtime cover)

Parking Volunteers (Mill Road and various Fields)

Please email: secretary@arundelfestival.co.uk with your name, email address, contact numbers, areas of interest and time availability (hours/days etc).

New Arundel Festival of The Arts logo delivers an exciting signal of change

karl@simplifiedideas.co.uk (Karl Salter) — Mon, 20 Jul 2020 12:52:47 GMT

The new Arundel Festival of the Arts Logo designed by Susan Robertson Design both cherishes the Festival’s rich heritage and local resonance whilst signalling a growing commitment to the vibrant and varied Arundel Arts scene. In the new logo, the well known and recognisable castellated Arundel Festival symbol nestles among exuberant and dynamic hand drawn typography which is inclusive, forward looking and brimming with personality.