The programme for Tenby Arts Festival was launched at a delightful supper last month attended by Friends of the Festival and relatives. The eagerly awaited programme is encased in a colourful document which is now available at Tourist Information Centres, libraries and other outlets throughout the county. The festival promises a feast of entertainment to suit all tastes when it is served over eight days from Saturday, September 23 to 30. Some 30 events, covering a wide range of music, film, drama, art and talks, plus family fun at the seaside, will attract visitors from all over the world and also appeal hugely to local residents. Selecting items from the programme will be very difficult as there is so much on offer, but it will be great fun choosing from such an extensive menu. For starters, family groups will be sure to take advantage of the opening weekend extravaganza when free entertainment is provided at the harbour on Saturday and on South Beach on Sunday. In the world of music, Love Songs from Around the World sung by Kerstin Doelle, the German soprano, will provide an enchanting evening, but there is also Symphonica Tywi, a Professor Ian Parrott premiere, Roger Judd's organ recital celebrating Mozart and Schumann, a taste of Tudor Music and an evening of voice and verse in Penally, 'Let us Garlands Bring'. In the field of drama, Cilgerran Players' staging of Under Milk Wood is sure to attract devotees of Dylan Thomas, while a wonderful Noel Coward revue, Pass the Port, featuring Michael Lunts and Susan Flannery, will appeal to all fans of the 'master'. In addition the award-winning company, Tenby Players will once again present an imaginative offering. Among other local notables, Tenby Male Choir will take their regular place on Thursday night and the inimitable Laurie Dale and Pauline Allen will entertain once more at Friday lunchtime. Dance also features this year, with a belly dancing workshop on the afternoon of the opening Saturday and a tea dance on the Wednesday afternoon, both in the De Valence Pavilion. Exhilarating dancing of a different sort will dominate this year's mini film festival, a Season of Gene Kelly, ensuring that patrons will exit the Royal Playhouse Cinema dancing in the street. Three of the dancer's all-time greats will be shown - 'An American in Paris' on the Sunday, 'Anchors Aweigh' on the Tuesday and 'On the Town' on Friday. Take your pick from this triple treat. If you would like some more exercise why not join Rob Scourfield on a walk around Tenby's buildings of architectural interest. Or stroll around the various art exhibitions in the town. Needing a rest after all that strenuous activity? Then take in one or two of the many talks on a range of subjects by experts in their fields. The latter will include a talk by Toni Griffiths on George Eliot and Tenby; John Cattini and Brother David will present life and poetry on Caldey Island; Richard Rose will examine the last invasion of Britain and Sara John will follow up last year's acclaimed event with More Tales of Centrix when she will lead you into the mystical, strange twilight world of characters who are truly themselves. There is also an invitation to journey by candlelight, music and story into the radiant world of Celtic saints on September 27 and 28, by attending 'Jewel in the Darkness' at Gumfreston Church. For younger festivaliers there will be a Young Bands Night on Saturday, September 23, and following the sell-out success of ABBA MAGIC last year, it is the turn of another tribute band, the 'Up-Beat Beatles', to perform at Folly Farm Theatre on Friday, September 29. The final event will be another late- night jazz session at the Giltar Hotel. There really is no need to experience the agony of choice, simply attend everything you can. One way of doing this is by purchasing a season ticket at £40 for adults or £10 for students. See the programme for further details or ring 01834 845341 or visit the festival website at: http://www.tenbyartsfest.co.uk">www.tenbyartsfest.co.uk If you would like to support this vibrant, developing annual arts event, why not become a Friend of the Festival. Friends benefit from discounted ticket prices and subscriptions are only £15 or £14 if paid by direct debit. For more information ring 01834 842974.
