THE arrival of a new arts festival in Christchurch has been hailed as a big success by organisers.
Arts by the Sea’s PLAY Christchurch event saw a packed day of performances and displays across the town centre on Saturday, October 8.
Residents and visitors were able to enjoy a wide range of entertainment and art, including in Saxon Square, The Ducking Stool, High Street, Bargates and Druitt Gardens.
The event was organised in partnership with BCP Council and Christchurch BID, and it took place just a week after a full schedule of art installations and activities with Arts by the Sea in Bournemouth town centre.
Andrea Francis, Arts by the Sea festival director, said: “Arts by the Sea is delighted at the success of our PLAY Christchurch event, which we hope will be the first of many.
“It’s really exciting to bring Arts by the Sea’s signature style to a new area and share inspirational and inclusive cultural experiences with a new audience, who came out in their thousands and had such a fantastic time. A huge thank you is due to Christchurch BID for funding the event.”
Christina Pengelly, manager of Christchurch BID, said: “Christchurch BID is thrilled at the success of Arts by the Sea Christchurch, and the residents and visitors came out to support the arts and local businesses.
“The feedback from businesses and visitors has been overwhelming with a real desire to support future cultural events in Christchurch.
“Christchurch BID is grateful for the cultural grant from central government which made this all happen and thanks the fantastic team at Arts by the Sea for their excellent support."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here