Saturday, May 13, 2006

FESTIVAL GOES GLOBAL
WITH WORLD-CLASS STARS

Launching its most ambitious programme yet, Hebden Bridge Arts Festival is set to make its 13th year a lucky mix of the best in theatre, music, dance, film and art.

Postal bookings open on May 15 for more than 80 events – ranging from ground-breaking theatre and film to internationally acclaimed rap and classical music – in a festival that has turned global into local.

Highlights include Italian theatrical masterpiece Novocento; a chance to meet the BBC’s well-travelled correspondent George Alagiah; hilarious stand-up Jeremy Hardy; en-route from Canada to Edinburgh, the acclaimed Rap Canterbury Tales, and Misunderestimating the President, a wicked exhibition of political cartoons.

Other big names include David Benson, who will be bringing his unforgettable performance Think No Evil of Us: My Life with Kenneth Williams; Indian classical virtuosos Raga Nova, and, from Germany, electronic music pioneers Michael Rother and Dieter Moebius. Jin Ju, prize-winner of the International Tchaikovsky Piano Competition in Moscow, will also be giving a recital in Heptonstall Parish Church.

Local artists will be opening their studios to visitors and local gardeners will be showing off their green fingers at a series of open garden events. The programme also includes workshops, special independent film screenings and music ranging from early folk to punk-energised pop.

The festival opens from July 1 with two days of action-packed street entertainment and runs until July 16.

Programmes and booking forms are available from the festival office on Albert Street, Hebden Bridge or by calling 01422 842684. Details and regular news bulletins can be found at the Festival website.

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