Image
Head down to the Italian Gardens and High Street in Weston tomorrow (Saturday) for the free Whirligig Festival, a whirlwind of mesmerising outdoor theatre and circus acts from homegrown and internationally-acclaimed acts.
The bumper package of talent and creativity runs from 11.30am to 6pm.
Highlights include the show WILD - where performers move on tall poles, dance theatre, a tight rope display, puppets and more.
More relaxed vibes can be enjoyed on Sunday (12 September), from 1pm to 5pm in Grove Park.
Be immersed in Greek mythology, see a cast of dancers, and hear local acoustic music.
The festival is part of Heritage Open Days, which starts today (Friday) and runs until Sunday 19 September,
Heritage Open Days is a chance to delve into the past and discover the secrets and delights of the built environment with free tours of historic buildings, talks, walks and exhibitions.
This year’s theme is Edible England and hands-on workshops and events will also be running.
These include Grow Feral, Eat Feral, a community allotment day and cook-up, and the History of Drag at Weston’s Proud Bar.
You’ll also be able to take a peek inside buildings which aren’t usually open to the public, both in-person and virtually.
Find participating venues and details of events by downloading the brochure.
Heritage Open Days is supported by the Heritage Action Zone programme.
Weston has two Heritage Action Zones, funded by Historic England, which aim to bring buildings back into use, improve shop fronts and improve access across the town.
Follow-along walking routes around Weston are also available. Use an interactive online map or download a PDF of a guided walk from our website which passes buildings by local architect Hans Price.
Street art festival arrives in Weston
Have you spotted the huge murals appearing on the side of buildings in Weston’s town centre?
The stunning artworks are being created by local, regional and national street artists for the new initiative Weston Wallz, part of Bristol’s urban paint festival Upfest.
Throughout September, a total of 10 huge colourful murals will be created to form a permanent art trail which will transform the town’s streets and encourage visitors.
Each of the one-off designs will have its own diverse style thanks to the artists involved, including Irony, Hazard One, Dan Kitchener, Farrah Contemporary, Jody, Tozer, John Curtis, Damian Nicholson, Andy Council and Shruti Ashish.
The initiative was set up after Upfest teamed up with Culture Weston and Weston Town Council.
The town council granted £20,000 for the project and Upfest also received support from the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund.
A further £15,000 was secured from Arts Council National Lottery Project Grants, to enable a programme of engagement activity with local schools and community groups.
Follow Culture Weston on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates.
Renowned artist to build beach sculpture
Globally respected Bristol artist Luke Jerram will be creating a sculpture on Weston’s beach later this month.
Luke will be creating the immersive work, In Memoriam, next to the Grand Pier as part of Weston Arts + Health Week, which runs between Saturday 18 and Sunday 26 September.
In Memoriam is a temporary memorial for the public to visit and remember all that we have lost from the Covid-19 pandemic.
The poignant flag installation – made from hospital bed sheets - is also in tribute to all the NHS health and care workers who have been working during the crisis.
Arts + Health Week, organised by the arts and culture programme at University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) and Culture Weston, features a pioneering programme of free opportunities and activities to boost the health and wellbeing of those taking part.
The week also includes a torch-lit beach walk of NHS staff, care workers and volunteers; a group dance performance at Luke’s installation; and activities for people to take part in such as poetry, drawing, artist chats and outdoor events.
All activities have been planned so it’s safe for people to join in, both at health and care settings and in green, open spaces.
All are free, but some have limited spaces so you’ll need to register in advance.
Visit the Culture Weston website to see the full line-up.