Salisbury International Art Festival lures authors to Wiltshire

Posted by Kathleen Inglis

May 9, 2009

From May 22nd until June 6th, Salisbury will be overtaken by over 100 concerts, exhibitions, performances and author talks, including world premières, new commissions and spectacular free outdoor events.

“Our surrounding area is steeped in history and tradition, with places of devotion, ritual and celebration, from the ancient circles of Stonehenge and the ruins of Old Sarum to the spire of Salisbury Cathedral. These locations offer inspiring settings for artists to respond to with their artistry,” says Maria Bota, the festival director.

On Friday May 22nd, the festival will open with a performance by Transe Express, a group of internationally-acclaimed French street artists who will take to the air as a human mobile in Salisbury’s historic market square as darkness falls.

Drawing the magic and revelry to an end on Saturday June 6th, the Cathedral Close will be transformed with music, dancing, workshops and street theatre, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display.

Literary events include talks and appearances by authors Vikram Seth, Charles Foster and Melvyn Bragg, plus performances of classice and contempoary plays including Dylan Thomas’ timeless masterpiece Under Milk Wood and Richard Fry’s thought-provoking Bully. Elsewhere, artistic and musical performances on the themes of India, water and spirit will provide plenty of inspiration.

For full details on Salisbury International Art Festival, visit www.salisburyfestival.co.uk