With less than a month to go until Stamford’s fourth Georgian Festival, tickets are selling fast for the four-day event from September 26- 29.
Organiser South Kesteven District Council (SKDC) says that 2,500 tickets have been snapped up so far, with several events already sold out.
The Full House signs have gone up for a costume ball, Burghley House organ recital, Jill Collinge’s guided walks, A Celebration of Jane Austen with Robert Powell and Susan Jameson, and tethered hot-air balloon rides. Many others are selling quickly.
SKDC staff wearing Georgian costumes created a wonderful atmosphere recently as they mingled with market-goers to promote the festival programme.
Shoppers visited a festival marquee near St Michael’s Church on the High Street and grabbed a photo opportunity with a full-size Georgian costume cut-out while others were tempted to try authentic-looking stocks for size.
Michael Cross, Head of Arts at SKDC, said: “We were absolutely delighted to see the enthusiasm for our Georgian Festival. It’s going to be a great weekend but I would urge people to get tickets booked as events are filling up fast.”
Hilary Spiers, the Stamford playwright who has written a specially commissioned play, ‘Mrs Siddons’ Dressing Room’, joined in the fun and shared little-known facts about Sarah Siddons, who had grown men and women swooning at her appearances.
“She was best known for her appearances in Macbeth,” said Sarah. “Apparently she was so convincing that, after her death scene, audiences started to leave the theatre, believing that she had died. They had to open the curtains to re-assure everyone that she was OK. It’s been an amazing character to work with.”
This year’s festival celebrates the ‘Age of Wonder and Invention’, bringing to life Georgian England’s remarkable period of discovery and innovation.
The 2019 programme is inspired by some truly captivating stories of Stamford’s past including tethered hot-air balloon rides on the Meadows echoing a pioneering ascent from Stamford gas works in 1825 by the celebrated balloonist Charles Green.
With top class entertainers, themed markets, speakers, musicians and writers, street theatre and an unforgettable (and free) Saturday evening show-stopper, there will certainly be something for everyone.
SKDC’s Deputy Leader, Cllr Kelham Cooke, said: “We pride ourselves on our quality cultural offer and we can look forward to an amazing programme celebrating the rich heritage of Stamford and its people.”
For more information and tickets visit www.stamfordgeorgianfestival.co.uk
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