Thousands of visitors are expected in Stamford this weekend as the town turns the clock back to Georgian times with a packed festival programme.
Many will be drawn by the promise of an unforgettable Saturday night Illuminati event, which is set to transform the town as never before.
Internationally recognised visual artists Metro Boulot Dodo have master-minded a visual odyssey through the streets, culminating in a spectacular light projection onto All Saints Church, telling the centuries-old story of the Stamford Bull Run.
It’s the climax of a beautiful and extraordinary evening of lights, music and spectacle commemorating Stamford’s infamous Bull Run, which took place for 700 years until the 1830’s.
Cllr Matthew Lee, The Leader of organiser South Kesteven District Council, is extending a warm welcome to festival goers.
“A number of events have already sold out but tickets are still available right across the programme and a huge amount of entertainment is free,” he said.
The Illuminati meeting place is outside the Arts Centre on St Mary’s Street from 7pm, to see St Mary’s and St George’s churchyards animated and illuminated with lights, decorations and dancers.
From 7.15pm, St George’s Square stages pre-procession entertainment, including juggling and fire-breathing with ‘The Fairly Famous Family’.
The Bull Run procession leaves the square shortly after 7.30pm and makes its way to the finale and light projection in Red Lion Square.
Winners of the Total Theatre Best Newcomer award at the Edinburgh Festival, Metro Boulot Dodo will bring all their experience of theatre, visual and street arts, heritage interpretation and large scale performance to deliver a real treat. Fireworks will ensure an explosive conclusion at around 8.15pm.
Festival goers can also treat themselves to a new beer specially brewed for Stamford’s 50th anniversary as the UK’s first conservation area.
Tim Nichol and Simon Watson, pictured, have brewed a Stamford 50 Commemoration Ale from their Stoney Ford Brew Co in Ryhall. The ale, brewed with all English hops, delivers a nutty, malty flavour and is available on draught at local pubs.
There’s a variety of family entertainment planned throughout the weekend with markets, horse acrobatic displays, fun on the Meadows, carriage rides, talks, walks and street theatre.
Visit the website www.stamfordgeorgianfestival.co.uk to find out more.
Tickets are available from the Arts Centre Box Office 01780 763203.
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