Beth Doherty
Last night (2nd March 2022) Salisbury Arts Centre turned into an island paradise as Wiltshire Creative announced the return of the Salisbury International Arts Festival.
Now in its 47th year, and back bigger than ever before, the Festival will run from 27th May 2022 to 18th June 2022.
Set at the heart of Wiltshire Creative’s new season, the festival promises a daring, diverse, and highly entertaining feast of music, theatre, film, dance, spoken word, visual arts, family and free events across multiple venues throughout the city.
Lucy Babb, the Festival Producer, commented, “After a two-year hiatus we can’t wait to bring together communities to share in the wonder of the arts once again. 2022 will see the return of the Salisbury International Arts Festival back to the venues, churches, countryside and streets of Wiltshire.”
This year’s festival takes islands as its inspiration, drawing not only from our only experiences and attitudes as island dwellers, but inspired by the drama, opportunity and danger of islands, and the wide variety of emotions they evoke, delving into the mysterious allure of remote locations.
Gareth Machin, Artistic Director of Wiltshire Creative, said, “Fascination, fear and love of islands has long fired our collective imagination. After 300 years we are still reading Robinson Crusoe and, after 75 years and over 2,000 episodes, Desert Island Discs is still going strong. However, our interest in islands runs much deeper than their dramatic potential.
“In our highly connected world, we are increasingly craving the isolation and tranquillity that islands can offer. Even with modern amenities, islands consistently draw us in as holiday locations and meccas of fun and leisure.”
The festival opens on 27th May with the world première of Stone Songs composed by, and under the musical direction, of Howard Moody, which includes the return of the Festival Chorus comprised of local residents, joining La Folia musicians in a celebration of the illustrious history of Salisbury Cathedral.
Joining the team behind this year’s line-up, led by Machin, Babb and their fellow associate curators, is acclaimed violinist Harriet Mackenzie who becomes an Associate Artist. She performs throughout the Festival, including the world première of a new violin concerto from Julian Joseph, especially commissioned by Wiltshire Creative.
She also performs with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra who return to Salisbury Cathedral with a concert celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. The Prelude, created by Machin and Mackenzie, is a musical film that sets the scene for the summer’s events – watch it below.
Other highlights of the Jubilee weekend will see the city come alive with original street theatre, dance and spectacle that will delight all ages. This free event is set to fill the city streets with life, colour and culture in every corner bringing the community together in celebration.
There are events for families and young people throughout the lineup, complete with a treasure hunt and a half-term crammed with special events.
As part of the offering for young people, SHIFT newly appointed Associate Artists for 2022 Roisin McCay-Hines and Edward Scott have specially curated elements of the Festival including SHIFT: Live on the 10th of June, and Kitchen Island Conversations on the 11th of June.
To see the Festival out in exuberant island style, there will be a Greek island-inspired celebration with food, live music, dancing, local craft stalls and demonstrations.
Tickets for the festival go on sale to Wiltshire Creative members on Tuesday 8th March with the public on sale on Tuesday 15th March. To see the full lineup, click here.
Andy Munns
