About Us
THINKING
BIG
2024 was the year of our inaugural Alton Arts Festival and School Programme. Many sensible folk said: "Why not start small?"
And we said.....
How about more than 60 events across Music, Literature, Theatre and Art? And let’s also run a programme for schools bringing art, drama, literature or music workshops to every primary aged child in Alton!
All of this was made possible by the extraordinary support of our incredible community - whether fundraising, volunteering, attending one event or several, offering up a venue space, or getting your school involved...
... WE DID IT TOGETHER, ALTON.
LETTING creativity shine
Critically acclaimed music headliners including LYR, Testament, and Daudi Matsiko were billed alongside local crafts-people, artists and theatrical events including a much applauded “Opening night at the Opera” event held at Chawton House.
From “Textile Hanging” to “Limestone Carving” and from “Writing for Wellbeing” to “Beginner to Bestseller” - our diverse range of arts and literature workshops were also a huge success, proving that us Altonians love to participate in, as well as appreciate, the arts.
All in all, we sold well over 2000 tickets! This, in turn helped us reach more than 3,000 primary aged children with festival-funded workshops in art, drama, literature or music held in 15 schools, as well as many free and family events including our much-loved Party in the Park on the festival’s final day.
MAKING THE NEWS
For 10 days in July 2024, Alton was the centre of arts and creativity in Hampshire…
Farnham Herald
The Alton Arts Festival provided incredible audience experiences, workshops and exhibitions and was described as “just what Alton needs”.
Hampshire life
Altonians are a creative bunch. ‘Community, Creativity and Culture’ is the tagline for Alton Arts Festival – a multi-venue, multi-disciplinary festival that launched last year…Run entirely by volunteers this new Festival has been created to benefit Alton”.
AAF's roots
Conceived in conversation between local community action group Guild of Optimists and the beating heart of Alton’s creative community - Goldfinch Books; made real through an open call for enthusiasts; and delivered through community support and local business partnerships.
The festival is entirely run by volunteers and exists not to make profit, but to benefit Alton.
Jackie King Photographer www.jackieking.com
Our Partners
