FEST STEPS BACK IN TIME
Fascinating aspects of Crieff’s past will be on show
History part of programme
We’re very happy that lots of people have chipped in
Nigel Gatherer
The organisers of the Crieff Arts Festival have unveiled a packed programme of events as they gear up for the annual extravaganza.
The festival, which is now in its fourth year, runs from August 19-21 and includes a range of concerts, literary events and exhibitions.
And one of the highlights of the weekend will be the unveiling of a wooden recreation of the giant draughts board which was a prominent feature of the town’s James Square in days gone by.
Festival founder and local artist June McEwan has commissioned Perthshire craftsman Neil Turtle to create an 8ft by 8ft version of the board, which local people will be able to try out.
June says: “Years ago, local people used to gather in the town centre to play draughts, moving the pieces around using long poles, and now they’ll be able to do it again as part of this legacy project for the arts festival.
“We’ve just finalised the programme for the festival and we’re very pleased to have a fantastic programme of events for local people and visitors.”
The arts festival launches at 6pm on August 19 at Strathearn Artspace, the former public library in Comrie Street.
There will be wine and nibbles on offer plus music from Crieff Community Band.
This will be followed at 8pm by ‘Crieff at the Movies’ – showing clips from films which have featured the town, plus amateur films of Crieff and life in the Strath capital.
During the festival, the Artspace will also be home to exhibitions including a display of postcards and photographs of James Square in days gone by.
A watercolour depicting ‘The Browning of Kate McNiven’, on loan from Perth and Kinross Museums and Galleries, will also be exhibited.
Local legend has it Kate McNiven lived in Monzie during the 18th Century and was well-known as a healer and prophetess before being accused of witchcraft and burnt to death in 1715.
Also on display will be the newly- restored 19th Century Provost’s Chair, which was originally used by the former Burgh Council.
Local shops and businesses are also taking part in the Arts Festival with exhibitions in their windows.
Festival chairman Nigel Gatherer said: “We’re delighted to have 50 shops participating and each one has at least one artist displaying in their window.
“We’re really pleased that this exhibition has been a success because it’s an innovative idea which gets everyone involved.”
Other events include fun and games in James Square on the Saturday morning with performance troupe Elsewhere, the draughts board plus a giant chess board.
There will also be a music workshop in Artspace from 10.30-11.30am for anyone who wants to bring an instrument, along or come and sing.
On Saturday evening, Artspace hosts a literary open mic session where people can read their short stories and poems.
And on August 21, there will be a lecture about French postimpressionist artist Paul Gauguin at the Drill Hall in Meadow Place from 7-9pm.
Nigel added: “We’re really pleased with how everything has come together. The programmes will be printed and out for everyone to look through shortly.
“We’re very happy that lots of people have chipped in to help and we’ve got a good variety of events on offer.”
More details about the festival, which takes place on the same weekend as Crieff Highland Gathering, can be found on www. crieffartsfestival.com