Phil Gillam: Home is where the art is

Powered only by a joyous, old-fashioned sense of community, the good people of this south Shrewsbury suburb inspire one another to paint and draw and play music and decorate the Greyfriars Bridge and take up photography, show off their splendid gardens, create scarecrows, “bring and share” home cooking, take part in a drumming workshop, have fun at a pub quiz, try yoga, send giant bubbles into the air, and mess about with paper aeroplanes.

Look out also for the colourful festival bunting, creative knitting, and the amazing artwork from the children of Coleham School, displayed throughout Coleham.

I’d have to say also that the festival features something else too, something many of us take for granted … and that’s lots of smiles and laughter. And what’s wrong with that?

“We’re all so proud that after 15 years, the Belle Vue Arts Festival is still going strong,” says the festival’s acting chair, Tom Supple. “This is down to the fantastic and supportive community we have and the hard work of our small, dedicated team of volunteers

“Belle Vue Arts Festival is a great opportunity for local communities to come together and take part in a host of fun and creative activities.”

This year’s theme is “Air”. The organisers always go for a nice, loose theme that’s open to many interpretations and allows for maximum creativity.

Last year the theme was “Home”.

I loved the fact that dozens of heart-shaped stickers quickly appeared on a giant noticeboard, each one proclaiming a very individual definition of home. Home is where …. I hug my mum. Home is where …. my children come back to. Home is …. a place to share with friends. Home is where chaos and peace unite. Home is where …. my hi-fi is … my bed is … my cat is!

Quite apart from the variety of activities that come together under the banner of Belle Vue Arts Festival, this is also an event which has, over the years, introduced me to people who would become very good friends. And so I have a strong personal attachment to the good old BVAF.

It really is something to be cherished.

Just a few activities you can catch over the next few days …

There’s a free photographic exhibition this weekend at The Hermitage Centre next to Belle Vue Methodist Church, and a community arts exhibition down at the English Bridge Workshop.

This weekend also sees the Art and Scarecrow Trail, one of the festival’s most popular events which opens up to the public several wonderful gardens across the Belle Vue area. Expect a lovely community feel, along with music and refreshments. £3 per adult, children go free.

There’s a pub walk around Belle Vue on Tuesday, June 12, with people meeting outside the Severn Stars at 7pm for an alternative view of local history and ending at the Prince of Wales. (Spaces are limited so please book in advance).

There’s a drumming workshop on Wednesday, June 13, at the English Bridge Workshop (£3 per adult, booking necessary).

Bringing and sharing home cooking is the order of the day on Saturday, June 16, at 6.30pm, when you’re encouraged to bring along a plate or dish of your favourite recipe to a community buffet. Soft drinks, tea and coffee will be available. See website for further details.

And there’s a yoga workshop at the Hermitage Centre on Friday from 7pm to 9pm, a taster session to teach you the basics of yoga. This is led by Emily Wilkinson. It’s £5 per adult, booking is essential.

This lovely festival was founded in 2003 by the late Judy Townsend, a former teacher and Mayoress of Shrewsbury, and it aims to bring together local artists, residents and community groups.

This year’s festival runs until June 16 and full details can be found at bellevueartsfestival.co.uk

You can also find out more by calling 07583 045 553 or emailing bellevueartsfestival@gmail.com