The crowds that flock to Avebury for this year’s Summer Solstice celebration will have much more to enjoy than the traditional festivities within the stone circles, with St James church being open across the four days of the Solstice period holding the second Summer Solstice Art and Crafts Fayre.
Offering an eclectic mix of art, music, holistic therapy and entertainment, the Fayre will provide something for everyone, irrespective of faith or belief and, in the words of the organiser Reverend Maria Shepherdson represent ‘an oasis of peace for all people’.
Last year’s even attracted more than one thousand people through the door of St James Church and the Rev Shepherdson expects even more this time.
“We have fifteen artists who have confirmed that they will be attending with more musicians, writers, poets and singers coming to participate in the Open Mic Night that’s being held in the Church on Saturday evening”.
The Fair will be opened on Thursday evening by The Right Reverend Edward Condry, Bishop of Ramsbury, and will then run until late Sunday afternoon when it closes at 5.30.
Acclaimed local musicians Kerri McKenna and Tom Blower will be appearing with friends on the Friday at lunchtime for a live session. Artists displaying will include Kate Wade, Ian and June Pillinger, ceramicists Jacqui Melhuish and Mary Thorne, glass specialists Cathy Brewer (stained glass) and Karen Lilley and many more.
There will be plenty of refreshments on sale – teas, coffee, cakes, lunches, at “very reasonable prices” stressed Reverend Maria, all provided and served by local volunteers with proceeds going to support the widespread activities of the local Benefice.
“It is for everyone.” said Reverend Shepherdson. “I don’t mean the christian community I mean everybody, every single person, of all faiths and of no faith. That’s the most important thing, people of all faiths and of none.” she added. “It’s a way to celebrate the turning of the wheel at this time of year whilst supporting the local arts and crafts community in and around the sacred space”.
The Fayre opens on Thursday (19 June) evening at 5.30 pm and runs over the following there days between 10am and 5.30 pm each day. Click for details
