STAFFORD town centre will be buzzing with top talent at the town’s second arts festival.
Venues across the town centre will play host to a range of artists, poets, authors, dancers and musicians.
Artists will be in various locations across the town to capture the townscape and architecture on the day - with the paintings going on display at the Ancient High House in November.
Highlights include performances from Manchester Camerata’s principal percussionist at the Post House, The Swan and in Market Square.
Stafford Gatehouse Youth Theatre will be performing extracts from 13, the high energy musical which took the Edinburgh Fringe festival by storm.
Children can join in with sand art and have their faces painted for free in Stafford Market while shoppers can have a caricature drawn in Greengate Street.
More than 20 authors and poets will be in the county buildings between 10am and 4pm.
Cricket fans will get the chance to meet former England and Gloucestershire wicket keeper turned artist Jack Russell, who will be showing off his work as well as answering questions and signing autographs at Stafford Leisure Centre 9am-2pm.
Figures from Stafford Town Centre Partnership show footfall in Stafford was up 10 per cent during last year’s festival and this year the partnership and Stafford Borough Council who organise the event anticipate an increase in attendance following the success of the packed Olympic and Jubilee celebrations.
Two new exhibitions will also be staged as part of the festival.
Making Moves will feature craft works on display at Stafford Station while at the Shire Hall Gallery Made in the Middle will feature 35 craft makers who will be displaying their work until October 28.
For a full line-up and more information on Stafford Arts Festival visit www.stafford-towncentre.co.uk or call 01785 619470.
