Showing posts with label Tonbridge Arts Festival. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tonbridge Arts Festival. Show all posts
Tuesday, 16 July 2013
Did They or Didn't They?
We're still waiting to find out if the attempt at the Guinness Record for the hand jive will put Tonbridge into the record books. In the meantime, and while we wait for the result, here are some photographs taken by Carl Lewis. Either way it looked like a lot of fun and great for community spirit. Well done to Tonbridge Arts Festival for the idea and organising.
Monday, 8 July 2013
Tonbridge Can Party!!!!!!
It's been another brilliant weekend in Tonbridge, and of course the beautiful weather helped when Tonbridgians took the opportunity to party and picnic beneath the castle during a weekend of music.
Oh yes, we can do it, and we do support events when they occur in the town. I think we were all hungry for a summer of happenings, and it all came at the right time as we are now getting a taste for it. There's certainly a sense of community being seen now. It was always there, but now there's a sense of coming-together, and we're all looking forward to more happening in our friendly town.
Here are some amazing pictures taken by Tonbridge man, Carl Lewis, on Saturday evening at the Killer Queen concert. Carl has been involved in the Tonbridge Arts Festival in various ways over the weekend. Good aren't they!!!!!!!
Oh yes, we can do it, and we do support events when they occur in the town. I think we were all hungry for a summer of happenings, and it all came at the right time as we are now getting a taste for it. There's certainly a sense of community being seen now. It was always there, but now there's a sense of coming-together, and we're all looking forward to more happening in our friendly town.
Here are some amazing pictures taken by Tonbridge man, Carl Lewis, on Saturday evening at the Killer Queen concert. Carl has been involved in the Tonbridge Arts Festival in various ways over the weekend. Good aren't they!!!!!!!
Monday, 11 February 2013
Recognising Tonbridge Recognised
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| Recognising Tonbridge detail |
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| Painting by Tonbridge Artist Mike Insley |
Mike, is well known in the town for heading up the Tonbridge Arts Festival Big Picture and for his involvement in the Tonbridge Art Group. His painting can be viewed in the foyer of Angel Centre. It's worth going along to have a look and take in all the detail in the image.
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| Mike Insley (centre) - Unveiling The Big Picture - Tonbridge Arts Festival 2012 |
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'This painting is based on a photograph of a cricket match at the Angel County Cricket Ground taken in 1903. The County Cricket Ground was situated on what is today the Angel complex, Sainsbury's and the carpark. It was the first headquarters for Kent cricket and it hosted an annual County Cricket Week in Tonbridge from 1869 to the beginning of the Second World War.
The picture draws heavily on the photograph, but I have made rather more of the figures and in some parts, where it is not clear to me what was going on, I have made some modifications. As well as being a sporting event, I imagined the week would have been quite a social occasion, a chance to renew old acquaintances, make new friends or just soak up the atmosphere.
I am greatly indebted to the unknown photographer.'
Sunday, 23 December 2012
Monday, 10 December 2012
Tonbridge Arts Festival Revisted
Tonbridge Arts Festival has long gone, but I stumbled on some photographs I took at The Eliza Acton event at K College in June this year, and the theme of the event is suddenly current again.
I've noticed that it's become really popular to celebrate Christmas by roasting a 'bird within a bird within a bird' sometimes known as a 'three bird roast'. It's all a bit much for me being a sometimes-lapsed vegetarian, but this method of preparing a bird has been around for hundreds of years.
Eliza Acton wrote her famous cookbook whilst living in Tonbridge at No 1 Bordyke, and at the event we were shown by K College lecturing chef how to bone a chicken a la Eliza. It looked incredibly easy at the time, but it would when there's an expert wielding the knife. There was a gasp of disbelief when he held up the completely boned chicken which was all in one piece. Quite a skill.
In a moment of 'one I prepared earlier' Chef produced not one, but two, firm packages of roasted and stuffed chickens and proceeded to confidently demonstrate his expert carving techniques, whilst the audience looked longingly at what was to be on their lunch menu.
Not only was there the fabulous roast meat to enjoy, but also a buffet of dishes made from Eliza Acton recipes, all laid out in the restaurant on the top floor of K College with far reaching views over Tonbridge. If I remember correctly the ticket price was £6. Fantastic value, and for me this was definitely the highlight of the Arts Festival.
Apologies to the Lecturing Chef in the photograph, and the people who made the delicious dishes, who I am unable to mention by name as my notes of the day have disappeared. If this event runs again during the next Tonbridge Arts Festival get yourself a ticket, and you'll be in for a real treat.
If you're interested in learning how to bone a chicken in this way, the method can be found in Eliza Acton's cookbook.
I've noticed that it's become really popular to celebrate Christmas by roasting a 'bird within a bird within a bird' sometimes known as a 'three bird roast'. It's all a bit much for me being a sometimes-lapsed vegetarian, but this method of preparing a bird has been around for hundreds of years.
Eliza Acton wrote her famous cookbook whilst living in Tonbridge at No 1 Bordyke, and at the event we were shown by K College lecturing chef how to bone a chicken a la Eliza. It looked incredibly easy at the time, but it would when there's an expert wielding the knife. There was a gasp of disbelief when he held up the completely boned chicken which was all in one piece. Quite a skill.
In a moment of 'one I prepared earlier' Chef produced not one, but two, firm packages of roasted and stuffed chickens and proceeded to confidently demonstrate his expert carving techniques, whilst the audience looked longingly at what was to be on their lunch menu.
Not only was there the fabulous roast meat to enjoy, but also a buffet of dishes made from Eliza Acton recipes, all laid out in the restaurant on the top floor of K College with far reaching views over Tonbridge. If I remember correctly the ticket price was £6. Fantastic value, and for me this was definitely the highlight of the Arts Festival.
Apologies to the Lecturing Chef in the photograph, and the people who made the delicious dishes, who I am unable to mention by name as my notes of the day have disappeared. If this event runs again during the next Tonbridge Arts Festival get yourself a ticket, and you'll be in for a real treat.
If you're interested in learning how to bone a chicken in this way, the method can be found in Eliza Acton's cookbook.
Sunday, 18 November 2012
Peter Ellis Film
Peter Ellis has made community films of Tonbridge for a number of years. On previous occasions I've posted his work on the Tonbridge Arts Festival, Carnival and many other events.
Although this film is not about Tonbridge, Peter has captured the beauty of autumn in his latest film of Sheffield Park. It's not too far away to enjoy a visit before the leaves completely fall, and the seasonal colours are lost.
If you want to see Peter's films on Tonbridge they are all available to view on YouTube.
Although this film is not about Tonbridge, Peter has captured the beauty of autumn in his latest film of Sheffield Park. It's not too far away to enjoy a visit before the leaves completely fall, and the seasonal colours are lost.
If you want to see Peter's films on Tonbridge they are all available to view on YouTube.
Tuesday, 17 July 2012
Schools Olympic Poster Competition
Well it's all about the Olympics and the flame in Tonbridge today, so what better opportunity to post some of the photographs I took of the Schools Olympic Poster Competition, which was part of our recent Arts Festival.
I was very privileged to be asked to be one of the judges, and it was incredibly difficult to decide on winning entries in each of the categories. All the posters were fantastic and illustrated how creative children can be with the idea of Olympic competition and achievement.
I was very privileged to be asked to be one of the judges, and it was incredibly difficult to decide on winning entries in each of the categories. All the posters were fantastic and illustrated how creative children can be with the idea of Olympic competition and achievement.
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| Medal Winners with members of Tonbridge Art Group |
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| Infant Medal Winner |
Monday, 16 July 2012
Tonbridge Arts Festival Open Art Exhibition has an Olympic Flavour
Olympic fever is slowly edging to a crescendo with only 11 days to the Opening Ceremony of London 2012. The Torch Relay is about to arrive in Kent, passing through our neighbouring towns and communities on its final journey to the Olympic Stadium. The Australian team have arrived in our town and are settling in to the first class sporting facilities at Tonbridge School. Sadly, Tonbridge missed out on being en route for the Torch Relay, but tomorrow through the sheer determination of Dame Kelly Holmes the people of Tonbridge have a chance to join in the celebrations as she brings The Flame to her home town.
So whilst the Olympics are forefront in our minds I thought I'd make a diversion, and catch up with blogging about the Arts Festival that took place in Tonbridge for 10 days in June. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to do this whilst all the events were taking place, due to problems with the blog. Perhaps this could be a slight diversion from all things sporting, to something more art related, but it just happens that my favourite event during the Tonbridge Arts Festival was the private view at the Open Art Exhibition, which actually did have a slight Olympic flavour as Guy Portelli brought along a prototype of his new sculpture inspired by our own Dame Kelly Holmes.
Not only did Guy talk about his vision for the sculpture, and where in Tonbridge the larger sized finished work might be placed, but he was eager to show me how his idea would bring together both the viewer as a participant and the sculpture itself. The end effect can be seen in the photograph below as the daughter of Maria Heslop, TMBC Cabinet Member for leisure, youth and the arts becomes a living artwork.
The opening evening of the exhibition was the first chance to view the brilliant and diverse selection of local art that had been chosen and hung in the Castle Council Chamber, including work by Hildegard Pax of Hadlow, who currently has work included in the Summer Exhibition at The Royal Academy of Arts in London.
The artist of the winning artwork, who had been selected by the judging panel earlier in the day, was presented with a metal life sized paintbrush designed and made by Guy Portelli. I was surprised as to the weight of this beautiful piece of work when the winning artist allowed me to hold it in my hands. I'm not sure if there is such an amazing prize every year, but it almost had me rushing off to sign up for a course in fine art, just to submit a piece and be in with a chance next time.
This really was a super event and for me a highlight of the Arts Festival. My only criticism of the event was that the exhibition didn't last for the full 10 days of the Arts Festival. Maybe next year.
So whilst the Olympics are forefront in our minds I thought I'd make a diversion, and catch up with blogging about the Arts Festival that took place in Tonbridge for 10 days in June. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to do this whilst all the events were taking place, due to problems with the blog. Perhaps this could be a slight diversion from all things sporting, to something more art related, but it just happens that my favourite event during the Tonbridge Arts Festival was the private view at the Open Art Exhibition, which actually did have a slight Olympic flavour as Guy Portelli brought along a prototype of his new sculpture inspired by our own Dame Kelly Holmes.
Not only did Guy talk about his vision for the sculpture, and where in Tonbridge the larger sized finished work might be placed, but he was eager to show me how his idea would bring together both the viewer as a participant and the sculpture itself. The end effect can be seen in the photograph below as the daughter of Maria Heslop, TMBC Cabinet Member for leisure, youth and the arts becomes a living artwork.
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| Sculptor Guy Portelli |
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| Portelli's living artwork |
The opening evening of the exhibition was the first chance to view the brilliant and diverse selection of local art that had been chosen and hung in the Castle Council Chamber, including work by Hildegard Pax of Hadlow, who currently has work included in the Summer Exhibition at The Royal Academy of Arts in London.
The artist of the winning artwork, who had been selected by the judging panel earlier in the day, was presented with a metal life sized paintbrush designed and made by Guy Portelli. I was surprised as to the weight of this beautiful piece of work when the winning artist allowed me to hold it in my hands. I'm not sure if there is such an amazing prize every year, but it almost had me rushing off to sign up for a course in fine art, just to submit a piece and be in with a chance next time.
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| Winning artist holding her prize |
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| Judging Panel |
This really was a super event and for me a highlight of the Arts Festival. My only criticism of the event was that the exhibition didn't last for the full 10 days of the Arts Festival. Maybe next year.
Wednesday, 4 July 2012
Tonbridge Daily Photo
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| Tonbridge Daily Photo #4 - Bunting on the Railings |
It's still in place, so if you haven't yet seen it there's still a chance before it is taken down.
Monday, 11 June 2012
Fantastic Flash Choir
A fantastic flash choir organised by The Tonbridge Arts Festival surprised unsuspecting shoppers in Waitrose on Sunday. The choir begins the build up to a two week extravaganza of festival events in the town from 15th to 24th June.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJb1fFwUucc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJb1fFwUucc
Sunday, 13 May 2012
Tonbridge Arts at Tonbridge Farmers Market
A lot was happening today at the monthly Tonbridge Farmers Market ... not only were Tonbridge Arts Festival organisers out in the sunshine letting all the good people of Tonbridge know about the brilliant events that will take place in the town in June ... shoppers were serenaded by members of the marvellous Bacchus Wind Orchestra who will be performing on June 16 at St Stephens Church as part of the Festival programme. For more details on their concert see http://www.tonbridgeartsfestival.co.uk/index.php?inc=event-details&ev=31
The Tonbridge Arts Festival aims to bring the joy of the arts to the people of Tonbridge and beyond, in a ten-day celebration of all art forms. The festival will comprise performing, visual and literary arts events to be held in venues throughout the town. It will offer local people the opportunity to access and participate in high quality artistic performances and exhibitions from professional and amateur artists and groups. The Festival will run from 15th to 24th June with an exciting programme to suit all tastes. There is something for everyone!!!
For more details of all the events taking place during the 10 days in June visit www.tonbridgeartsfestival.co.uk
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| Serenading Shoppers at Tonbridge Farmers Market |
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| Bacchus Wind Orchestra |
The Tonbridge Arts Festival aims to bring the joy of the arts to the people of Tonbridge and beyond, in a ten-day celebration of all art forms. The festival will comprise performing, visual and literary arts events to be held in venues throughout the town. It will offer local people the opportunity to access and participate in high quality artistic performances and exhibitions from professional and amateur artists and groups. The Festival will run from 15th to 24th June with an exciting programme to suit all tastes. There is something for everyone!!!
For more details of all the events taking place during the 10 days in June visit www.tonbridgeartsfestival.co.uk
Friday, 23 March 2012
Festival on Facebook
Tonbridge Arts Festival is now on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/TonbridgeArtsFestival
Leave a comment and give them a 'Like'
Tuesday, 20 March 2012
Tonbridge Country Dancing Festival
This is a repeat post from last year, but with the Tonbridge Arts Festival taking place this June it has renewed my interest in the Country Dancing Festival, which was held every summer on Tonbridge Castle lawn during the 1960's. All the junior schools in Tonbridge were invited to take part in the event, and dancing teams from the fourth year (that's now year 6) provided an entertaining, albeit chaotic, afternoon of traditional folk dancing for an audience of parents, teachers and residents.
There was lots of skipping around in circles , and skipping around in inner and outer circles, and more skipping around in circles - not to forget the heel/toes, promenading and clapping to the tune of the loud speaker music which was linked to a gramophone, or perhaps it was a tape recorder, but apparantly it was always crackley.
Does someone know any more about the festival, have their own memories, or are there any more photographs out there of the event? Please contact Tonbridge Daily on tonbridgedaily@gmail.com or use the comment box below.
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| Tonbridge Castle Lawn c1963 |
There was lots of skipping around in circles , and skipping around in inner and outer circles, and more skipping around in circles - not to forget the heel/toes, promenading and clapping to the tune of the loud speaker music which was linked to a gramophone, or perhaps it was a tape recorder, but apparantly it was always crackley.
Does someone know any more about the festival, have their own memories, or are there any more photographs out there of the event? Please contact Tonbridge Daily on tonbridgedaily@gmail.com or use the comment box below.
Saturday, 17 March 2012
Tonbridge Arts Festival
Take a look at what's happening at Tonbridge Arts Festival between June 15 and 24
The website is now live and more events are scheduled to be added.
Subscribe for updates,
find out the latest news
and even get involved
Tuesday, 25 October 2011
Tonbridge Arts Festival Bunting
Pick up a material triangle at the Four Heads Art Show at The Castle Council Chambers and either design on the spot or take it home and send it to the organiser.
Show is open daily from 10am to 4pm until Friday.
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