Join a celebration of cultural talent in small Warwickshire village

Organisers of the Ladbroke Festival of Arts, Crafts and Hobbies have had an enthusiastic response to people from within and beyond the village to take part - and the result is looking to bring a range of paintings, ceramics, photography, embroidery, flowers and other displays to All Saints’ church on Monday June 4.

Margaret Bosworth, who is running the event along with fellow villager Nicky Lewis, said: “This is our first arts festival - and it’s not just art. We are exhibiting sugar crafts, decorative cupcakes, a crocheted wedding dress by the WI - whatever anybody does that they want to showcase.

“We have flower arrangements, wood carvings and a family history stand. It’s like a cultural celebration.

“We are also hoping people will come along and have a go at playing random tunes on the organ and piano.”

While Nicky herself creates ceramics, she has also invited other artists she knows to contribute to the display.

Members of Ladbroke Photography Club are, as well as displaying their own images, running a photography competition - open to all but themselves - on any subject, which will be judged by visitors to the festival.

While the day is not aiming to be commercial, some artists may choose to sell their work on the day.

Margaret said: “The idea is to celebrate local talent. A lot of people don’t think what they do is worth showing to others - they don’t realise how talented they are.

“There is one gentleman who is bringing in some embroidered pictures created by his wife who has passed away. It will be nice that people will have the chance to remember her.

“There are lots of things going on for the Jubilee in lots of places, but we hope people from within and beyond the village will come along.”

There is still time for people to submit work that they would like to display. Call Nicky on 815196 or Margaret on 817312.

Entry to the festival, which will be open from 10am to 4pm, is free, but donations to the church will be welcome. Tea, coffee and cakes will be available.