Spray-painted artwork from some of the UK’s top street artists will be appearing around Burnham-On-Sea in August when a new modern arts festival is held for the first time.
The arts, music and poetry festival, called ‘Burnham-On-Sea Sea Spray’, will be held across the town centre on Saturday August 13th.
Organiser Becky Hewlitt, pictured, presented the plans to the Town Council last week, who earmarked £2,000 of funding towards the new event.
She told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “We will have over 30 artists – both traditional and street artists – creating art live on the streets of Burnham during the day.”
“There will also be a stage with live music outside the Victoria Hotel, plus workshops in July at local schools, the BAY Centre and residential homes to create artwork that will be displayed alongside the work of the artists. We also plan to have performances by local poets of all ages.”
She added: “We’d also like to paint the hoardings of the Tucker’s Garage site, erect temporary boards and have artists painting in Marine Cove and along The Esplanade, and have craft and arts stalls set up.”
“We love art and want to give something back to the community. We want to engage with people of all ages in art and to make Burnham an exciting destination for artists and art lovers.”
“This will be great for Burnham – art can draw national and local attention, help to raise Burnham’s profile as an artistic hub, and present it as an attractive visitor destination. It will also engage local residents, especially young people, giving a sense of ownership rather than alienation.”
The group sought £2,000 from Burnham and Highbridge Town Council to “cover the temporary art boards, insurance, workshop materials, publicity, the stage, PA system, a TENS license from Sedgemoor District Council, steward training and travel expenses for the artists and team.”
Becky added: “In return, we will match this amount in labour, sponsorship and concessions and any profit will be reserved for future community projects. Our aim is to make this an annual event with funding next year from the Arts Council Creative People and Places Fund. All accounts will obviously be open to council scrutiny and project evaluation will be presented.”
Councillors on the Town Projects Committee unanimously gave their backing to the project and recommended that £2,000 be given to the project, pending the approval of the full council at their next meeting in May.
Cllr Kate Lawson told the meeting: “I fully support what they’re proposing – I think it will be a great new event for the town.”
