Founded in 2003, the 10 Parishes Festival takes place in alternate years in and around Wiveliscombe.
There are a few artists who exhibited in that first festival and still show to this day and it is natural with any anniversary to reflect on change. It is this thought that has given rise to the theme of the festival, which for this year is ‘reflections.’ Artists can utilise this in their work, whether in their own studios or at collective exhibitions around the villages. This mix allows visitors to experience the process of creativity and see artists at work.
One such workshop near Wiveliscombe is the base of first-time exhibitor Bec Briar, a shepherd, spinner and weaver. Bec will showcase her locally grown, high quality textiles. Visitors to her workshop can see the loom in action, learn about regenerative textiles and browse through hand woven shawls and blankets, hand spun yarns and ethically grown crafting materials.
Bec has a flock of rare breed sheep which she keeps for their beautiful and versatile fleeces, blade shorn to improve the quality and length of fibre and the welfare of the animal.
The wool is washed, spun and woven into beautiful one-of-a-kind pieces on the farm at the edge of Exmoor, creating 100 per cent natural, biodegradable, sustainable pieces in tune with the seasons. Bec also sends fleeces to a fibre mill just an hour from her fields, to be made in to sliver and yarn, suitable for felting and spinning. Her approach seems to unite creativity and sustainability.
A new venue for exhibitions this year is the New Inn at Halse, well-known as a novel and vibrant community pub. A collective of three artists under the name of ‘Horses of Halse’ align in the café – Melanie Deegan, Aga Karmol and Jill Newton neatly combine sculpture, photography and painting in a celebration of equine beauty.
Waterrow Village Hall hosts a choice of textiles, ceramics and paintings. Heather Rabbage returns to the venue to demonstrate spinning amongst her hand spun and natural plant dyed yarn. Heather will be joined by Tommy Alcock who produces hand-made canvas bags and Melanie Walker who makes drum lampshades using fabrics which reflect her interest in animals and nature.
Nearby in Waterrow can be found Chrys Allen whose drawings, scrolls and prints suggest a sense of place and presence, inspired by her travels and the experience of exploring and walking the landscape. Chrys is joined at Hurstone Studios by Louise Baker who uses a range of materials and techniques to create assemblages, collage and artists books such as The Broken String. Jane Mowat will be exhibiting woodcuts and carvings, as well as demonstrating her working process throughout the day.
The performance part of the festival commences nearby on the first Saturday (September 9) at Wellhayes Vineyard with virtuoso players saxophonist Huw Wiggin and harpist Oliver Wass. This unusual duo was formed in 2016 and have developed a reputation for their warm communication with audiences who will enjoy music by Albinoni, Bach, Debussy, Ravel and De Falla.
The Wiveliscombe Street Market and Carnival Procession will be on September 10, where a wide range of street food and craft traders will set up to the backdrop of live music throughout the day. The carnival procession theme this year will be The Magic Garden and is a magnet for the charm of young creativity as family groups process at 3pm.
The 10 Parishes Festival runs from September 9-17. For a full list of participants, venues and events see 10parishesfestival.org.uk or consult the festival brochure which can be found at many outlets across the county.
