A warm welcome
As the days shorten and the nights get colder, rest assured that a warm welcome awaits you this autumn at Ilminster Arts Centre.
There are not many cultural venues in the region that offer the variety and quality of events, activities and exhibitions as the bustling Somerset town's arts centre.
The charity is encouraging local people to visit more often and to bring family and friends, if possible. To broaden its appeal, the arts centre is offering cut-price tickets to concerts for students and free entry for children aged 12 or under, accompanied by a paying adult. The monthly art exhibitions are already free to enter and enjoy.
An exciting and varied performance programme is again lined up over the coming weeks.
On Friday, 20 October the amazing Budapest Café Orchestra is in town to play a blistering barrage of traditional folk and gypsy-flavoured music, plus their own unique re-imaginings of some of the biggest tunes ever written by the classical greats. Established by award-winning British composer, violinist and teacher Christian Garrick in 2009, the Budapest Café Orchestra is an eclectic group of four sublime musicians. They combine violin, guitar, accordion, double bass, saz & balalaika to dazzling effect. It promises to be an unforgettable evening.
The following Wednesday night, 1 November, presents an illustrated talk on the artist LS Lowry by Gaynor Arrowsmith, one of the art centre's volunteers. On the 136th anniversary of the artist's birth the intriguing story will be told of one of Lowry's most significant and enduring friendships. Entry is free, but as this is a fundraising event for the arts centre a £5 donation per person is suggested.
On Friday, 3 November Concerts in the West present The Fitzroy Quartet. This prizewinning string quartet will be playing Haydn, Debussy and Szymanowski.
There's a change of music the following Friday (10 November) when jazz takes centre stage with one of Mike Denham's popular SpeakEasys. Mike, on piano, is joined by jazz violinist Mike Piggott, who was described by the New York Jazz Times as "one of the best swing jazz fiddle players anywhere." Not to be missed!
The month concludes with the Ilminster Christmas Lights Switch-On on Friday, 24 November, marking the start of the festive season. The arts centre's café, bar, gallery and gift shop will be open, with a performance from the Ilminster Ukulele Band. The café will be serving mulled wine and tasty treats.
All performances start at 7.30pm. Doors open 6.30pm, with bar.
Elsewhere, in the Galley, the Neroche Artists present a multimedia exhibition of their work from 31 October to 25 November. And there's an opportunity to meet the artists on Saturday, 4 November. Entrance is free.
Also, there’s a busy programme of craft workshops for all abilities, led by talented tutors.
Exhibition Admin Support wanted:
The arts centre is seeking a volunteer to support the Exhibition Co-ordinator with the administration of its art exhibitions and liaison with artists. If you can spare the time on a consistent basis and would like to know more please contact Ann Palmer at gallery@ilminsterarts.org.uk