Something for everyone
There's something for everyone at Ilminster Arts Centre.
Sit back with a glass of your favourite tipple and enjoy an exciting mix of concerts and performances most weeks. Stand and stare in wonder at free-to-enter art exhibitions, showcasing work from the best artists around. Take part in one of many craft workshops, led by talented tutors. Support local craft makers by buying something special from the gift shop for you or your loved ones. Or, simply, put your feet up and enjoy a tasty treat at the Gallery café, or in its relaxing garden, while catching up with friends and family.
There are not many cultural venues in the area that offer such choice and variety as Ilminster Arts Centre. As a multi-arts and performance centre it hosts a wide selection of live music from top performers, covering jazz, blues, classical, folk, pop and rock, plus plays and other special events. The bright and airy gallery is adorned with paintings, sculptures, textiles and other materials, available for purchase, in carefully curated art exhibitions, stewarded by friendly volunteers. The high-ceilinged main hall, with its beautiful stained-glass windows, provides the perfect place to inspire you to learn new skills and produce your own artwork in a wide range of creative classes with like-minded people of all abilities.
Located on East Street in the heart of Ilminster, the beautiful building, formerly a church, is also an impressive and unique space to hire for business meetings, events and other functions.
Ilminster Arts Centre's performance programme over the coming weeks includes Blue Note Grooves on Friday, 28 July. Guitarist Neil Burns leads a hard swinging, hard groovin' jazz trio celebrating the rich history of the Hammond Organ from Wes Montgomery to Grant Green via John Scofield and Larry Goldings, plus some original music with a contemporary edge that pays homage to the tradition. Martin Jenkins will be on Hammond Organ, Ric Byers on drums, with special guest Terry Quinney on tenor sax.
August kicks off with a poignant and powerful play, Old Herbaceous, on 4 August. It has attracted rave reviews. Performed by Giles Shenton, this much-loved one-man play by Alfred Shaughnessy traces the relationship between Head Gardener, Herbert Pinnegar, and his employer, Mrs Charteris, as he tends the garden of her country Manor House in Gloucestershire. It's a humorous and touching play about life, love and times long gone; beautifully crafted and expertly told.
On 18 August acclaimed folk singer-songwriter Vikki Clayton, from New Zealand, comes to town as part of her UK tour. She has captivated audiences worldwide with her soul-stirring performances and profound interpretations of songs, including the remarkable works of Sandy Denny.
The following Friday, on 25 August, sees Bowie Fashion return to the arts centre by popular demand, following last year's sellout concert. This five-man group is dedicated to the authentic reproduction of the music of David Bowie, capturing the essence of his live performances. Don't miss this stardust performance and be sure to book early!
Further ahead, look out for two fantastic concerts on consecutive days. Join us on Friday 15 September for an evening with legendary US electric blues vocalist, harmonica player and band leader Johnny Mars, together with the Craig Milverton Trio and Ben Milverton on guitar. And on Saturday, 16 September get ready for a blast from the past as top tribute band Established 58 play The Shadows and Cliff Richard’s greatest hits! This talented group will take you back to the glory days of rock and roll with their spot-on renditions, from ‘Living Doll’ to ‘Summer Holiday’. You'll be singing and dancing along with every tune.
Meanwhile in the quieter surroundings of the Gallery, Creative Coverage, a group of 12 artists from around the country, present a multi-media exhibition called Celebrating Art, until 12 August. That's followed, from 15 August to 2 September, by an exhibition entitled The Garden, The Sea. It combines the talents of artists Sue Durant and Liz Hawkins who explore the wide horizons of seascapes to an intense focus on garden flora.
For more information and to book your seat for performances visit the website, telephone 01460 54973 or pop in to the arts centre (Tues-Sat). Performance tickets are only £5 for students and are free for 12 year-olds and under, accompanied by a paying adult.
Donations are always welcome to help the charity to continue its good work. The arts centre is also looking for extra volunteers, so if you have some time to spare and want to contribute to the community please get in touch.