Poets and angels new arrivals for festival

From the archive, first published Thursday 10th Nov 2005.

GAZETTE & HERALD: Chippenham Arts Festival 2005 kicks off on Saturday, bringing two colourful weeks of art, drama and music for all the family.

This year the festival has some new events ­ including its first ever poetry slam and a special family creative arts project to create the Angel of Chippenham.

The Angel of Chippenham event is organised by the Learning Tree ­ and will be their local take on Antony Gormley's Angel of the North and his 35,000 terracotta figure work, called Field.

People of all ages will be invited to join the project, creating their own little Angel for a temporary art installation. They will be invited to use recycled materials to make an angel ­ and all the angels will be grouped together in St Andrew's church.

Sue Smith, project manager for the Angel of Chippenham event, said: "We want to offer younger members of the community and their families an opportunity to be part of the arts festival and this event will give them just that."

The event will take place at the Neeld Hall on Saturday November 19 from 11am to 3pm.

The Angel Hotel is supporting the Angel of Chippenham event ­ presenting the family producing the most creative angel with afternoon tea at the hotel.

The first festival poetry slam will take place at the Fizz Bar, The Bridge at 7.30pm on Monday November 21.

Local stand-up comedian Dave Darby will compere the contest ­ when local poets will perform their work before an audience, and judges will decide who wins the trophy and book token prizes.

Poets will have three minutes each to give a rendition of their work.

The judges will be poet Lachlan Robertson and Ottakars manager Louise Britton.

A spoksman for the organiser s said: "Even if you think poetry isn't your thing, please come and see for yourself that performance poetry doesn't have to be dull or stuffy."

Anyone wishing to enter the slam, which is sponsored by the Wiltshire Gazette and Herald and Ottakars, should request an entry form from Sarah on (01249) 462073 or email sarah@patterdown.freeserve co.uk.

Tickets for the Angel of Chippenham event are available from the Tourist Information Centre or on the door. A family ticket is £3. Tickets for the poetry slam cost £4, £3 concessions, from the TIC or on the door.

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