The Rotherham Open Arts Festival is organised by the Rotherham Culture Company and is dedicated to celebrating community arts and bringing artistic events of international quality to Rotherham. Following on from its success in 2006 we are bringing the famous Idolize Spiegeltent back by public demand. It has graced some of the world’s leading festivals and so don’t miss the experience here in Rotherham.
This year we are delighted to feature the brilliant folk artist and virtuoso guitarist Martin Simpson on two evenings, in a programme devised by Martin himself entitled “Local Heroes”, in which he shares the stage with some special musical guests, including John Tams. We are also featuring the rising stars of Bhangra in the shape of Achanak. Other highlights include blues genius Ian Siegal, the Elias String Quartet, the amazing Clan Wallace, Edward Barnwell’s Jazz Ensemble (with guests, including the new Russell Watson, Victor Michael) and a specially devised show that tributes the many African influences on the blues and marks the 200th anniversary of the end of slavery.
We have a strong literature programme too and you can see three new plays, including the Open Minds Theatre Company presenting “Versus”, meet philosopher and author Julian Baggini and hear performance poet Karen Burke direct from Edinburgh Fringe. We also have the movie premiere of “Escape from Doncatraz”, the much awaited documentary film by Jay Baker. The festival has commissioned Swamp Circus to devise two days of Street Arts in and around the Spiegeltent on both Festival Saturdays and like the majority of our events it is completely free and family friendly. There are many other events featuring our local community arts groups.
Have a look through the programme and we're sure you’ll find something to get excited about. We’re only round the corner from the train and bus stations and we have generous discount offers with various local hotels and restaurants. Come and stay for a weekend!
