SAVE THE DATE
4th - 13th OCTOBER 2024
In the year that we celebrate our 50th anniversary, our Patron, Dame Judith Weir, who was composer in residence at the 1975 festival, will be handing the baton to another prestigious composer, Brett Dean, who will take up the position in 2025.
We are indeed fortunate to have so many musicians and artists who have made their home in Calne. This is a year of many anniversaries. 40 years ago the iconic Harris factory, established in 1770, which dominated the centre of Calne and became its biggest employer,was demolished. Joseph Priestley ‘discovered’ oxygen in Calne 250 years ago. We will mark these anniversaries with special concerts and a community art project featuring over 500 pigs, painted and decorated and on view all over the town.
An exhibition in the Heritage Centre throughout October will catalogue, with brochures and press cuttings, the past 50 years as well as featuring a selection of chosen piglets.
Huge thanks to the Committee and co-opted members , all dedicated volunteers, who this year in particular have worked tirelessly to put on a special Festival which we hope you will support and enjoy.
Carole Browne (CMAF President)
FESTIVAL PATRON
With thanks to Judith Weir, Master of the King's Music, Patron of Calne Music and Arts Festival
Calne Music and Arts Festival (CMAF) is a community celebration of music and the arts, which takes place during a ten-day period at the beginning of October each year.The Festival aims not only to provide entertainment for the people of Calne and surrounding villages, but also to promote local musical and artistic talent.The Festival was inaugurated in 1974 and has grown substantially over the years, showcasing some exceptional talent, whilst reaching a wide cross section of the community.
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Charity Constitution
The objective of the society shall be to encourage interest and participation in the Arts by the local community, through a programme of activity including performances, concerts, exhibitions, talks and workshops during the festival period.
The society is committed to supporting local and regional performers and artists as well as showcasing visiting performers and exhibitors where appropriate to the programme.
In order to deliver the objectives of the society, the committee shall have the power to raise funds and invite and receive contributions from any persons or person whatsoever by way of subscriptions, sponsorship, donations and otherwise provided that the society shall not undertake any permanent trading activities in raising funds for its charitable objectives.
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Registered charity number: 276875
OPEN ART EXHIBITION
Each year Marden House in Calne hosts an impressive Open Art Exhibition, presenting the works of predominantly local Artists. Nearly all works are for sale and the exhibition boasts some reputable names, making this a must for art enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Participation in the Open Exhibition is truly inclusive and 'open' with work only being refused if it does not meet the entry criteria.​
The Open Art Exhibition 2023 showcased nearly 300 pieces of art by local artists.
It was an incredible display of talent and creativity.
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Submission date for artworks at Marden House is Saturday 28th September between 10:00am and 2:00pm only.
Please allow at least 30 minutes to process the handing in of artwork.
Please read details and complete entry forms by clicking the button below. (Entry form will close end of Thursday 26th 2024)
Enquiries by email: exhibition@cmaf.org.uk
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The organising Committee are always looking for new participants, both amateur and professional, and would welcome any suggestions for events which could be included in future years.
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If you would like to offer continued support to the festival, please consider becoming a 'Festival Friend', which comes with reduced ticket prices to some concerts and special events.
The Festival is run entirely by volunteers so please do bear with us as we respond to your enquiry.
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Phone number : 07834199190
Email : contact@cmaf.org.uk
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CONTACT US
GALLERY
FESTIVAL FRIENDS
Become a Friend and help a wonderful local festival to thrive.
The Calne Music and Arts Festival has been an important part of Calne life for 50 years.
Funds from our supporters have enabled us to bring an exciting programme of music and art focusing on local talent to Calne for a week every year.
But what of future years?
We need your help to ensure the continuation of the Festival for the next generation.
The benefits for Friends include:
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Priority mailing of programme.
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Free lunchtime concert and reduced price tickets for most other events.
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Invitations to special Friends' events and exhibition previews.
The Friend’s fee is a modest £20.00 per year.
Becoming a Friend will help to ensure that the Festival is secure for future years.
For membership details and subscription form please click here
CMAF COMMITTEE
Carole Browne (President), John Boaler (Chair), Jacintha Douglas (Treasurer), Anne Davey (Friends Secretary), Genevieve Sioka (Art Director), Emma Hazlewood (Sponsorship Manager) Glenis Ansell, John Spiller, Kristy Jones, Jemima Palfreyman
We are always excited to hear from people interested in being a part of the Festival Committee. We are especially interested to hear from people with accounting, event management and catering experience.
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There are also many volunteering opportunities during the festival, including stage hands, exhibition stewards and catering tasks.
We are also always keen to hear from art, theatre and music students as well as media students who might want to add experience to their resume.
Please do get in touch to discuss contact@cmaf.org.uk
THE PIG PARADE 2024
To celebrate the Festival at 50 and recognise it being 40 years since the demolition of the Harris Factory in Calne, CMAF are calling the Calne community to be creative and decorate pigs!
Piglet sized papier mache pigs have landed in Calne and will be available to purchase for £15 each from the Heritage Centre and Bank House from the 29th June (Calne Carnival day). Qualifying community groups and schools will have access to a free pig to be decorated.
Paper pig decorating templates are also available and downloadable by clicking here.
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This is Calne's call to get creative!
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Take a picture of your decorated pig (paper or piglet) and upload to social media using the hashtag #calnepigparade or email your picture to pigs@cmaf.org.uk
Your designs will be shared on social media.
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If you can, please display your pig designs in your windows, attach your paper designs to your windows or display your piglet in the windows to create a trail around the town and to show off your amazing creative skills!
This is a summer trail so as soon as you have your pigs at the ready, get them on display and share your work.
At the end of August, the Calne Music & Arts Festival Pigs team will select winning designs to go on display at the Heritage Centre for an exhibition celebrating 50 years of the Festival.
The Festival at 50 Exhibition will be on the whole of October at the Heritage Centre.
50 of the pig sculptures will be on display as well as winning designs on paper, alongside a retrospective of the Calne Music & Arts Festival.
Contact the piggy team with any questions: Pigs@cmaf.org.uk
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This project has been made possible in part thanks to a grant from Calne Town Council.
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To see the finished decorated pigs visit our social media
CALNE PIG PARADE
Due to the incredible success and community spirit of the Calne Pig Parade, we’re excited to announce that not only will the exhibition featuring 50 pigs from local schools and community groups be held at the Heritage Centre for the duration of October.
…but for one day only, we’re bringing a Pig Parade to the Calne Corn Exchange at the Town Hall!
Saturday, 5th October
(same as the Calne Music & Arts Festival Family Day at Marden House)
Drop-off time for pigs: 10-11am
Show open: 11am-3pm
Exhibitors to collect pigs 3pm-4pm
Join us as part of the Calne Music and Arts Festival Family Day, with WordFest workshop / bookswap, an immersive Theatre dome, craft workshop, drumming, and more—all free!
With thanks to our generous sponsors:
