Panels prove to be ‘worthwhile investment'
Funding provided by Arun District Council helped make the Arundel Festival more attractive this year.
A grant of £1,728 was given to the festival organisers by the Joint Downland Area Committee to pay for panels surrounding the venue.
Previously fencing and a combination of banners, hoardings and placards have been used, but the Arundel Festival Committee wanted the new panels to act as a more attractive alternative.
The 15 panels, which are 2m by 3.5m, are printed with water resistant inks on weatherproof mesh and the art work was done pro bono by a local design agency.
The area they were displayed is 2m high and 52.5m long, and it ran from Jubilee Gardens from the corner of Queens Street Bridge and Mill Road to the Arundel Museum.
Bill Brennan, Chair of Arundel Festival, said: “The Arundel Festival Committee feels that for a premium arts event of its kind, in a historic and scenic location, the panels are a worthwhile investment that can be used for some years to come.
“The Festival Committee is always seeking new ways to improve the quality of the event and believe that the wraps will more strongly reflect its artistic and communal character.”
This year saw the return of familiar favourites like Shakespeare in Arundel Castle, the Gallery and Theatre Trails, Words and Music, The Hanover Band and free performances of music and extravaganzas in Jubilee Gardens, together with music and street entertainers performing throughout the town.
Councillor Paul Dendle, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Amenities and a Joint Downland Committee Member, said: “The panels added a touch of class to this year’s Arundel Festival.
“The festival plays an important part in boosting tourism to the town and I am delighted the Joint Downland Committee and the council was able to support this very worthwhile event.”
The Joint Downland Committee is comprised of councillors from Arun District Council, West Sussex County Council and town and parish councils. The committee decides on the amount of grants to give to community causes which help the Downland area.