On October 18th, Newent will come alive with colour, creativity and community spirit as Canopy Creative Network brings its much-loved artsFEST to town. Centred around the theme of farming – regeneration and rebirth, the festival will honour Newent’s rich rural heritage while sparking new creative energy across the communities.
Canopy is not-for-profit arts organisation based in the Forest of Dean, they’ve been uniting communities through vibrant arts festivals, engaging art workshops, artist talks and nature-inspired creative walks. Following the huge success of past events in towns like Coleford, West Dean & Cinderford and Blakeney, it’s now Newent’s turn to shine!
Newent artsFEST will be the culmination of weeks of inclusive, community-led creativity — designed to inspire curiosity, introduce new artforms, and showcase local talent. Driven by the belief that art should be for everyone, the festival offers a vibrant platform for community voices and art to be seen, heard and celebrated.
In the lead-up to the event, Canopy will be working with schools, local groups and community members of all ages and backgrounds, offering inclusive, engaging arts workshops. Artist Joanne Callaghan will be running Batik workshops with Picklenash Primary Schools to create flags for the parade.
Meanwhile, Newent Community School will also be making batik flags whilst Gloucester College Art & Design students will create bold festival puppets to bring the streets alive during the parade. Other pre festival events include community art workshops at Shepperd House open to everyone, creative writing and lantern making sessions with Aimee Blease Bourne for LGBTQIA+ young people and creative walk around Newent Lake on October 13th where participants will be responding to nature through creative prompts followed by a monoprinting workshop with artist Nichola Goff. Book on these workshops via our website.
Newent artFEST begins at noon on October 18th with a joyful parade bursting with colour and imagination, led by Forest Thump’s drummers followed by live performances and drop-in art workshops across the town— all free and open to all ages. Throughout the afternoon, enjoy the harmonious voices of Newent Choral Society and Drybrook Male Voice Choir, foot-stomping shanties of Ships and Giggles, Wild Oats Morris dancing, Djabot drummers, the resonant sounds of the Newent Orchestra, storytelling by Darren Hoskins and the soulful sounds of Onika Venus – performances which reflect the diversity and richness of local talent.
FREE Drop in workshops will offer something for everyone — leather crafting with Bela Kielt; textile cordage using bindweed with Lizzie Godde; singing with Kirsty Abraham; autumn wreath-making with Penny Mail; painting with Von Feathers and pre-school art with Krysa Haslewood.
There will also be art exhibitions of GCSE & A Levels students’ artwork and a photography archive showcase of Newent’s agricultural heritage. The Secret Gallery will be hosting Artist Talks where artists Ru Goodchild and Dirk Van Der Meyden will share their process and inspiration. If that’s not enough, there will be a guided walk around Newent remembering Telstar music legend Joe Meek.
Newent artsFEST 2025 is more than a festival — it’s a free, uplifting and welcoming event designed to reignite a love for the arts and the town itself, inspiring connection across generations. Everyone is invited so come be part of the magic!
Full details, festival updates and schedule can be found on the website https://canopynetwork.co.uk/newent-artsfest/
