Throughout spring and summer, there is a festival of the Arts coming to Wickford and Runwell.

Beginning with the summer programme for Unveiled at St Andrew's Wickford and continuing with the One Beautiful World Arts Festival, which will run in churches in Wickford and Runwell.

Jonathon Evens said: “"Unveiled and the One Beautiful World Arts Festival are tapping in to the creativity of many artists and performers in Wickford, Runwell, and more broadly in Essex.

“The Arts excite and stimulate us, while providing a source of great enjoyment. Those organising these events want to enable as many as possible to appreciate and enjoy the creativity that is to be found in Essex and provide new opportunities for artists and performers to share their creativity."

The events will include art exhibitions, collections, dance, music, photography, poetry, art trails, concerts, performances, readings and talks.

Highlights for the One Beautiful World Arts Festival include space art by Jackie E. Burns from Tuesday May 16 to 26 at St Andrew’s Church, 11 London Road, Wickford, SS12 0AN.

The fellow of the International Association of Astronomical Artists inspires awe and beauty with work inspired by space and astronomy.

On May 26 will see rock band Fresh Claim frontman Simon Law in concert. The founder of Plankton Records went on to become an Anglican Vicar.

Delve into the intriguing history of the plotland era on June 9 with the talk Changing Face of Basildon. Ken Porter, author, historian and chair of Basildon Heritage, will talk about the Plotlands in Essex.

The Unveiled events include A Walk in the Park with Kim Oakes, Chair of Friends of the Wickford Memorial Park. She will give a visual tour of the area on 23 June including some history of the park and the past work and future projects of the volunteer group which formed in 2019.

On July 27 there will be an open mic night organised with John Rogers where everybody is welcome to come along and play, sing or just spectate.

Full details can be found at https://joninbetween.blogspot.com/2023/04/feast-of-arts-in-wickford-and-runwell.html and https://onebeautifulworldfestival.blogspot.com/ . See attached documents and flyers for more information.