After four successful summer editions, the Fresh Air Festival of Outdoor Arts (FAF) is back in Brightlingsea for a winter spectacular.
On Saturday 28 February, from 5-9pm, FAF says Victoria Place will be transformed into a magical winter playground of light, sound and spectacle, with an exhilarating programme of illuminated street theatre, giant puppetry, live music, and food and drink.
Festival director Cassie Catchpole said: “I’m so happy to be able to create the very first Winter Fresh Air Festival and showcase some beautiful winter-themed outdoor arts for everyone to enjoy. It’s going to have a fantastic atmosphere, full of music, illuminated treats and lots of fun things to see and do.”
Councillor Mick Barry, portfolio holder for leisure and public realm at Tendring District Council, added: “We’re delighted to welcome Fresh Air Festival back to Brightlingsea for this brand new winter edition. It’s been amazing to watch the festival grow over the years, and I’m really looking forward to seeing the eclectic mix of creative arts and exciting acts in a fresh seasonal setting.”
Roads around the town centre will be closed while the festival takes place: Ladysmith Avenue from Eastern Road junction; Victoria Place to the junction with Wellington Street; Queen Street from the junction with Windsor Court; and High Street from the junction with Sydney Street.
The festival is made possible thanks to funding from Arts Council England, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund via Tendring District Council, and Brightlingsea WinterFest.
Festival highlights include:
- El Carromato Big Dancers, a musical street performance featuring giant illuminated puppets with synchronised music and lighting.
- Spark!, an energetic street theatre show combining high impact drumming with kaleidoscopic lighting design.
- Lobster à la Cart, a giant illuminated lobster
- Heartbeats, a comedy roaming disco
- The Urban Fox Circus, with their illuminated hula hooping skills
- The Light Gliders, with choreographed colour changing lights
