Thousands turn out for Greenham festival of arts and crafts

THE Base kicked off its second weekend Festival of Arts & Crafts and it was a huge success, with several thousand people visiting the visual arts centre.

The launch weekend was advertised as a celebration of arts, crafts and artisanal food and drink from local makers and creators and it certainly delivered. All the senses were catered for at the opening weekend’s craft fair which featured a fantastic range of 50 stalls, providing the crowds with the opportunity to talk to the artists, makers and creators.

Renegade Brewery provided refreshments while local musicians’ music carried across the site and mixed with the smell of smoked barbecue food.

Inside, the Runway Gallery became a huge chalkboard doodle wall on which visitors could make their mark, and children were also invited to complete an arty Easter egg hunt organised by The Base’s resident artists, to raise funds for The Base which became a charity last year.

Throughout the 16-day festival, more than 100 local artists are also being celebrated, as their work is displayed in the gallery and is available for purchase daily from 10am until 5pm.

Gallery manager at The Base Steph Johnson said: “We couldn’t be more thrilled with how successful the weekend was – it was inspiring to see how many people came to admire the work both inside and outside our wonderful venue.

“We feel strongly that the arts enrich lives and we want it to be as accessible to our whole community and benefit as many as possible – and thousands had that positive experience this weekend, we’re elated!”

Short taster workshops, including Children’s Easter Printing, Linoprinting and Macramé, are being held in the venue’s Lookout Studio throughout the festival, giving visitors the opportunity to have a go at a new skill.

These can be booked online by visiting thebasegreenham.co.uk or by calling the Corn Exchange box office on (01635) 522733.