Wiltshire Creative has announced this year’s Salisbury International Art Festival will take place from Sunday, 26th May, to Sunday, 9th June 2024.
The festival launches with the return of City Encounters, the free community lead event brought to the streets of Salisbury.
The City Encounters weekend will begin with Patch’s Parade.
Patch is a Giant who lives beneath Milford Street Bridge but dreams of venturing out into the exciting city of Salisbury to meet other Giants.
At over six metres tall and with an army of nine puppeteers, the awe-inspiring Patch and trusted Penguin pal will travel the Salisbury streets, swathed in stunning patchwork costumes (handmade by community makers from recycled materials) heralded by local musicians and dancers, rocking the route.
Following the success of the community chorus in 2023’s The Tempest – last year’s flagship production in Churchill Gardens.
Wiltshire Creative are once again inviting the community to get involved. There are many opportunities to take part in Patch’s Parade.
For those interested in participating, there is a Discovery Day with free workshops for musicians, singers, and movers on Saturday, 2nd March, at Salisbury Playhouse from 10:30 am.
Wiltshire Creative is also looking for volunteers to join in the festivities with puppeteering and chaperoning at the parade. Please find more information here: Discovery Day | Wiltshire Creative
The complete programme for the festival will be announced later, with tickets on sale in March.

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