Brighton’s Art in the Park Festival is returning to shine a light on more than 30 local artists for the August long-weekend.
“We’re running our third annual Art in the Park on Aug. 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Memorial Park, which is right in downtown Brighton, (and) based on the last couple years, we’re expecting big crowds …” says Brighton Arts and Culture Council (BACC) President Des Rodrigues.
Hosted by the BACC and Brighton Downtown Business Improvement Area, Rodrigues says the event isn’t just about bringing together Brightonians and the Northumberland arts community – it’s also about attracting visitors to the region.
Over the course of the first two years, the event has continued to grow, and Rodrigues tells us that attendees can expect an even more vibrant outdoor showcase this year.
This summer, organizers are also pushing more of a festival-inspired theme, trying to incorporate some possible buskers and additional cultural events. And this isn’t the only big event in the works for Civic Holiday long-weekend fun.
There’s also the addition of the new Presqu’ile Waddling Art Centre downtown this year. Rodrigues says festivities will expand to the gallery, with even more art on display and live acoustic entertainment inside.
Rodrigues tells us more about the types of art that will be part of this summer’s showcase.
Others will have jewelry, pottery, photography, and other original gems on display and up for grabs as part of the celebration. The popular children’s art area is also returning, offering up all kinds of family fun, as well as live entertainment at Memorial Park’s outdoor stage. There will be lots of options for foodies, too, at the park, and in the downtown core.
“We’re just trying to (make) this bigger and better – so just expanding our space – and as we move into next year, we’ll see where that goes,” explains Rodrigues.
In terms of a little further down the line, Rodrigues notes there are big hopes.
There are no admission costs for the festival.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
