Armed with a wide variety of attractive opportunities, Battle Festival of music and arts campaigns for sponsorship support
The Battle Festival of arts and music, held in October, seeks to fund and present major classical concerts and a new music commission to be performed by children from twelve schools, at the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill, a workshop/performance to introduce young children to an orchestra.
"We want to take music to people who can't attend concerts through infirmity, at local residential homes and hospices. We want to offer Master Classes on song writing and how to enter the music industry.
"We present jazz and contemporary music. We facilitate and encourage a visual arts strand, showcasing local and international artists. Most of all we want to encourage and develop talent and enhance people's wellbeing through awareness of, and participation in, music and the arts.
"The Festival Committee established Battle Festival in 2013. It received considerable critical acclaim and appealed to a wide age group. The committee is managed by a team of creative professionals and educators. Artistic Director Dan Cornford, principle Viola Player of the London Philharmonic, draws on the skills and experience of internationally-renowned performers to deliver our classical repertoire to a rural community. Musical education and outreach projects are managed by John Boyd, former Head of the Hastings Areas Music Service.
"The inaugural project delivered in 2014 drew together 300 children from six varied schools and, working with East Sussex Hub providers, delivered a programme of music to children in addition to the curriculum. Young musicians (popular music) were provided mentoring opportunities from an Ivor Novello Award winner, songwriting workshops, alongside a Q & A session with industry figures, including BBC Introducing, thus delivering invaluable advice, support and inspiration for musicians at an early stage, an experience not available at school or the rural community.
"Opera in a Day was presented by Glyndebourne Education Department and we have joint plans for a major collaboration in 2016. A diverse range of Battle Fringe activities was programmed to supplement and enhance the core programme. This will be developed for 2015 to include a greater visual arts element. We will produce a world class music and arts festival that enthuses the local community, boosts the local economy and encourages visitors to the region.
"We want to make Battle an essential cultural destination for the arts, inspiring new audiences and bringing world-class performers and artists to Battle. We will expand on our 2014 visual arts element, producing a programme for local, regional and international artists, including gallery exhibitions, free talks, workshops, demonstrations and masterclass mentoring sessions.
"We are partners with Battle Town Council and the Pure Arts Group and are constructing an Arts and Heritage Trail and a competition for a sculpture to be placed on a roundabout. This will foster 'Health and Wellbeing' with participants and audience.
"In 2016 we will further develop all our art and music streams as part of the celebration of the 950th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings".
