A NEW arts organisation based in Bude was launched recently and more than a hundred local people have already signed up as ‘Friends’, with tickets for its upcoming events selling fast. 

North Coast Arts pledges to promote an exciting menu of high-quality arts events around the North Coast of Cornwall, at a range of distinctive open-air and indoor venues, including Ebbingford Manor, Little Pig Farmshop & Cafe, and Crackington Institute, and Norton Barton Artisan Food Village, who are also supporting the entire North Coast Arts programme.

The season begins with 17 professional open air theatre performances for all the family at these lovely north coast venues in Bude and Crackington Haven, from June 26 to August 27.

North Coast Arts is delighted that the cream of the open air theatre companies, including Illyria, The Pantaloons, The HandleBards, Heartbreak, Hotbuckle, The Three Inch Fools, The Festival Players, Box Tree, and The Last Baguette, were all very keen to come to Bude. From ‘Mr Stink’ to ‘Horrible Histories’, ‘Alice in Wonderland’ to ‘Robin Hood’, and from Shakespeare to Oscar Wilde, there is something on the menu to suit all tastes. Audiences are invited to get ready to enjoy high- quality theatre out in the fresh air and to make some happy summer memories.

Announcing the launch, director of North Coast Arts Richard Wolfendon-Brown said: “I’m pleased to announce that there is a new arts organisation for the Bude area — North Coast Arts.

“After trialling several successful open air events over the past two years, it is exciting to be working in partnership with local venues to offer a full programme of theatre events throughout the summer.

“Later in the year we will promote arts events at distinctive indoor venues all along the coast, but for now our focus is on the great outdoors and the chance for locals and holidaymakers of all ages to experience world-class open air theatre right here in Bude.”

Further information about all the performances can be found at www.northcoastarts.co.uk where every 100 people who sign up to become a Friend of North Coast Arts will be entered into a draw for two free tickets. Tickets for all the events can be purchased online via www.wegottickets, or from May 15, via local Bude shops; The Seventh Wave Gallery, Spencer Thorn, The Ark Angel Christian Bookshop, The Costume Rooms, and for the Crackington shows only at Crackington Village Shop.

North Coast Arts is a commercial venture and will also support local good causes.

Light refreshments will kindly be provided at Ebbingford events by the Friends of Bude Sea Pool and there will be raffles to support Connect Bude (campaigning to reconnect Bude and Holsworthy to the national railway network) and Crackington Village Shop.