Festival magic returns to Battle for month-long event

A range of events, from a specially commissioned opera called PUSH to a talk with renowned author Peter James, will be put on by the festival committee.

Sally Lampitt, an organiser of the festival, said: “I think the reason that this year’s festival will be the best is obvious. It’s a bit special for us because of the 950th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings.

“So, for us, one of the big things we have done to mark this occasion is to get a new opera that is produced by Glyndebourne.”

Battle Festival chairman Dave Furness believes that the festival will be the biggest yet, attracting people from across the world.

He said: “We are staging a world class event in Battle.

“We have booked tickets from people who live in France, Spain and the USA, as well as people from London and the home counties.

“This puts Battle on the cultural map as well as the historical one.”

The number of acts has also been changed from last year, with this year’s programme including more acts from different backgrounds.

Mrs Lampitt said: “We have broadened the range of music and arts this year. We have a more diverse line up.”

And the local community is also set to reap the rewards.

Mrs Lampitt added: “I think what we can see is that Battle festival is bringing in high end culture.

“We are giving access to acts and to different events that people may not normally be able to see.”

Businesses in Battle will also benefit from increased tourism to the town.

Mr Furness said: “There has been a sharp increase in people who have booked accommodation in the area and the local shops cafés and restaurants will all benefit from this.”

The festival will close on October 31, with the screening of a film marking the 950th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings.

Visit www.battlefestival.co.uk for more information on the festival events.

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