The welcome at the launch on Saturday in Horsham Park for the Horsham District “Year of Culture” was as warm as the temperature was cold! It was a great celebration of what is a superb endeavour.
Hilaire Belloc, the poet and writer and proud Shipley resident, rejoiced in the splendour of Sussex in his poem “The South Country”:
“I will build a house with deep thatch
To shelter me from the cold,
And there shall the Sussex songs be sung
And the story of Sussex told”
2019 will see the story of this part of Sussex told through the Horsham District Year of Culture. The aim of the Year of Culture is to “inform, intrigue and inspire”, through the celebration of the District’s heritage and culture. It is great that the many attributes of the District will be showcased for residents and visitors to see and experience.
Last year I met with local artist, Sarah Duffiled, who has been commissioned as part of the Year of Culture to paint four pictures of the District. Sarah’s work will be on display in September 2019 at the Horsham Museum and Art Gallery and I look forward to seeing how the District has inspired her art.
I am greatly looking forward to attending some of the 275 events planned throughout the year. Many of these events are free to attend and there is vast range of opportunities reflecting a rich array of local “culture”.
One of the highlights of the Year will be the “Horsham Children’s Parade” taking place on the 7th July. The parade will go through Horsham town and park and will allow the young people of Horsham to show off their artistic talents.
The Year of Culture will allow residents to take part and learn something new about the District. It is hoped that the Year of Culture will have a lasting legacy which will be felt by residents and visitors long after 2019. There are many ways for residents to get involved with the Year of Culture, either by attending an event or running your own cultural event. For further information about getting involved, visit the Year of Culture’s website: https://www.hdculture2019.co.uk/
Photo caption: Attending the Horsham District Year of Culture launch at Horsham Park on Saturday with the Chairman of HDC, Peter Burgess, Cllr Toni Bradnum and Cllr Karen Burgess.