Chard Heritage, Arts and Music Festival has an exciting programme

Chard Heritage, Arts and Music Festival is about to enjoy its third year. It starts on Tuesday 29^th July at 11:00 and offers a range of events and activities for all the family. It offers the opportunity to visit and explore some of the town’s historic buildings, heritage sites and learn about people who have made a difference not only to Chard but much wider communities. The Festival closes on Sunday 03^rd August with a guided walk taking in the key events of 1842 Lace Riots.

JUST A REMINDER OF THE FULL PROGRAMME

The opening event offers the opportunity to explore the remarkable 9 Fore Street. The Somerset Building Preservation Trust are opening their doors for everyone. You can have a go at printmaking inspired by the fascinating architecture inside the building.

In the afternoon you can move across to the historic Boden Mill now known as the Boden Centre. Somerset Artworks with local artist Luan MacDonald will host a DIY print making workshop inspired by Chard’s architecture.

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday see Chard Museum host three talks and discussions by local historians. All start at 19:15 in the Museum. There is a £5.00 entry fee for each event which includes light refreshments

On Tuesday Sue Heward will share the experiences of Grace Dare, aka Margaret Bondfield who went undercover to expose the terrible conditions of women working in shops in the late 1800s.

On Wednesday Liz Johnson-Idan will show the film “100 Men”. It is the story of the “100 Men” from St Helena who travelled to England to help the World War 2 efforts.

Finally on Thursday evening come and listen and talk to David Knapman, Curator at Axminster Heritage Centre about "Brush Making, at Axminster, Chard and Ottery St Mary between 1882 and the 1950s”

Thursday morning is a family fun event that will be held at Chard Reservoir. Wings can be spread to help everyone celebrate Chard’s rich aviation history.

The Heritage Festival closes on Sunday with an opportunity to explore and understand the impact of the Lace Riots on Chard, its workers and the industry. The Lace Riot Walk starts at 10:30 at the Guildhall and shares the buildings and stories that played a significant part in the Riot. A complimentary copy of the book called the Lace Riots of 1842 is provided as part of the tour. It is £8.00 and can be paid on the day.

All details, confirming all times, venues and costs can be found on the Museum’s website on our Events page.