Events 2014
To find out what’s on during the festival click on a day.
Unsure where something is? Click on a venue for a map.
Friday 19 | Saturday 20 | Sunday 21 | Monday 22 | Tuesday 23 | Thursday 25 | Friday 26 | Saturday 27 | Sunday 28
Hertfordshire Libraries
Bookstart Bear @ Toddler Tales
Even the youngest children love a story! Toddler Tales is a mix of lively stories and rhymes for you and your child to join in with. The stories chosen are aimed at toddlers and pre-school children but babies are welcome too. Library hero Bookstart Bear will be popping in especially for Royston Arts Festival!
www.hertsdirect.org/libraries
Venue 4: Library (SG8 9JN)
Friday 19 September, 2pm
FREE
Royston Picture Palace
Mrs Brown’s Boys D’Movie (15)
From small screen to big screen, Brendan O’Carroll’s successful TV series is now a movie hit. When Moore Street market-trader Agnes Brown (O’Carroll) finds her livelihood under threat from a ruthless developer, she and her family embark on a campaign to save her stall, aided as only the Browns will be by a motley troop of blind trainee Ninjas, an alcoholic solicitor, and a barrister with Tourettes Syndrome. www.roystonpicturepalace.org.uk
Venue 15: Town Hall / Picture Palace (SG8 7DA)
Friday 19 September, 7.30pm
Normal ticket prices. Tickets from www.roystonpicturepalace.org.uk
Royston Fringe / Rotary Club of Royston
Harmony in Harlem
Experience that big band sound! Harmony in Harlem is a 17-piece band who specialise in the best of jazz and swing from 1940-45. As well as their normal repertoire, to celebrate the 450th anniversary of the birth of William Shakespeare, they will also be performing
Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s suite ‘Such Sweet Thunder’.
www.harmonyinharlem.co.uk
Venue 8: Methodist Church (SG8 7AU)
Friday 19 September, 7.45pm
Tickets £10 from 07895 095 455 / 01763 241217
(Proceeds to be shared between Garden House Hospice and the Royston Methodist Church)
Afternoon tea for two / Creative Royston
Cupcake decorating workshop (Age 18+) SOLD OUT
This workshop will demonstrate some simple but effective techniques in cupcake decoration and attendees can take away their own creations. Afternoon tea for two was established in 2010 as a small home-baking concern which creates celebration cakes and cupcakes for weddings, christenings and milestone birthdays. To get the most out of this workshop you will need to stay for the whole class.
http://afternoonteafortwo.vpweb.co.uk/
Venue 9: Greneway School (SG8 7JF)
Saturday 20 September, 10-11am. Please arrive 15 minutes early to register.
£5. Pre-booking recommended (or try your luck on the door). Book online. Enquiries: 07907 880 355
Heather Sharp / Creative Royston
Learn to face-paint (painters Age 14 + ; models 10+)
ONLINE BOOKING IS NOW CLOSED. SOME PLACES AVAILABLE ON THE DOOR.
Learn basic brush strokes and sponging from multiple award-winning face-painter Heather Sharp. Bring along a partner to act as the model (someone who can sit still for an hour and a half) and paint a super-hero’s face of your 
choice. All paints and materials provided. To get the most out of this workshop you will need to stay for the whole class.
www.facial-attraction.co.uk
Venue 9: Greneway School (SG8 7JF)
Saturday 20 September, 10-11.30am. Please arrive 15 minutes early to register.
£5 (only painters have to pay!). Pre-booking recommended (or try your luck on the door). Book online. Enquiries: 07907 880 355
Irina Richards / Creative Royston
Draw manga (Age 7+)
ONLINE BOOKING IS NOW CLOSED. SOME PLACES AVAILABLE ON THE DOOR.
Manga is a cartoon art form that originated in Japan. Learn the basics of drawing in manga style with Irina Richards, 
a member of Sweatdrop Studios (the UK’s most prominent manga artist collective). Create your own manga characters in a workshop filled with inspiration. No previous experience necessary. To get the most out of this workshop you will need to stay for the whole class.
www.irinarichards.com
Venue 9: Greneway School (SG8 7JF)
Saturday 20 September, 10am-12.30pm. Please arrive 15 minutes early to register.
£5. Pre-booking recommended (or try your luck on the door). Book online. Enquiries: 07907 880 355
Maureen Moody / Creative Royston
Writing for magazines (Age 18+)
ONLINE BOOKING IS NOW CLOSED. SOME PLACES AVAILABLE ON THE DOOR.
A two-hour session introducing writing for magazines and journals, led by freelance journalist Maureen Moody and assisted by other members of Royston’s Writers’ Circle. Participants need only bring paper, pen and their interest and enthusiasm. No previous experience is needed. To get the most out of this workshop you will need to stay for the whole class.
Venue 9: Greneway School (SG8 7JF)
Saturday 20 September, 10.30am-12.30pm. Please arrive 15 minutes early to register.
£5. Pre-booking recommended (or try your luck on the door). Book online. Enquiries: 07907 880 355
Royston & District Museum & Art Gallery
The Big Make
Join the museum’s Youth Members and Young Curators to create a giant hero and a giant villain to be displayed in the main gallery. Test your construction skills to make sure they hold together, can stand up and face each other in battle! Who will win – hero or villain?
www.roystonmuseum.org.uk
Venue 12: Royston & District Museum & Art Gallery (SG8 5AL)
Saturday 20 September, 11am – 1pm
FREE
Friends of Tannery Drift First School
Capes, clues and creativity!
A day of free shows and hand-on sessions. Refreshments available 11am-5pm. (See individual events for details)
Venue 11: Tannery Drift First School (SG8 5DE)
Saturday 20 September, 11am-5pm
FREE
Dance Matters
Dancing Hands
We will sing silly songs and nursery rhymes, sign them using Makaton, and then dance. An introduction to ballet for pre-schoolers and key-stage 1 pupils and their families.
Venue 11: Tannery Drift First School (SG8 5DE)
Saturday 20 September, 11am
FREE
Heather Sharp / Creative Royston
Learn to face-paint (painters Age 14 + ; models 10+) Cancelled
Sorry, this event has been cancelled. Please book for the same session at 10am here.
www.facial-attraction.co.uk
Venue 9: Greneway School (SG8 7JF)
Saturday 20 September, 11.50am-1.20pm (repeated from10-11.30am).
Meridian School / Tannery Drift First School
Puppet and musical instrument making
Join our pre-show workshops making puppets and musical instruments. You will use them to join in the music and drama in our ‘Heroes and Villains of Royston’ show!
Venue 11: Tannery Drift First School (SG8 5DE)
Saturday 20 September, 1-4pm
FREE
British Science Association
Sherlock@Royston
Are you Royston’s answer to Sherlock Holmes? A murder has been committed…come along and help us solve the mystery of whodunnit by applying fun hands-on science.
Venue 11: Tannery Drift First School (SG8 5DE)
Saturday 20 September, 1-4pm
FREE
Make and Create
Design your own Super Hero medal / jewellery
Create your own Super Hero or Villain Medal or make a piece of jewellery. This session was very popular last year. Be sure to come with lots of ideas and imagination!
www.makeandcreate.co.uk
Venue 11: Tannery Drift First School (SG8 5DE)
Saturday 20 September, 1-4pm
FREE
Meridian School Performing Arts Students
Royston’s Heroes & Villains
Specially commissioned by Creative Royston, this is an exciting storytelling show for children.
Join our campfire if you dare, who knows what tales you’ll hear whilst there?
Prepare to hear Royston tales and song, of people good, and bad….and long!
Come and see a man so tall and watch a villainous robber fall.
Heroes of war and witches’ fate, heartbreak and love that comes too late.
Mysteries of Royston beyond compare …join our campfire if you dare….
Venue 11: Tannery Drift First School (SG8 5DE)
Saturday 20 September, 2pm (repeated at 4pm)
FREE
Hertfordshire Music Service / Creative Royston
Play ukulele (Age 6+)
ONLINE BOOKING IS NOW CLOSED. SOME PLACES AVAILABLE ON THE DOOR.
Hertfordshire Music Service invites you to join us for one of our extremely popular Ukulele workshops. Run by Euan Tees these workshops are suitable for family groups with children 6 years and over. No previous musical experience is needed and instruments will be provided. Come along for an afternoon of musical hilarity 
and fun! To get the most out of this workshop you will need to stay for the whole class.
Venue 11: Tannery Drift First School (SG8 5DE)
Saturday 20 September, 2-2.40pm (repeated at 2.50-3.30pm). Please arrive 15 minutes early to register.
£5. Pre-booking recommended (or try your luck on the door). Book online. Enquiries: 07907 880 355
Royston and District Local History Society
Royston Cave – normal opening
View the medieval carvings.
www.roystoncave.co.uk
Venue 14: Royston Cave (SG8 7BZ)
Saturday 20 September, 2.30-5pm (last entry 4.30pm)
£5 (£4 concessions; accompanied under-16s free). Tickets on the door.
Hertfordshire Music Service / Creative Royston
Play ukulele (Age 6+)
ONLINE BOOKING IS NOW CLOSED. SOME PLACES AVAILABLE ON THE DOOR.
Hertfordshire Music Service invites you to join us for one of our extremely popular Ukulele workshops. Run by Euan Tees these workshops are suitable for family groups with children 6 years and over. No previous musical experience is needed and instruments will be provided. Come along for an afternoon of musical hilarity and fun! To get the most out of this workshop you will need to stay for the whole class.
Venue 11: Tannery Drift First School (SG8 5DE)
Saturday 20 September, 2.50-3.30pm (repeated from 2-2.40pm). Please arrive 15 minutes early to register.
£5. Pre-booking recommended (or try your luck on the door). Book online. Enquiries: 07907 880 355
Tannery Drift First School Choir
Sing
Venue 11: Tannery Drift First School (SG8 5DE)
Saturday 20 September, 3pm
FREE
Meridian School Performing Arts Students
Royston’s Heroes & Villains
Specially commissioned by Creative Royston, this is an exciting storytelling show for children.
Venue 11: Tannery Drift First School (SG8 5DE)
Saturday 20 September, 4pm (a repeat of the 2pm show)
FREE
Creative Royston
Comedy Night
‘Genius’ Radio Times
‘One of the best joke writers on the circuit’ GQ
Creative Royston’s Comedy Night showcases Scotland’s “hottest newcomer” Iain Stirling and locally grown, but nationally acclaimed, Howard Read. Taking place in the comfort of Royston Picture Palace , this promises to be a great evening out. Book a babysitter, grab your mates, and join us! May contain adult humor and very strong language.
www.iaindoesjokes.com
www.howardread.com
Venue 15: Town Hall/Picture Palace (SG8 7DA)
Saturday 20 September, 8pm (doors open 7.30pm). Bar.
Tickets £12 (£10 before 1 September). Reserved seating. Some tickets will also be available from the Stationery Cupboard (High Street, Royston).
Royston and District Local History Society
Royston Cave – normal opening
View the medieval carvings.
www.roystoncave.co.uk
Venue 14: Royston Cave (SG8 7BZ)
Sunday 21 September, 2.30-5pm (last entry 4.30pm)
£5 (£4 concessions; accompanied under-16s free). Tickets on the door.
Hertfordshire Libraries
Spies of the First World War
James Morton, author of a number of books about true crime, talks about his book, Spies of the First World War. Featuring agents from England, France and Belgium plus their German counterparts he will talk about the men and women who struggled to survive during the Great War. He will also talk about those who controlled the spies, including authors John Buchan and Somerset Maughan. The successes and the failures will be revealed.
www.hertsdirect.org/libraries
Venue 4: Library (SG8 9JN)
Monday 22 September, 7pm
£5 (£2.50 concessions) from Royston Library.
Royston Choral Society
Open rehearsal
An excellent opportunity for people to come along and see how they get on. No charge, no audition and up to 3 weeks to decide before making a commitment. Lots of fun and a very friendly choir.
Venue 1: Parish Church (SG8 9LG)
Tuesday 23 September, 8-10pm
FREE
Corvus Amateur Dramatic Society (CADS)
The Fosdyke Saga
The hilarious rags-to-riches story of the Fosdyke family, Lancashire tripe merchants, from the end of the nineteenth century through the First World War to the early 1920s. Witness explosions, a boxing match, aerial dogfights and several song-and-dance routines!
www.cadsroyston.org.uk
Venue 10: Meridian School (SG8 7JH)
Thursday 25 September, 7.30pm (also Friday 26 and Saturday 27 September)
£10 (concessions £5) from www.cadsroyston.org.uk or 07925 674967
Hertfordshire Libraries
Elmer the Elephant @ Toddler Tales
Even the youngest children love a story! Toddler Tales is a mix of lively stories and rhymes for you and your child to join in with. The stories chosen are aimed at toddlers and pre-school children but babies are welcome, too. Children’s hero Elmer the Elephant will be popping in especially for the Royston Arts Festival!
www.hertsdirect.org/libraries
Venue 4: Library (SG8 9JN)
Friday 26 September, 2pm
FREE
Corvus Amateur Dramatic Society (CADS)
The Fosdyke Saga
The hilarious rags-to-riches story of the Fosdyke family, Lancashire tripe merchants, from the end of the nineteenth century through the First World War to the early 1920s. Witness explosions, a boxing match, aerial dogfights and several song-and-dance routines!
www.cadsroyston.org.uk
Venue 10: Meridian School (SG8 7JH)
Friday 26 September, 7.30pm (also Thursday 25 and Saturday 27 September)
£10 (concessions £5) from www.cadsroyston.org.uk or 07925 674967
Royston Fringe
Picasso’s Guernica (Professor Anthony Slinn)
Probably Picasso’s most famous work, “Guernica” is certainly his most powerful political statement. Painted as an immediate reaction to the Nazi’s devastating casual bombing practice on the Basque town of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War, it was described by Graham Sutherland as ‘the greatest painting of the twentieth century’. In this lecture Anthony will take you to Guernica, New York and Madrid, taking you behind the scenes to show you the creation of the painting and following its journey around the globe. This will be Anthony’s fifth and final appearance at The Royston Fringe, so unmissable.
www.royston-methodist.org.uk
Venue 8: Methodist Church (SG8 7AU)
Friday 26 September, 7.45pm
£5 from 07895 095 455
Royston Folk Club
Jess Morgan ‘In Concert’ (Support: David Youngs)
‘Gorgeous country folk.’ The Guardian
‘Every so often you come across a little gem like this!’ Steve Lamacq , BBC Radio 2
With influences from British folk as well as country and blues, singer-songwriter Jess Morgan headlines Royston Folk Club’s monthly concert. Local man David Youngs, whose percussive style of guitar playing is unchallenged, will also be playing his own instrumental compositions.
www.roystonfolk.org
Venue 5: The Old Bull Inn (SG8 9AW)
Friday 26 September, 8pm (doors open 7pm)
£9 (£7 in advance, under 25s £2) from 01763 260 556
Royston and District Local History Society
Royston Cave by candlelight
Glimpse into the past as Royston Cave turns out the lights and goes back to the Middle Ages. Experience the unique atmosphere of the cave as it was meant to be and feel the energy of the ley lines if you can! For more details on the mystery of Royston Cave check out www.roystoncave.co.uk
Venue 14: Royston Cave (SG8 7BZ)
Saturday 27 September, 10am-12.30pm
£2 per adult payable at the Cave entrance on the day. No advanced booking, first come first served. Accompanied children enter free.
Royston Town Market
Busking
Lots of acoustic treats. You never know who you’ll see busking in Royston!
Saturday 27 September, between 10am to 3pm at various times
Venue 6: Market place (SG8 9JT)
FREE
Glazed Creations
Family ceramic painting
Family links: each family member can design and paint a 10cm tile. Once fired these tiles will be strung together with ribbon to create a wonderful piece of artwork. Help will be on hand from the friendly and knowledgeable staff. Your creation will take about 1 hour.
www.glazed-creations.co.uk
Venue 13: Glazed Creations (SG8 5AY)
Saturday 27 September, 10am – 4pm
£1.50/tile
Royston & District Museum & Art Gallery
Creative craftiness!
Make your favourite heroes and villains into Rock’em Sock’em robots or get really creative and design your own. There will also be the opportunity for you to nominate your ultimate heroes and villains on the People’s Heroes and Villains board.
www.roystonmuseum.org.uk
Venue 12: Royston & District Museum & Art Gallery (SG8 5AL)
Saturday 27 September, 10am-5pm (also Sunday 28 September, 2-5pm)
FREE
Royston & District Museum & Art Gallery
Print a hero or villain
Come and use our 1856 printing press to print your very own local hero or villain to take home.
www.roystonmuseum.org.uk
Venue 12: Royston & District Museum & Art Gallery (SG8 5AL)
Saturday 27 September, 10am – 5pm(also Sunday 28 September, 2-5pm)
£1 / print
Royston and District Churches Together
Drop-in art sessions
Try something new! Everyone is welcome at our ‘Have a go’ sessions for adults and children. A variety of techniques will be available, including portraiture, pen and ink drawing, silk painting and children’s craft activities. Local artists Elaine Baigent, Sylvia Jordan and Viv Williams will be among those sharing their expertise. No previous experience required.
www.ct-royston.org.uk
Venue 1: Parish Church (SG8 9LG)
Saturday 27 September, 10am – 5pm
FREE
Royston Fringe
GSTARS presents ‘Heroes and Villains’
Georgina Wootten’s School of Dance and Performing Arts is back by popular demand with an extravaganza of Ballet, Modern, Street, Commercial,
Contemporary and Musical Theatre. Come and see our dazzling dancers and singing sensations. It is promised to be a fun-packed show with eye-catching, energetic, vibrant and spectacular performances. A total must see! Book your tickets early to avoid disappointment. www.gstars.co.uk
Venue 8: Methodist Church (SG8 7AU)
Saturday 27 September, 11am (repeated at 2.30pm)
£3 from 07895 095 455. (Free for Children under 3)
Royston and District Local History Society
Royston Cave – normal opening
View the medieval carvings.
www.roystoncave.co.uk
Venue 14: Royston Cave (SG8 7BZ)
Saturday 27 September, 2.30-5pm (last entry 4.30pm)
£5 (£4 concessions; accompanied under-16s free). Tickets on the door.
Creative Royston
Who’s Alison Balsom?
ONLINE BOOKING IS NOW CLOSED. SOME PLACES AVAILABLE ON THE DOOR.
‘Her playing is breathtaking…listening to it is nothing less than a life-enhancing experience.’ BBC Music Magazine
Fresh from her second concert at the Hollywood Bowl, Royston’s favourite musical hero returns to the school where it all started. Join multi-award winning trumpeter Alison Balsom in conversation for a one-off event exploring her life and work.
From her early days in Royston Town Band to the challenges of being a jet-setting mum… just what does it take to become an internationally acclaimed star?
As part of the event you will find out more about her work in education as Alison takes a student from Royston Music School through a brief masterclass. There will also be the opportunity to put your own questions to one of Britain’s best-known musicians. www.alisonbalsom.com
Talk, followed by Q&A and CD signing.
This event is supported by
A
lison Balsom is president of Royston Arts Festival and patron of Brass for Africa (BfA). All profits from this event will go to BfA, a UK registered charity that supports and initiates life changing music programmes for extremely disadvantaged children in some of the poorest areas of Uganda and Liberia.
www.brassforafrica.com
Alison Balsom’s new tour Alison Balsom: The Trumpet Sings coincides with the release of her most ambitious album yet. Catch her in concert on Thursday 9 October at the Corn Exchange, Cambridge.
Venue 9: Greneway School (SG8 7JF)
Saturday 27 September, 3pm (doors open 2.30pm)
£12 (£10 before 1 September). Kids-go-free tickets available online. Reserved seating. Buy your tickets early, for what promises to be a sell-out event. Some tickets will also be available from the Stationery Cupboard (High Street, Royston).
Corvus Amateur Dramatic Society (CADS)
The Fosdyke Saga
The hilarious rags-to-riches story of the Fosdyke family, Lancashire tripe merchants, from the end of the nineteenth century through the First World War to the early 1920s. Witness explosions, a boxing match, aerial dogfights and several song-and-dance routines!
www.cadsroyston.org.uk
Venue 10: Meridian School (SG8 7JH)
Saturday 27 September, 7.30pm (also Thursday 25 and Friday 26 September)
£10 (concessions £5) from www.cadsroyston.org.uk or 07925 674967
Royston Town Band
Open rehearsal
You know the tunes – running up the steps to Rocky, swashbuckling to Pirates of the Caribbean…
At our open rehearsal, Royston Town Band will play the sound track to some of our best loved heroes and villains. Come along just to listen, or if you play a brass instrument at any standard come and join in! If you have any questions, please contact us at charmianflowerday@hotmail.co.uk
www.roystontownband.org.uk
Venue 11: Tannery Drift First School (SG8 5DE)
Sunday 28 September, 10am – 1pm
FREE
Royston and District Churches Together
Organ Recital
Local musicians Adrian Jacobs and Rupert Jordan will demonstrate the full-range of the organ at Royston Parish Church. The music performed will cross centuries, borders, styles and moods – from meditational, dramatic, to 
downright entertaining! They’ll even give listeners the rare opportunity to hear an organ duet. The organ is commonly described as the King of instruments, and Adrian and Rupert will include pieces demonstrating its characters and orchestral subtleties, while also telling you a bit about the music along the way. This concert promises to be highly enjoyable – one not to miss!
www.ct-royston.org.uk
Venue 1: Parish Church (SG8 9LG)
Sunday 28 September, 2pm
FREE
F. John Smith
Royston Town Trail
Royston’s history is brought to life in this one and a half mile 90-minute walk around the town centre with local historian F John Smith.
Venue 1: start at Parish Church (SG8 9LG)
Sunday 28 September, 2pm
£5 (all proceeds donated to Parish Church cHALLenge Fund) from the Stationery Cupboard, High Street, Royston.
Royston & District Museum & Art Gallery
Creative craftiness!
Make your favourite heroes and villains into Rock’em Sock’em robots or get really creative and design your own. There will also be the opportunity for you to nominate your ultimate heroes and villains on the People’s Heroes and Villains board.
www.roystonmuseum.org.uk
Venue 12: Royston & District Museum & Art Gallery (SG8 5AL)
Sunday 28 September, 2-5pm (also Saturday 27 September, 10am-50pm)
FREE
Royston & District Museum & Art Gallery
Print a hero or villain
Come and use our 1856 printing press to print your very own local hero or villain to take home.
www.roystonmuseum.org.uk
Venue 12: Royston & District Museum & Art Gallery (SG8 5AL)
Sunday 28 September, 2-5pm (also Saturday 27 September, 10am – 5pm)
£1 / print
Royston and District Local History Society
Royston Cave – normal opening
View the medieval carvings.
www.roystoncave.co.uk
Venue 14: Royston Cave (SG8 7BZ)
Sunday 28 September, 2.30-5pm (Last entry 4.30pm)
£5 (£4 concessions; accompanied under-16s free). Tickets on the door.
Royston Fringe
Afternoon tea with Sarah Harrison
Sarah Harrison is the well known local author of thirty books, including the bestselling The Flowers of the Field and A Flower That’s Free. The third in the trilogy, The Wildflower Path is out from Orion in September 2014. Come and join Sarah for tea on Sunday afternoon when she will talk about her life as an author. In her parallel lives Sarah also performs with her revue group Pulsatillas! and occasionally as a stand-up.
Venue 8: Methodist Church (SG8 7AU)
Sunday 28 September, 3pm
£5 (from 07895 095 455)
Creative Royston
Festival Finale Concert
ONLINE BOOKING IS NOW CLOSED. SOME PLACES AVAILABLE ON THE DOOR.
Students from local schools, the Royston Youth Choir and Hertfordshire Music Service’s Senior Windband bring a Lastnight of the Proms atmosphere to the festival’s finale concert.
We supply the flags – you supply the enthusiasm.
Directed by Susan Pettitt (Head of Royston Music School)
Venue1: Parish Church (SG8 9LG)
Sunday 29 September, 7pm (doors open 6.45pm)
Tickets £8 (£6 before 1 September). Unallocated seating. Some tickets will be available from the Stationery Cupboard (High Street, Royston). This event sells out. BOOK EARLY.
- Details and times were correct at time of publishing but may be subject to change.
- The Creative Royston / Royston Arts Festival Management Committee accepts no liabilty for any loss, damage or injury sustained by any member of the public visiting any venue participating in the festival events listed in this programme. It is the artists’ own responsibility to have public liability cover.
- We may take photographs and video for publicity purposes. All people attending festival events will be deemed to have consented to having their photograph taken and their image used in this way.
- Visiting adults are responsible for the supervision of any children in their care.
- We have a ‘no refunds’ policy.
- Full Terms & Conditions here.