A Town For All Seasons

This year's theme is Bradford on Avon, a town for all seasons. We have a full programme of events. Please click on the date links above to find an event.

Some events run throughout the Festival and these can be found on this page (see below).

Ray Ching's Aesop's Kiwi Fables

19th - 29th September at the Priory Barn, Newtown.

Aesop’s Fables have been retold and illustrated by many famous artists throughout the centuries. This is the first time they have ever been re-told and illustrated with non-traditional animals playing the traditional roles. In this collection of paintings by Ray Ching, the fables have been set in New Zealand and all the stories are told by the many curious animals that are native to the islands.

Opening Times

Saturday 19th September 1pm - 5pm

Sunday 20th September 10am - 5pm

Saturday 26th September 10pm - 5pm

Sunday 27th September 10am - 5pm

Weekday Afternoons (Monday 21st to Friday 25th and Monday 28th to Tuesday 29th September) 4.00pm to 6.00pm

Weekday Mornings by appointment for schools, who get free entry, or groups.

Tickets can be bought beforehand at the Tourist Information Centre or online.

Ticket Prices - Buy Tickets >

Weekends £4.10 (under 12's free) (price includes online booking fees)

Weekdays £3 (under 12's free) (price includes online booking fees)

School parties get FREE entry. Groups by appointment: £2 per child and £3 per adult. These ticket cannot be purchased online but can be booked via the Tourist Information Centre.

In The Mind's Eye

The works of Gordon Whittle, Cirel Greenewell and Alan Peacock.

20th - 4th October at the Bay Tree Gallery, St Margarets Street.

Alan Peacock is showing his ambiguous and allegorical paintings which revel in imaginary narrative. His inventive pictures lead into a world both mythical and fantastic .

Gordon Whittle produces a wide range of individual pots and commemorative pottery for various occasions. These have elegant calligraphy and personally developed glazes, especially a type of crystalline “chou” for which he is particularly renowned.

Cirel Greenwell exhibits beautiful and delicate textile pictures which incorporate fragments of antique fabrics. Her subtle and original work shows sensitivity and creative talent.

Opening Times

Starts Sunday 20th 12.00 noon to 6pm

Tuesday to Sundays 10am to 5pm (Closed Mondays)

Colours of the World

18th - 27th September at Bradford on Avon Library.

A thriving group of Textile Artists draw inspiration from their travel experiences. First through a City & Guilds embroidery course, then as an inspirational working group. On show are vibrant group pieces - part of their charity items for sale Members have taken the theme into some exciting personal work. Follow them on their global journey through stiitched textile work. Opening Times

Opening Times

Friday 18th to Sunday 27th September 10am - 4pm

Tell Tale Trail

19th - 26th September, please pop into Bradford on Avon Library for more details

Tell Tale Trail is a story teller's treasure hunt. Bradford on Avon is home to some of the leading writers in both Britain and the world.

This year the festival is hosting a unique event to highlight our unique literary heritage. We have hidden ten short stories by Bradford's leading writers in key locations around the town. Now we're asking you to work out the clues and track them all down. In the process you'll compile your own personal anthology of world class local writing. The first person to find all ten stories will win a hamper containing signed copies of all the authors works.

Tell Tale Trail is also hosting a short story workshop on 22nd September and a presentation ceremony where star writers will read from their work on 26th September.

This is free to enter and is suitable for all ages.

St Laurence School Art Exhibition

19th - 26th September, Bradford on Avon Library

Excellent collection of studies from A Level Arts (A2 and AS) students on show which shows a wide range of themes and interests.

To Your Health

Bradford on Avon has a wealth of healing practitioners. Take the health trail around town to see a brand new business opening and the relocation of a very popular shop.There will be nutritious foods on offer, great deals and news on how to tackle everything from flu to hay fever!

Collect a healthy trail map for a donation of 50p to Dorothy House from Inspiration, Who Cares or the Tourist Information Office.

The Romans Are Coming!

12th September, 11am to 4pm Westbury Gardens

NOTE: This event is before the Festival

The Ermine Street Guard, an acclaimed Roman re-enactment group, will march into the town and set up camp.

Bradford on Avon's rich and colourful Roman past will be celebrated this September with a host of events, talks and activities laid on by Bradford on Avon Museum.

On Tuesday 15th September, a talk by Wiltshire's former County Archaelogist, Roy Canham, on the lost "Roman Towns of Wilsthire." Call the TIC or Roy on 01225 866748 for further details.