Festival of Colour Report
Over 1000 people flocked to Penpont House to visit the Festival of Colour last weekend, and even the weather turned up in style to. This new Festival was conceived by Gavin Hogg of Penpont and Athene English of The Great EnglishOutdoors.
‘We have been totally delighted by the response we have had, it has been a lot of hard work to organise and set up but it has all been justified. We have had visitors from far and wide, and very good local support, and we would like to thank everyone for coming.’
The Festival featured a variety of aspects.
In the Stables Trading stalls specializing in world textiles enthralled visitors with a wide array of unique colourful items. There were talks and exhibits about tribal clothing and customs.
The weekend also included a very interesting range of talks and films, including presentations from John Gillow, Athene English, Ingrid Wagner and Robert Macdonald
Outside in the grounds, Kate Raggett, Mick Petts, and Simon English, all land artists held workshops and worked on separate pieces of work that unfolded over the weekend to finish with spectacular results
The trees within the grounds also performed with spectacular autumn colour, and were enhanced by a wonderful display of silk flags erected by Shona Watt.
Other workshops featuring Big Knitting, Fabric block printing and basket weaving also took place, occupying adults and children alike for many hours. Along with The Brecknockshire Guild of Spinners and Weavers and Dyers demonstrating their artistry.
New works by Penpont Artists: Robert Macdonald, Tessa Waite, and Morag Colquhoun were also on display.
As one visitor commented: ‘A feast for the senses, this is how daily life should always be, tasteful, stimulating, structured, and no pressure’.
The Cafe in the Stables was busy both days, and Kristyn Jill Carrolls vegetarian menu was a big hit with the visitors and by Saturday evening the larders were empty and we had to cook overnight to satisfy the demand on Sunday.
The Blanket, from the visitor survey draw, has been won by Mr J. Wormald from Llandeillo. The Name the New Ale competition was won by Julie from the Felinfach Griffin for her excellent name ‘Stiltskin Gold’ congratulations to her, and I hope she enjoys wiling away the winter evenings with a fine pint. Many thanks to Waen Brewery for initiating this competition.
