‘We either do these events properly or we don’t do them at all’
‘We either do these events properly or we don’t do them at all’
Creative Oundle is the new name for the Oundle International Festival. Trustee Anne Burnett talks to Julia Thorley about how the festival has built on its success to develop a vibrant programme
For many years, the Oundle International Festival was a highlight of the arts calendar for performers and audiences alike. Now, though, it has had a makeover, with a new name and a new structure. Creative Oundle brings together Creative Oundle Events, Creative Oundle Cinema and Creative Oundle for Organists.
“Rather than a concentrated festival spanning a couple of weeks, Creative Oundle Events operates as an arts and cultural charity to deliver a series of varied shows and performances throughout the year to celebrate the arts in the broadest sense. This includes music, theatre and comedy, culminating in our fantastic Party at the Wharf in July,” explains Anne Burnett.
Like many arts organisations, the team at Oundle Creative had to work very hard to keep things going during Covid, but audiences have returned.
“Our events are back to being well supported. In fact, many of them sell out. Part of our success is that we listen to feedback from our audiences and when we plan, which we do about a year ahead, we look at what worked and what didn’t before booking anything. We try not to clash with other arts events in the area, too,” says Anne.
“Funding, of course, is an ongoing challenge, but Creative Oundle applies for and is awarded grants from various sources – “Thank you, Arts Council!” – including the Northamptonshire Community Foundation and some specific to organ music, as well as receiving support from local businesses and individuals, all of which is appreciated.
“Filling in grant applications can be a painful process and it’s a lot to ask of our trustees, who are already working their socks off, but it has to be done. Nevertheless, ticket sales are an important revenue stream. That’s why the choice of events is key. It’s a balancing act between offering things that have popular appeal but without being accused of dumbing down. Events have to cover their costs, and the more tickets we sell the more money there is in the kitty for the ongoing programme.”
The provision of community and educational events is a key part of what Creative Oundle offers, not least because it is a criterion of many funding bids.
“I hope that doesn’t sound too mercenary, but that’s the fact of the matter. Nevertheless, we don’t simply pay lip service to these things. My philosophy is that we either do these events properly or we don’t do them at all. We’ve taken out some of the more niche offerings and broadened the appeal to include more of what people want. They love the jazz concerts, for instance, and we now have comedy on the programme, which is very popular. We still have Shakespeare, but it’s in the safe hands of the Handlebards, who deliver outdoor theatre with a twist. It goes down very well.
“One of the highlights, though, is always the Party at the Wharf. Whatever the weather, people turn up with their picnics and dance the night away to a top-class tribute act, supported by a couple of local bands. It’s great fun and helps fund events the following year.”
Another jewel in the crown is the provision of summer schools and courses run by Creative Oundle for Organists and held at Oundle School.
“The school has two amazing organs that aspiring music students from all over the world come to play. We welcome about 40 organists at the summer schools, plus there are shorter programmes for youngsters. We’ve had some wonderful feedback from participants, including several who have told us that it’s helped them secure organ scholarships at Oxford and Cambridge universities. There are around 500 alumni now, 80 per cent of whom are still involved in music. I think that’s something to be proud of.”
Another venue that is used for many events throughout the year is the Queen Victoria Hall.
“The hall is a great facility for our town in a lovely old-fashioned building. We use it for a variety of activities, including our community cinema screenings, which are ideal for winter evenings.”
Alongside the three main threads of Creative Oundle is Open Gardens in Oundle, which this year will be on Sunday 9 June.
“This is a unique opportunity to explore Oundle and to have a look ‘behind the scenes’ at about a dozen gardens around the town. At this time of year, they should be looking lovely, including the roses, of course. There’s an appealing mix of properties that will be opening this year, cared for by knowledgeable and enthusiastic gardeners.”
Next year it will be 40 years since the start of the Oundle Festival, and the team at Creative Oundle plan to mark the occasion with a wide range of events that will celebrate the past but with an eye to the future.
Read more about Creative Oundle on its new website.
If you would like your arts project, venue or event to feature as a weekend cultural piece you can get in touch with Julia Thorley at julia.thorley@googlemail.com