Crowborough has strong connections with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle who moved to Windlesham Manor in 1908, brought up a family and continued his writing until his death in 1930.
In the Crowborough Town Council document; Top of the Weald – A Vision for Crowborough 2010-2030 it said “By 2030 we want Crowborough to be a thriving town, celebrating its unique position on ‘Top of the Weald’. We want the town to attract visitors to enjoy both its location and its rich historical heritage and vibrant culture.” The document continued, “Crowborough’s status as a place to live and visit will be a source of pride for its residents, strengthening local ties and community self-confidence.”
A group of residents have now formed the Crowborough Festival Association with the aim of organising a festival in May 2017. Festival chairman, Denis Hart, was so impressed with the town’s unique location, on top of the high Weald, and its closeness to the Ashdown Forest that he and his family moved from Tunbridge Wells last year.
“When I discovered Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of Sherlock Holmes, had lived in Crowborough for 23 years, brought up a second family here and published The Lost World, whilst living at Windlesham Manor, I set out to discover more about the town and its heritage.” says Denis
Now with a team of 12, plus support from the Town Council including local Cllr Matthew Street on the Steering Group, plans are underway to create an exciting programme with events aimed at all age groups.
As well as the town’s literary and rural heritage, the festival will celebrate the talents of local people in music, dance, theatre and the creative arts.
Activities for children including nature trails, together with conservation and wild life workshops will be an integral part of the festival.
Talks, film screenings, music and a food fair plus an exciting new dramatic interpretation of Conan Doyle’s life will be premiered and performed by the town’s renowned Crowborough Players. Sherlock Holmes himself will also be making various appearances throughout the festival as he aims to solve a baffling new mystery.
“As well as raising money for local charities we hope to create civic pride in what Crowborough has to offer to residents and visitors alike” says Denis.
The festival will be promoted by an interactive web site, social media, radio and press. A printed programme will be distributed throughout the town with posters and flyers promoting individual events.
“We very much hope local businesses will support the Festival by partnering as a sponsor for a single event or as an associate sponsor of the festival” adds Denis.
If you would like to know more about the Crowborough Community Festival or interested in sponsorship opportunities, please contact the Festival Chairman hart.f.denis@gmail.com.
Featured in: Issue 69 – September/October 2016
