About

How it all Started:  Local artist and parish councillor Judy Hill came up with the idea of hosting an arts festival in the picturesque coastal village of Alnmouth back in 2005.  

Exhibition and sale of art:  Over the years, the festival has grown and it is now one of the largest events in the village’s annual calendar, with over 50 artists, craftspeople and designers exhibiting and selling works across the village in more than 20 private and public venues, ranging from the Hindmarsh Hall to a garden shed.

Programme of events:  Whilst the exhibition and sale of art produced by artists across Northumberland has always been the core of the Festival, there have traditionally been some complementary activities during the weekend.  This year, for the first time, a full programme of events has been organised to support the Festival’s aim of celebrating art in all its forms, including literature and music. Further details of the events are to be found here;  they include two evening concerts, other musical events during the weekend, a pop-up cinema, a masterclass on portrait painting, some art workshops, a couple of illustrated talks on the art of gardening, a performance by a stand-up poet and comedian, a session of storytelling with music, and (weather permitting) the creation of a major piece of sand art on the beach with community participation.  Events before 5 pm on the Saturday and the Sunday are free.

Community Involvement:  Many villagers take part each year by offering space for exhibitors to display and sell their work.  Others sell guidebooks, provide refreshments and help to ensure the smooth-running of this bustling weekend of arts and events. 

Parking and Shuttle Bus:  For a modest fee, visitors will be able to park just outside Alnmouth, in the Football Club car park (beside Hipsburn Primary School), or in the beach carpark.  From either, it’s a short walk into the village.  However, there will be a regular free shuttle bus between the Football Club carpark and a stop near the War Memorial roundabout in the village.

Guidebook & Venue Map:  Visitors can buy a Guidebook from kiosks in the village. This contains information about events, the exhibitors and their artworks, as well as a Map of the Venues. 

Help and Information:  Throughout the weekend, there will be plenty of volunteers around to offer help and information.