A trio of events are being planned for art lovers of all ages across Malmesbury next month, as the town turns into a vibrant canvas celebrating local talent, creativity, and community spirit.
The High Street+ Gallery is a popular annual event organised by Malmesbury Town Council. Running from 12 September to 11 October, this month-long initiative will showcase the work of 30 artists displayed in the windows of shops and businesses right across Malmesbury, spanning from the Triangle, past the Market Cross, down to the lower High Street.
The event offers a fantastic opportunity for artists to present and sell their work locally while encouraging residents and visitors to explore the trail.
Art enthusiasts can also look forward to the annual Flying Monk Art Trail on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September (10am to 4pm). Organised by arts development agency Caerbladon, this year’s trail features around 20 exhibitors, including eight brand-new participants.
Taking place across artist studios, homes, and pop-up spaces in Malmesbury and the surrounding villages, visitors can drop into open studios, meet local makers, and enjoy community stops along the route – including a coffee morning in Little Somerford organised by the Little Somerford Art Group in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.
Also featuring as part of the arts month bonanza, Caerbladon is organising the young people’s exhibition, running from 11 September to 23 September, at the John Bowen Gallery in Malmesbury Town Hall.
Inspiration behind the exhibition – called To Build a Home – comes from recent Malmesbury graduate Mareyam Smith’s university final piece, which was a model house. Through a series of themed summer workshops delivered by Mareyam, local young people have created their own pieces. Funding to support Mareyam’s role and Caerbladon’s youth outreach has come from Swindon and Wiltshire Community Foundation, Malmesbury Town Council, and Malmesbury Carnival.
Malmesbury Deputy Mayor Cllr Karen Drake, who is also co-founder of Caerbladon, said: “September is set to be a wonderful celebration of creativity in Malmesbury. It’s fantastic to see our community come together to support local artists, inspire young talent, and fill the town with art.”
Brochures with more information about all the events, including trail maps for the High Street+ Gallery and the Flying Monk Trail, are available from Malmesbury Tourist Information Centre, Caerbladon in the High Street and other venues across the town. More details of the Flying Monk Trail can also be found at www.flyingmonk.co.uk.
