Tribute to legends: Roald Dahl movie screenings part of jam-packed Autumn Arts

A special celebration of the work of Roald Dahl – held in a year which marks the centenary of his birth – has been included in an ambitious Autumn Arts programme to be held in the borough.

The kids will absolutely love the chance to watch film magical adaptations of some of the author’s weird and wacky gems, while also endulging in special themed workshops.

Sure to be a highlight will be the screening of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory – based on Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – starring the legendary and much-missed Gene Wilder, who passed away last month at the age of 83.

In all four films will be shown and this element of the arts programme is being presented by Cinemagic.

As well as watching Charlie and his fellow golden ticket finders journey through the magical chocolate factory, the young audience members will also have the chance to try their hand at making chocolate.

And they will leave with a delicious goodie bag from Aunt Sandra’s.

The screening will be preceded by the chocolate workshop and the fun event – which is aimed at the five to 11-year-old age group – will take place on Friday, October 28, from 1.30pm until 4pm, in the Old Town Hall, Banbridge. Admission is £5 and can be booked by phoning 4066 0605.

Earlier in the day, from 10am until 12.30pm, The BFG will be screened and there will be a storytelling session with Steve Lally.

The Dahl-inspired fun continues on Saturday, October 29, with two more special workshops and screenings at the same venue. Activities this time centre around Fantastic Mr Fox and Matilda.

These events may be geared at the younger folk but there will be something for all ages during the Autumn Arts programme, which runs from October 15 until October 29.

It features a wide variety of wonderful workshops and exciting events in a number of locations within the borough, offering the opportunity for culture vultures of all ages and abilities the chance to harness their creative and artistic talents.

Lord Mayor Garath Keating recently got hands-on at the launch of the council’s popular annual arts programme, when he took to the potter’s wheel to create a masterpiece in clay with a little help from the good folks at Scarva Pottery Supplies.

Speaking at the launch, a slightly clay covered Lord Mayor said: “I am delighted to be involved with Autumn Arts. The programme is a perfect palette of arts, crafts, music and movies. The events and workshops highlight the terrific artistic talent we have on our doorstep and give everyone the chance to show off their creative side.”

Highlights include Arts in the Garden at the F.E. McWilliam Gallery and Studio on Saturday, October 15, where an abundance of artists and craftspeople will demonstrate the skills and techniques involved in producing amazing works of art.

You would be potty to miss Perfect Porcelain Clay with local ceramicist Brendan Fitzpatrick on Thursday, October 20. This workshop will give you the chance to create a delightfully delicate ceramic and is just one of the many Autumn Arts has to offer.

Look for the pop-up art gallery taking pride of place in Newry Street, Banbridge throughout October which will showcase the work of many local artists.

The annual Craft Fair in Solitude Park on Saturday, October 22 gets a tasty twist this year with the addition of a fabulous food marquee which plays host to celebrated chef and author, Jenny Bristow, Ireland’s Good Food Ambassador, who will be presenting a series of mouth-watering cookery demonstrations throughout the day

This is just a small selection of the many events and activities Autumn Arts has to offer, so as the leaves on the trees turn from green to brown it’s time to turn your thoughts to all things creative!

Full details of the packed programme including booking information can be found in the Autumn Arts brochure.

Download the full programme here: autumn-arts-2016

Picture: Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Garath Keating, takes a spin on the potter’s wheel at the launch of Autumn Arts 2016 under the expert guidance of ceramicist Brendan Fitzpatrick and Arts and Events Officer Leah Duncan.

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