Starting on Friday, August 22, and lasting until Sunday, August 31, it will include a wealth of art, drama, music and some traditional strangeness (bathtub race and duck race) are on offer.

The castle will provide the perfect backdrop to three nights of events, including music from the Levellers, celebrating their 20th anniversary this year, and Mercury Music Prize nominee Seth Lakeman, on the opening day.

The Music Of Queen, billed as a rock and symphonic spectacular, and featuring the English National Orchestra and special guests from the West End's We Will Rock You, will wow the crowds the following day.

The National Symphony Orchestra will be joined by Lesley Garrett, Britain's most popular soprano, to offer up classical favourites and popular tunes on Sunday, August 24. All three nights will end with a fireworks display.

Shakespeare will also feature at the castle, with A Midsummer Night's Dream being performed by the British Shakespeare Company on August 28 and 29.

Candlelight Opera presents Mozart's Cosi Fan Tutte, again at the castle, this time in the Barons' Hall, on Wednesday, August 27.

A host of venues, including St Nicholas' Church, the Norfolk Centre and Arundel Cathedral, are involved in the festival, with something to suit just about everyone.

For more information click here

Young Shakespearean actor wanted

CALLING all young, budding thespians. The chance to perform with The British Shakespeare Company at Arundel Castle is up for grabs.

The company is looking for a boy from the Arundel area to play the part of the Indian prince in a Midsummer's Night Dream, pictured above, on August 28 and 29.

Castle manager, Bryan McDonald, said: "We thought it would be a wonderful opportunity for a local boy interested in acting.

"The young would-be actor should be aged between five and eight, of any nationality and will not need to learn lines."

The non-speaking part is essential to the play, as Titania and Oberon, the king and queen of the fairies, fight over the prince for his magical powers.

The casting team are looking for an animated and energetic person who can follow instruction, and parents will receive complimentary tickets to both shows.

To enter, send a photo with name, age and contact details to Jo Smith at Arundel Castle, West Sussex BN18 9AB, or e-mail jo.smith@arundelcastle.org before Monday (August 11).


Literature and drama on offer

CREATIVE writing will take centre stage at the Norfolk Centre this Arundel Festival.

Goings On is a four-day arts festival, incorporating drama, poetry and literature, from August 27 to 30.

There is the opportunity for visitors to read their own work to an appreciative audience, including published writers Marianne Barber and Audrey Lee, at Poetry Perhaps, at 5pm on Thursday, August 28.

Hot from Glastonbury and Brighton Festival, White Room Theatre and Film presents BITE-SIZE, a series of 10-minute plays, on Saturday, August 30, at 1pm.

Lots more is on offer at the centre, including songs and poetry from Horsham-based Air and Disgraces, and a two-hour celebration of William Blake, by Village Voices of Felpham, on the same day, from 4pm.
For more details, and a full programme of events, please call 01903 885615.


Bathtubs on the Arun

AND now for something completely different... Teams are invited to join in the Arundel Festival Bathtub Race.

There are nine classes, promising a splashing time for everyone on the River Arun, as long as they don't mind getting wet.

To be held at The Black Rabbit next Saturday (August 16, 12.45pm), the annual race will be raising money for the Chestnut Tree House children's hospice.

Martin Harvey, organiser, said: "Previous entries have included Thomas the Tank Engine, a paddle wheel powered Batmobile, a Viking invasion and the Flintstones' car.

"Everyone gets a medal and there are prizes for the first metal and plastic boats home, best fancy dress and best designed, among others."
All entries must be constructed from a bath tub, though it can be any material, and must be physically propelled by the crew.

To enter, call Martin on 01243 826183, or turn up on the day.


Racing ducks

IT WAS all yellow in Barnham last week, as Arundel and District Lions took on the arduous task of sorting out the ducks.

The annual Lions Charity Duck Race is less than a month away, so the plastic ducks, which will race along the River Arun from Arundel Town Bridge, need to be primed.

Lion Dee Gillin, of Pearson Road, Arundel, said: "We do it at a member's house in Barnham, and it's so funny because you can't see the lawn for yellow!

"There are about 1,000 of them, so it takes a few hours to number them all up, and get rid of any that have holes in."

Tickets are available on the day, August 30, as revellers gather at the bridge before the Duke of Norfolk throws the ducks in.

Winner is the first to Ford, and all proceeds will go to the Sussex Air Ambulance.

This year's first prize is £1,000, donated by Nicholas Plant Hire, there is £50 for second place, thanks to Durdle Builders, and Bunting and Co Estate Agent has given £25 for third place.

Members are pictured by Malcolm McCluskey sorting the ducks.

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