Residents get a sneaky taste of this year’s Adur Festival

The Ropetackle, in High Street, was jam-packed on Thursday with stalls offering tasters of craft workshops, books, food, music, original artwork and much more.

With canapés provided by Shoreham-based caterer Lesley’s Kitchen, people mingled and checked out stalls, activities and live acts that will be taking part in the festival, which runs from May 30 to June 14.

To tie in with this year’s ‘Food of Love’ theme, West Sussex Libraries are to hold a talk with local chef and TV personality, Momma Cherri.

Librarian Frances Maloney said: “We’re delighted to support the festival. We have done this for several years because the libraries like to engage with the community.”

The team at West Sussex Libraries is also hosting a chocolate tasting event with Le Salon Du Chocolat, along with storytelling activities for children.

Momma Cherri will appear at Shoreham Library on June 4, 7pm, tickets £3.

Craft Club, in association with Pop Gun Productions, will be helping people decorate their bicycles for the Southwick Street Party.

Club members will be on hand to help cyclists get ready for the Caravan of Love procession in Southwick Square, June 13, from 9am.

Lizzy Tindall, of Craft Club, said: “We’re going to be doing flags for the back and we have a cargo bike leading the way to Middle Road.”

If you are a lover of all things summery, Over the Moon will be hosting a Craft Therapy workshop at Tom Foolery Cafe on June 4, at 7.30pm, and asking adults to get their creative caps on.

Emily Phillips said: “Come along and have a nice relaxing evening, create something and make new friends. You can draw a picture on a pebble or make origami boats.”

Shoreham Art Gallery will be taking part for another year to show off local talent.

Artist Hilary Stirling (also known as the crafty potter) said: “We just wanted to show people the high quality arts and crafts that are on sale in the gallery in Brunswick Road.”

The gallery will be open throughout the duration of the festival.

Get ready to race at the Donkey Derby and Classic Vehicle Rally in Buckingham Park, Shoreham, on June 14.

Organised by Adur East Lions, anyone can sign up to be an amateur jockey and take part in a genuine donkey race.

“This happens every year,” said Lions member Richard Behling.

“There are donkey rides and anyone can sign up as a jockey. We’ll be raising lots of money for good causes on the day,”

Experience a time warp and take yourself back to the ’40s and ’50s with Vera’s Travelling Teas.

Theresa Carey, who dresses in retro garbs and listens to Frank Sinatra, will be hosting her pop-up tea parties in numerous venues during the festival.

She said: “I have a library, memorabilia table and we do food, including gluten free options.”

Theresa will be at the Old School House in Ham Road on June 12.

For those that like their battle ships, Ian Watson is the secretary of Swiss Cottage Model Boat Club and he will have his extraordinary work on display, including an HMS Ark Royal that took him five months to create.

“I’m trying to get people interested so I can start a model workshop,” said Ian.

The club will be visiting Fishersgate Community Centre on June 13 and 14.

Having recently been awarded a £5,000 grant by Adur Pot of Gold, Hands on Workshops has arranged some fun craft making events.

Hanna Boal said: “We’re going to have an animation station with puppet making, collages, sculptures and stop animation. It’s all about giving children real experiences.”

This is just the tip of the iceberg. There are many more events, activities and talks throughout the festival.

For more details and to see the full list of what is on, visit www.adurfestival.co.uk