THE CENTENARY of the magnificent Calstock Viaduct is the inspiration for the village's festival which kicks off tomorrow (Friday) underneath the arches. The Calstock Festival Committee has designed another fun-filled family event, including evening gigs and concerts from rock to classical, poetry workshops and readings, creative workshops for young and old, a festival café, arts and crafts market and a sports fun day. 'It's going to be great,' said committee member Janet Taylor. 'We have lots of things planned, more than last year and the underlying theme will be the viaduct which runs through the children's art exhibition and the workshops.' Up and coming Plymouth group 'The Van Daniels' will start the festivities on Friday evening in the village hall. The bank holiday weekend sees the climax of the event with activities including a DJ night for the youngsters, a concert in the chapel, theatre production, workshops and the festival procession. On the main festival day on Saturday there will be market stalls and music on the village green. On bank holiday Monday families are invited to join the lantern workshops and festival procession, leading from the village school to the green in the early evening. During the day there will be a village fete with activities on the river as well as on the green, providing another fun-packed day for the family. The art exhibition will continue through to Friday and is open to artists from the village, the valley and further afield. Events in the chapel, organised by Peterloo Poets, include a poetry workshop and poetry reading on Tuesday and a classical guitar evening on Thursday with Alison Smith. A sports day for young and old takes place on Wednesday with lots of activities, including archery, unicycling, fun runs, welly wanging and a tug of war. The festival runs until Saturday June 1. A full programme of events can be seen on the festival website: http://www.calstockfestival.co.uk">www.calstockfestival.co.uk where tickets can also be booked or contact the village hall on 01822 834418.
