Art Alive in Norfolk's churches

Norfolk's churches took part in a traditional art and craft festival

Twenty six churches in the Breckland district were brought to life through art in the Art Alive festival.

The festival was set up to revive an interest in traditional arts and encourage people to visit their local churches across Norfolk.

"We wanted to teach rural crafts to a new generation," said Mark Stokes, Breckland Council strategic director.

The art festival took place in Norfolk's churches on Saturday, 23 May, until Monday, 25 May, 2009.

It was the second year the festival had taken place, organised by the Diocese of Norwich and Norfolk County Council. Twelve churches took part in 2008, but in 2009 its participation had bolstered to 26.

Places of worship involved in the 2009 festival included Norwich Cathedral, All Saints in Mattishall and St Benet's Abbey near Horning.

"We chose churches like All Saints in Mattishall because they have very important heritage features we want everyone to see," said Pam Sayle, a spokesperson for the festival.

Activities

Basket making was just one of the rural activities you could take part in

Standout activities included acclaimed craftsman John Bardell demonstrating his stained glass workmanship at St Mary's, East Bradenham, and at St Mark's Church in Ten Mile Bank, local author Sarah Bower of the Writers' Centre, Norwich, hosted writing workshops for people of all ages.

People at St Nicholas Church, Blakeney, also had a chance to get their hands dirty in a painting session, where they were encouraged to bring their own brush.

Art Alive took place from Saturday, 23 May - Monday, 25 May, 2009 at twenty six churches in the Breckland district.