Canopy was delighted to be part of this year’s Mitcheldean Festival with hands-on workshops and artist-led activities.
In the lead-up to the festival, we supported Mitcheldean Endowed Primary School with an artist residency, and our partnership will continue this autumn with An Afternoon of Music & Arts at St Michael’s Church where young writers and poets from the school will share their work alongside local writer Maggie Clutterbuck. Later in October, we’ll also be leading a Creative Walk through the woods near the Wilderness Centre.
Mitcheldean Parish Council recognised that arts and crafts activities had been missing from previous festivals and welcomed Canopy’s offer to help fill that gap.
On festival day, our team and brilliant volunteers arrived early to set up a colourful row of gazebos, complete with bunting, batik flags and clear signs inviting everyone to enjoy our free artist workshops.
There was something for all ages. Tanya Mason introduced visitors to the fascinating world of automata, turning simple cardboard into moving sculptures. Nichola Goff from Print Yard Studio helped people create beautifully printed postcards using inks and stamps. Lisa Longmore inspired vintage-style collage with old photographs, maps and sheet music, while Emma from Wilful Ink encouraged children to bring butterfly illustrations to life with vibrant inks and watercolours.
Alongside the workshops, our Canopy stall shared information about our work across the Forest of Dean, including Creative Walks and other opportunities to get involved. Visitors also helped us map where they had travelled from, giving us a better understanding of the festival’s reach.
The workshops were busy throughout the afternoon, with fantastic feedback from children, parents and festival organisers alike.
As Cllr Tracey Cruickshank shared afterwards: “My nephew told me last night how much he enjoyed your stalls yesterday. He is 11 and said, ‘I liked the arts stuff!’ Coming from him that’s a rave review! I really hope we can do something again next year. Please thank all your volunteers on my behalf – you helped make the event better than it has been in years. We’re looking forward to building on these connections and returning to Mitcheldean again soon
Canopy Creative Network 