PENFEST 2014: COMMUNITY ARTS AND CRAFTS FESTIVAL IN MIDLOTHIAN

Penfest returns from 30 August to 14 September 2014 with a spectacular range of events including
music, poetry, author talks and workshops. The aim of the festival is to bring the community
together and celebrate the wealth of talent across the county.
The Arts Trail sees local shops opening their windows up to local artists displaying their work and will
run throughout the festival, making art accessible to locals and visitors alike. Local artist throw open
their studios to allow the public to see where and how the art works are made. If you enjoy craft
events, the Penicuik Bunting Project aims to create a collaborative piece of community art which
people of all abilities can contribute to and bring their own creativity to the project. Inspired Writers
are holding a creative writing workshop on 2 September with musical accompaniment and welcome
new members.
There are many wonderful events, some of the highlights being the annual Art Show and Penicuik
Turner Prize award event judged by watercolourist Darren Woodhead, a night of poetry in the
beautiful setting of Rosslyn Chapel, an evening of Jazz, and an illustrated lecture by Kellan MacInnes,
author of Calebs List.
Penfest aims to encourage young people to engage with arts and crafts in their community. In May
of this year a writing competition for primary school children was launched, and on Saturday 13
September at Penicuik Town Hall we have the Childrens Writing Competition award ceremony.
Janis Mackay, winner of the Scottish Children Book Prize and The Kelpie Prize, worked with children
from 5 Penicuik primary schools to produce almost 100 marvellous stories which find, and solve, the
Mystery of Penicuik. The Penicuik Epic will also be launched at this event, a book celebrating the
work of the children. Penicuik will never be the same again after their talent has been unleashed!
Penfest opens with a spectacular Irish inspired concert at Penicuik Town Hall with performances by
Irish singer Michelle Burke, accompanied by James Ross, and Absolutely Legless, an Edinburgh based
folk dance group. Full programme details can be found at www.penicuikarts.org/penfest-2014/.
Tickets available online or from the craft shop at 4 West Street, Penicuik.
Notes to Editors:
Penfest is organised by Penicuik Community Arts Association, West Street Arts Centre, 2-4 West
Street, Penicuik EH26 9DL (SC014154)
Penfest is part of Midfest, Midlothians Festival of Arts, from 6
th
to 14
th
September
Contact details:
Jacqueline McDonald Chairperson, Penicuik Community Arts Association. Telephone: 07702
276105
Zoe Furnivall Press Officer, Penicuik Community Arts Association. Telephone 07908 230080; email
zoefurnivall@gmail.com