At the 2023 Babworth Arts Festival, there will be a fantastic range of original paintings and other works from artists and art groups based in and around Retford – some of which will be available for sale. A brilliant display of quilts will also be on display with contributions from Retford U3A and individual quilters.
At 10am on Saturday 18th November, Bassetlaw District Council Deputy Chair, Cllr Gillian Freeman will officially open the Babworth Arts Festival, followed by a talk from local tour guides, Maggy and Chris Watkins, who will speak about “Mayflower New Beginnings”.
At 1.00pm on Sunday 19th November, The Doncaster Waites will give a short talk about the heritage of the Waites and their fascinating instruments, and will play some songs of the streets of Tudor and Jacobean England. The Festival originated as part of The Mayflower Pilgrims story which has deep roots in and around Bassetlaw. Babworth church formed the “crucible” where the key elements of Richard Clyfton, John Robinson, William Bradford, and William Bradford met and started to form their ideas. Bradford and Brewster went on to found and run Plimoth Colony in America, and Robinson supported the expedition from Holland, and also founded the Congregational Church.
Entry is free, refreshments will be available throughout the weekend and there is free parking in the car park, and a toilet in the church. Any artists wishing to show their work should deliver items to Babworth Church between 12noon and 3pm on Friday 17th November. The theme for this year’s Babworth Arts Festival is “Heritage & Home” which reflects the overall approach of Thanksgiving.
BCH is very grateful to Cath Ray Studios, Jenny King, Maggy and Chris Watkins, The Doncaster Waites, Brushstrokes Art Group, Bassetlaw Museum, and all at Babworth Church for their support.
