GET set - Taunton Live is just around the corner and it promises a fabulous feast of the arts for everyone.

Taunton Live Arts Festival 2016 will provide an exciting celebration of the performing and creative arts between Monday July 18 and Sunday, July 24.

This years activities will centre on Castle Green and a different genre of the arts will be celebrated each day of the week with installations, demonstrations, performances and related workshops for both adults and children and are Free.

On Friday, July 22, there is a special celebration of Dance, Fashion and Movement and as part of this we will showcase Fashion Shows on Castle Green of both Somerset College 1st and 3rd year Fashion and Textiles students work and T-Shirts designed and decorated by local charities and community groups including Taunton Association for The Homeless, Promise, The Albemarle Centre and Longrun House.

Jenny Keogh, one of the festival organisers said: “Following on from the success of Taunton Live 2015 with over 350 events ranging from classical music to yarnbombing; art exhibitions and performances; GoCreateTaunton is currently working on enhancing and improving the quality of Taunton Live 2016 to provide an exciting celebration of the performing and creative arts between Monday 18th and Sunday 24th July.

“For our 2016 Festival the majority of activities will centre on Castle Green and a different genre of the arts will be celebrated each day of the week with installations, demonstrations, performances and related workshops for both adults and children. Please see links for more information on individual days.

“As with last year the programme will be supported by exhibitions, performances and ‘Adopt an Artist’ events in a variety of Taunton venues, The Schools’ Open Art Competition, The Amazing Taunton Live Sock Extravaganza, and Schools’ Poetry Competition.

“TauntonLive is organised by GoCreate Taunton. GoCreate Taunton is a Community Interest Company based inTaunton Deane whose members are creative practitioners. You can find out more about GoCreate Taunton by visiting our website here www.gocreate.org.uk

“We really hope that we’ll see you at some of the events which are open to one and all and that you have a fantastic time enjoying the arts and exploring your own creativity.”

Some events to look out for:

Monday, July 18:

2D ART DAY. Todays activities celebrate the two dimensions in Art and Design. Events include a giant ‘paintathon’ on Castle Green, a demonstration of graffiti painting, large public painting workshops for adults and children in both individual and group contexts and Sales of original art.

Tuesday, July 19:

3D ART DAY : Local sculptors will be exhibiting their work and demonstrating their craft - from giant origami to stone sculptures. Demonstrations by a blacksmith, potter and stone sculptor will be complimented by various workshops, including clay modelling, puppet-making, origami, fused glass, wire and withy work.

Wednesda, July 20:

COMEDY AND STREET PERFORMANCE DAY : Genius P.R. will be organising, with involvement from other providers, a fabulous day of comedy and street performance. This will include workshops for both adults and children. This day will link up with the Taunton Fringe event at The Brewhouse.

Thursday, July 21

POETRY, LITERATURE & DRAMA Day: John Stuart of Fire River Poets, will programme a day which celebrates the written word. Workshops encouraging adults and children to write a short story, indulge in a giant game of scrabble will feature alongside pop up performances by drama groups.

Friday, July 22:

DANCE, MOVEMENT AND FASHION. Featuring hula-hooping, belly dancing, samba, ballet, tap and jive with opportunities for members of the public to join in. Around 100 line dancers will take to the floor to perform and encourage people to learn a routine which can be performed on Sunday 24th.

For details of all events, go to: tauntonlive.co.uk