Tamworth arts festival returns after community crowdfunding

43 minutes ago Clare Lissaman People can watch acrobats, street artists create murals, and a professional wrestling show when the Tamworth arts festival returns this weekend. Arts collective New Urban Era (Nue) said the Art of Tamworth will take place in the town's castle grounds this Saturday after local passion and community spirit helped raise £8,000, boosted by council and charity support. Nue founder Vic Brown expressed disappointment over not receiving Arts Council England (ACE) funding for its wider programme of events this year, but acknowledged high demand and said, 'the show must go on.' The arts council acknowledged its funding was always competitive and was pleased the festival was still going ahead. Brown highlighted that Saturday's free festival received crucial backing from Tamworth Borough Council, ward councillors, and the Staffordshire Space scheme, which funded the 'high-octane Bathory Pro-Wrestling showcase.' In addition to wrestling, the festival includes beatbox and dance workshops, as well as stalls for creative arts. Kieran Haughton Acrobats will perform alongside other activities, including performances, music, and workshops. Brown noted, 'It is disappointing not to be funded by Arts Council England for our two-year project, however we appreciate the high demand for funding during this difficult time for the sector.' He added, 'Arts Council England has been a fantastic, long-standing supporter of New Urban Era over the years, and their past funding has been crucial in building Tamworth's creative scene.' The festival celebrates local resilience, talent, and creativity. Liz Johnson, Midlands area director at ACE, said, 'We're delighted that New Urban Era has been able to continue despite not receiving Arts Council funding for this year's event.' She noted that ACE funding is always competitive, with a success rate of 33% across the country. Brown thanked supporters for rallying, stating the festival would be a 'true celebration of local resilience, talent, and creativity.' ACE mentioned that New Urban Era had received six National Lottery project grants since 2018, totaling £160,000, allowing them to bring great creative experiences to the people of Tamworth.