The Hadleigh Arts Trust (HAT) is a new organisation dedicated to uniting local arts groups and ultimately creating a dedicated centre for the performing arts in Hadleigh.
“Our aim is to bring people from all backgrounds, communities and ages together through the arts” explains Hilary Ferry the instigator of HAT.

The recent Hadleigh ArtsFest – a weekend of arts activity and entertainment in the Town – succeeded in raising the profile of the trust as well as providing an opportunity to showcase a wide range of local art activity.

Events on the Saturday included workshops on creative writing, cartooning, Theatre Appreciation and playmaking with belly dancing and Samba on Sunday. “The belly-dancing proved very popular, particularly amongst the men!! ” explains Hilary.

Saturday evening included shows by Suffolk Acting Youth and a Victorian Melodrama performed by adults.
Sundays activities included face painters, a clown/juggler, stilt walker, the Hadleigh High School Samba Band,  the Diamondlites Majorettes and a Chocolate Profiterole Tower Challenge. The Hadleigh Army Cadets acted as stewards for the event.
This ambitious line-up demonstrates just how dynamic and hard-working Hilary and her supporters are. In a remarkable coup, they have succeeded in getting internationally famous artist Maggi Hambling to become HAT’s Patron. Maggi sent the following message at the start of the Fest to underline her support

‘Good Luck to Hadleigh Arts Trust.  Somewhere for people to create and perform will surely benefit everyone, participants and audiences alike. Such a place could inspire greatness and I cheer this initiative’

“Maggi has very close ties to the town” says Hilary “She was born in Sudbury but grew up in Hadleigh where her father was a local bank manager.”

So far HAT has received financial support from local sponsors, both Hadleigh Town and Babergh District Councils and The National Lottery . 

“It’s still very early days for the Trust” Hilary tells me “but our ultimate goal is to secure a dedicated arts space for Hadleigh. The ArtsFest was our first step along that road.  We believe that putting the arts at the heart of our community will improve quality of life and strengthen community cohesion and pride in Hadleigh ”

It’s difficult not to be impressed by the drive and determination shown by Hilary and her team and we wish HAT every success. If you’d like to find out more about HAT, get involved or make a donation you can contact Hadleigh Arts Trust by email at hadleighartstrust@hotmail.com Maggi Hambling's official website is at www.maggihambling.com