CREDITON Arts were very much Alive on Saturday, June 24.

More than 300 people attended the Crediton Arts Alive festival in Holy Cross Church, Crediton, where they were treated to and entertained with superb music, poetry, and short films.

The Rev Lewis Eden, Assistant Curate at Holy Cross, and organiser of the day commented: “It was fantastic to see so many people come to the church and experience much of the creative talent that is present within this town.

"Throughout the day we were treated to a whole range of different acts and performances.

"The day started and ended with music. Crediton Youth Orchestra opened the day performing 11 different orchestral pieces that included the 'Doctor Who' theme tune, Pharrell Williams’ 'Happy' and many other pieces that had been selected by members of the orchestra themselves.

"The church choir ended the proceedings in the church, with renditions of choral music from the 16th century to the present day, a great range from Thomas Tallis to John Rutter. 

"The rest of the day was punctuated by poetry, music, and drama. 

"It was a day in which the audience members felt an entire range of emotions, with everything from pure joy to being racked with utter sadness and heartbreak, and that was only from one performer.

"Dom Lee, a local award winning filmmaker screened for us his wonderful and emotion filled short film 'Fortbox, which showed the story of a young boy dealing with his mother’s illness and eventual death through the hobby that he and his mum had of building things out of cardboard boxes.

"The short film ended with a collective coming together of the town as they mourned this mum’s death. It was an absolute tear jerker of a short movie.

"All the acts and performers who took part were from the town of Crediton and the surrounding area.

"This meant that we were able to see snapshots of some upcoming performances, most notably, the upcoming production of Moana, by QE’s Theatre Company, run by Mrs Emily Morgan. 

"Mrs Morgan loved giving the abridged version of the full length show that the children will be leading this week at QE’s Western Road Campus, and invited everyone to buy a ticket and come along to see the full length show."

Rev Eden added: "The day was a complete success and it will go ahead next year."

If anyone would be interested in taking part or being involved with the organisation of the event next year please get in touch with Lewis on 01363 779632 or email: [email protected] .