AFTER the action-packed Ageas Salisbury International Arts Festival four free outdoor events will headline the summer season at the Arts Centre.

Despite the shock loss in funding from Wiltshire Council, the Arts Centre will be bringing another diverse mix of international musicians, family fun and theatre performances.

The theatre programme kicks off again next week with Every Brilliant Thing on Tuesday, June 23. Described by The Sunday Times as “absurdly cherishable” and by The Guardian as “possibly one of the funniest shows you will ever see” it is performed by comedian Jonny Donahoe, it takes the difficult subject of depression and turns it into something both joyful and heart-wrenching.

Arts Centre Director Gemma Okell said: “One of the fantastic things about the arts is that they can tackle issues that we find difficult to talk about in a way that is engaging, entertaining and emotional.

"I saw Every Brilliant Thing at Edinburgh Festival last year and it is truly brilliant and very moving. I simply had to share it with our audiences.”

The following Tuesday will be the first of the Arts Centre's free outdoor events in the shape of a cycling Shakespeare troupe — The HandleBards.

The quartet, who cycle to all their shows whilst carrying props, play all the parts in Director James Farrell's wild 1930s indie-folk frolic.

Other outdoor events include Integrate, which is a quick-fire rap poetry and mini dance performance by disabled and non-disabled artists on Saturday, July 11.

Hijack All Dayer, Salisbury’s biggest youth arts festival, returns on Friday, July 24 with music and performances for 13 to 18 year olds. And this year’s Family Fiesta on Saturday, September 5 is set to be extra special, as it commemorates the Salisbury Arts Centre’s 40th birthday celebrations.

Meanwhile the music programme sees the arrival of groups from South Africa and the Blue Mountains of Australia in The Mahotella Queens and The Spooky Men’s Chorale.

Director Gemma Okell added: “I think these music events have to be two of my highlights for the summer.

"It’s really exciting to be bringing international acts to Salisbury. People absolutely rave about both the comedic value and musicality of The Spooky Men’s Chorale and The Mahotella Queens’ lively music is a perfect soundtrack for summer.”

The international theme continues throughout the film programme with Kumiko the Treasure Hunter, Bag of Rice and Trash taking us from Japan to Tehran and Rio de Janeiro.

July also brings the Arts Centre's annual Homegrown exhibition and performance of dance, film and scripts created within the venue.

There will also be plenty of opportunities to join in and develop new skills over the coming months.

Details of the full summer programme are available at salisburyartscentre.co.uk or through the Box Office on 01722 321744.