Wiltshire Creative to return with City Encounters

The announcement comes as the government started the first phase of its road map out of lockdown.

Wiltshire Creative, the pan-arts organisation made up of Salisbury Playhouse, Salisbury Arts Centre and Salisbury International Arts Festival, said: “Whilst Salisbury International Arts Festival will not be able to go ahead in its conventional format, we promised you that we would still bring music, performance and culture to the streets and spaces of Salisbury. We want culture to lead the way in bringing the city back to life in the summer months, for the whole community.”

Celebrations start with the return of City Encounters - a free outdoor programme of socially distanced performances in collaboration with Without Walls over the May bank holiday weekend.

The Lord Chamberlain’s Men will present an outdoor performance of Shakespeare in Rack Close, part of the Cathedral Close in June.

And a summer season of performances from visiting artists will mark the re-opening Salisbury Playhouse.

Wiltshire Creative added: “With live performance on hold until the end of May at the earliest, we will continue with our Watch From Home programme of digital work over the next few months. In April, Wiltshire Creative will also host a unique digital experience from an Internationally renowned theatre company.”

Wiltshire Creative has also launched a new project - SHIFT - which will enhance and expand its work with and for young people.

Wiltshire Creative added: "Despite the excitement of looking ahead to when we can welcome you back, the organisation still faces huge challenges, with our income and with our artistic planning, both of which have been hugely disrupted for over the last year. Your generosity as well as support from the Cultural Recovery Fund have got us this far, but there is still a long road to recovery. Your loyalty and support continues to be vital."

For more go to wiltshirecreative.co.uk and for the City Encounters line- up visit withoutwalls.uk.com