Malmesbury’s High St+ Art Gallery will return with a bang this year, promising to be its most successful edition yet.
With a record 52 artists showcasing their work across the town’s shops and businesses, the 2024 event is set to be one for the books. Launched on Saturday, 17th August, by Malmesbury’s Deputy Mayor Stephen James, the gallery will run until 22nd September, transforming the town centre into a vibrant and eclectic display of local talent.
The High St+ Art Gallery has become a highlight of Malmesbury’s cultural calendar, drawing in both locals and visitors eager to explore the wide variety of artwork on offer. This year, the collection is as diverse as it is impressive, featuring paintings, photography, glasswork, ceramics, mixed media, mosaic, and even iconography. The pieces come from a mix of seasoned artists and fresh faces, all keen to make their mark on the town’s artistic landscape. With every piece available for purchase, it’s no surprise that some have already been snapped up by eager buyers.
Organised by Malmesbury Town Council, the event is more than just an art show; it’s a celebration of the town’s creative spirit and a fantastic way to attract visitors to the area. A free map detailing the locations of all the artwork, along with information about the artists, can be picked up from the Tourist Information Centre at Malmesbury Town Hall or downloaded from the Town Council’s website.
Cllr Kim Power, one of the event’s organisers, expressed her excitement about this year’s gallery, saying, “Malmesbury is definitely the place to visit over the summer! The High St+ Art Gallery is for everyone—you can follow the free trail and just enjoy looking at the artwork, but it’s also available to buy, at a variety of prices. We have been blown away this year by the huge talent of those exhibiting their artwork, from well-known and established artists to those who are just starting out. We are also really delighted with the phenomenal response from a record 52 artists and corresponding number of shops and businesses wanting to take part. There is a real buzz in town!”
The High St+ Art Gallery is just one of several cultural events happening in Malmesbury this summer. On the weekend of 21st and 22nd September, the annual Flying Monk Art Trail will take place, organised by local arts development agency Caerbladon. This trail will showcase the work of artists and makers living and working in Malmesbury and the surrounding villages, offering yet another opportunity for visitors to explore the town’s rich artistic offerings.
For those with a taste for music, the second annual Malmesbury Folk & Roots Festival will also be held on 21st September. Set in the atmospheric Abbey Cloister Gardens, the festival will run from 2pm to 9:30pm, featuring an eclectic line-up of performances. Tickets are priced at £30 for adults, £15 for 13 to 17-year-olds, and free for under-13s, and can be purchased from the Town Hall, Tourist Information Centre, Caerbladon, or online.
