This September, Greenham Common will once again be a stage for stories – though this time, not of Cold War brinkmanship but of art, memory and imagination.
Corn Exchange Newbury’s 101 Outdoor Arts Programme is marking the 25th anniversary of the Common’s return to public ownership with Creative Commons, a weekend of free performances and installations (13–14 September, 11am–6pm).
Once the site of military occupation and the famous Greenham Women’s Peace Camp, the Common has been reclaimed by nature and the community. Creative Commons invites visitors to walk the heath, woods and open spaces while encountering a diverse programme of aerial circus, street theatre, dance, music and interactive installations.
Corn Exchange director Jessica Jhundoo-Evans said:
“We’re really excited to present this Greenham take-over; a bumper weekend of activity for families to enjoy. Alongside the Festival of Arts and Crafts, it promises to be the biggest celebration we’ve staged yet.”
Highlights include Gossamer Thread Circus with Becoming FERAL – a striking mix of circus and soundscape inspired by folklore – and Nandita Shankardass’ Roots to Rise, which draws on ancestry, textiles and women’s protests. Dora Colquhoun’s Snakes Live Here offers an audio-led trail across the Common, while Louise Jordan and Divija Melally’s Hold the Line pays musical tribute to the Greenham Women.
For younger audiences, Rachel Lincoln’s Common is a family-friendly walk with music, storytelling and keepsakes, and Simon Daw’s Unknown Forest leads children through an interactive puzzle trail. Public art duo Yara + Davina will spark debate with their installation A Moral Compass, asking visitors to place themselves along 32 positions on the theme of peace.
The weekend coincides with The Base Greenham’s Festival of Arts & Crafts Fair, with over 50 stalls, workshops, live music and food. A free shuttle bus will link the two, making it a true creative takeover of Greenham.
Simon Chatterton, strategic lead at 101 Outdoor Arts, summed it up:
“Through a single location, Greenham tells stories of protest, environmental restoration and resilience. Creative Commons is about celebrating all of that – and enjoying this remarkable place for the beauty it now holds.”
Full details and schedules are available at cornexchangenew.com/creative-commons.
