Some events exceed all expectations. The Belford Arts Festival - at the weekend - was one of them.
Bell View was delighted yet again to be one of the festival’s venues this year, providing food, drink and transport around the village — and the response from the community was quite something. By mid-morning it was clear that Belford’s appetite for arts, culture and a good bacon sandwich was considerably greater than anyone had predicted.
To those who waited longer than they should have for their breakfast roll, we offer a genuine apology. Our community café was running on the goodwill and sheer determination of a combined team of staff and volunteers who gave absolutely everything, and the queues were a testament to the appetite for the festival rather than any lack of effort. The team was simply superb.
The day itself was a joy from start to finish. Nigra Luna and the Morris Dancers always a festival favourite, were as wonderful as ever — the kind of performance that draws you in and leaves you wanting more. The musicians and practitioners who came through our doors brought extraordinary work and marvellous company in equal measure, and the conversations that flowed alongside the coffee were as rich as the art itself.
The Belford Arts Festival is a reminder of what makes this community so special. Our thanks go to every volunteer and member of staff who made the day possible, and to everyone who joined us — or waited so patiently outside.