Tunbridge Wells Puppetry Festival to be organised by the Hever Festival Theatre team
14:59, 12 January 2021
updated: 15:05, 12 January 2021
A puppetry festival which brings live performances by top puppeteers from across the world to Kent has a new team pulling the strings.
The Tunbridge Wells Puppetry Festival was founded by Linda Lewis, who has now retired, back in 2014 and held for the first time in 2015.
The biennial event, which was last held in 2019, will now be organised by Ailsa Molyneux and Alison Bundy, who head the team behind Hever Festival Theatre.
“Alison and I are very excited to have the opportunity to continue this fabulous festival into 2021 and beyond.
"Linda is leaving a wonderful legacy and after such a trying year for everyone, we are planning to bring some fabulous puppetry and the shared enjoyment of live performance back to the community of Tunbridge Wells.”
Every two years the family-friendly festival brings world-class puppetry and spectacle to the streets of the town.
The first featured Joey the War Horse and the second held in partnership with Disney's The Lion King, with cast members and production team from the landmark musical visiting from the West End.
“I am delighted that Ailsa and Alison are taking over the helm. Both are experienced arts producers and their commitment to their new roles will ensure that the festival will continue to develop and thrive," said Linda.
"Many thanks to all the volunteers who have worked for the festival since its inception. I look forward to the festival in 2021.”
For more details and to volunteer for the 2021 festival visit twpuppetryfestival.org