From the District Council website:
A packed autumn of art in the District kicks off on September 17 with the week-long Rayleigh Arts Festival.
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Expect arts and crafts, historical tours, well-loved tales, comedy and music galore as from September 17 to September 24, Rayleigh plays host to a huge range of events for all ages.
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This year, we?re proud to announce that the Festival will welcome some very special guests as the creators of children?s television series Rastamouse, Michael De Souza and Genevieve Webster, will be at the Mill Arts and Events Centre.
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Fans of all ages are welcome to come and listen to the adventures of Rastamouse and Da Easy Crew at the special event on Saturday 17 September.
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There isn?t just Rastamouse in Rayleigh to look forward to, current British Street Dance champions Masters of Motion will be showcasing their skills while the Ripstop Theatre perform storytelling and shadow play in a show for children and families.
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Music lovers will enjoy the Whirlwind Wind Quintet performing music from across the centuries while the Swinging Belles vocal harmony group will transport you back in time with their musical tribute to the Andrews and Boswells sisters.
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Don?t forget to book up for Mark Stacey?s antiques afternoon in Rayleigh Library where he will give an afternoon talk followed by a valuation of your family heirlooms.
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It all kicks off with an entire afternoon of free events on Saturday September 17 between 12pm and 4pm around the centre of Rayleigh including drop-in Arts Workshops at the Mill Arts and Events Centre and Rayleigh Library, a Family Craft Day in Rayleigh Parish Centre and entertainments such a T-shirt spray painting along the High Street.
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The Rayleigh Arts Festival is the first event of a packed autumn of art in the District which includes both the Rochford Art Trail (between 22 and 29 October) and the Hadleigh Art Trail (between 8 and 15 October).
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Although many events at the Festival are free, there are some that require booking, for a full list of what?s taking place where and when as well as ticket prices, visit www.rochford.gov.uk or call .
And this is a taster for the Ripstop Theatre: