Essex Jiangsu Festival - Belinda Farrell

So, today I was joined by Belinda Farrell who is International Cultural Festival Manager in Essex and has been set the rather tall task of organising the Essex Jiangsu Festival.

 

What’s that you may ask? Well shame on you – we’ve been talking about it for weeks! But if you do want the details, keep reading my friends…

 

Essex County Council have had a relationship with Jiangsu Province in China for twenty years, this year. Lord Hanningfield, leader of the council wanted to celebrate that especially as it coincided nicely with the start of the olympics.

 

Launched at the end of June and it’s going to be running right through to March 2009

Literally hundreds of events will be taking place throughout the months of the festival, the closest one in the East Meets West Twilight Spectacle at Weald Park which has just SOLD OUT! And the Dragon Boat Race which takes place this Sunday.  It the biggest international arts festival Essex has ever taken part in and thousands of people are flocking to get involved in all the cultural shows and events which will be taking place all over the county.

 

            

Belinda told me she was particularly amazed at just how popular the whole thing has proved to be, the local media has taken a massive interest – including us of course – and the thousands of people who have been attracted by the events were never anticipated – pretty amazing!

 

And you can listen to the interview again by clicking here.