Langley’s largest annual celebration of visual arts and music returns for its 20th year later this month.
Once again, local painters, potters, sculptors and jewelry designers will gather in the streets, as Arts Alive takes over downtown Langley on Saturday, Aug. 17.
Those artists will be joined by not only a host of talented musicians in a range of genres, but by a stage full of Shakespearean actors, as well.
In all, more than 200 visual and performing artists are expected to present a non-stop schedule of demonstrations and musical performances, beginning at 10 a.m. and continuing all day long.
“Arts Alive has become a signature art event in not only the City of Langley, but in the entire Lower Mainland,” said organizer Teri James.
“We are proud to be organizing the 20th anniversary of this free, fun, family festival, and we recognize that this can’t be done without the amazing founders, sponsors, volunteers, organizers,partners and staff that bring this event to our community year after year.”
There will be a children’s fun park, as well, featuring face painting, craft making and more.
Visitors can stop by Salt Lane, and take in a wide variety of acts, from music and dancing to children’s skits.
Finished just in time for the event, the brand new performance stage on the redesigned McBurney Lane will be featuring live country and rock and roll musicians Steve Laszcz, Heidi McCurdy, De La Terra, Michael Friedman, Joe Given and Songtree.
Meanwhile, there will be a little something for jazz fans in the crowd as well, with a mainstage set up at the corner of 204 Street and Fraser Highway.
In nearby Douglas Park, a special Arts Alive performance of Bard in the Valley’s The Comedy of Errors will begin on the Spirit Square stage at 7 p.m. The cast will also perform selected scenes from the play during the afternoon.
And new this year, the first 500 visitors will receive a special goody bag of gifts from downtown businesses worth $300.
“Our business community is waiting to greet you with a warm welcome, and we have an amazing variety of artists, artisans and crafters participating this year,” James said.
“To celebrate 20 years of success we have new surprises and a whole lot of fun planned — so bring your friends and family and prepare to have an amazing day.”
There is no charge to attend any of these events.
For more info, visit downtownlangley.com or facebook.com/langleyartsalivefestival.
