The festival opened in style as participants gathered in Market Place for the community dance flash mob led by Mojo Moves, setting the tone for ten days filled with energy, creativity and participation. Later that evening, comedian Rich Hall launched the festival’s comedy programme at the Assembly Hall, paving the way for a hugely successful Comedy Weekend in King George V Park. Across two packed days, audiences enjoyed performances from some of the UK’s best-known comedians, with many attendees sharing positive feedback and promoters expressing interest in returning to Melksham next year.
Throughout the festival, Play Me, Melksham brought music to the heart of the town through a community piano in Market Place, where talented local pianists entertained shoppers and visitors with impromptu performances. The Hidden Melksham Photography Trail featured images by local photographer Kyle Stevens alongside work from members of the local Melksham photography group, with photographs displayed in business windows across the town centre, encouraging people to see familiar places from new perspectives. Meanwhile, Nicola Davies’ Art Heals exhibition remained on display throughout the ten days, showcasing a powerful collection of work exploring mental health, recovery and body positivity.
Workshops proved to be one of the festival’s great success stories. Ukulele workshops were particularly well attended, while Pottery Painting and Prosecco, origami, flower arranging, and canvas swapping all attracted enthusiastic participants keen to learn new skills in a relaxed, social setting. At The Hiding Place, the Canvas Swap event packed out the venue and created a memorable evening of collaborative creativity.
