A giant labyrinth of glowing colour, extraordinary live music and immersive performances is set to transform Cassiobury Park this August as Colourscape returns for a ten-day festival...
Running from 22 to 31 August, the much-loved attraction invites visitors to wander through around 70 interconnected chambers filled with vibrant natural light, where musicians and performers appear around every corner to create a unique experience that's never the same twice.
The festival opens with a special Preview Day on Saturday 22 August, offering visitors the chance to experience the spectacular installation in a quieter setting without live performances, ideal for anyone who prefers a calmer sensory environment.
The programme then comes alive with a different musical theme each day. On Sunday 23 August, visitors can enjoy Bells and Alphorns, featuring the remarkable sounds of giant four-metre-long alphorns, chamber bells and live electronic music, creating one of the festival's most dramatic and atmospheric experiences.
Throughout the week, resident musician Michael Ormiston leads interactive performances and family-friendly workshops, encouraging visitors of all ages to become part of the experience rather than simply watching it.
The final weekend features more specially curated performances. On Sunday 30 August, contemporary ensemble Standard Issue presents an imaginative programme inspired by place, texture and environment, blending acoustic and electronic music throughout the colourful labyrinth.
The festival concludes on Monday 31 August with acclaimed guitarist and composer Richard Durrant, whose performances range from Bach and folk music to contemporary compositions, joined by festival director Simon Desorgher and local composer David Stevens performing with flutes, panpipes and electronics.
Advance booking is recommended as many sessions prove popular. Visitors can choose the day and performance that most appeals to them, making every visit a unique experience. Tickets are available via TicketSource and more information can be found at bit.ly/Colourscape-WBC.
Colourscape will be open everyday from 11am to 4.10pm. Tickets are available on the door and cost £6 for adults and £4 for under-18s. Performance times vary, so visitors are encouraged to check the website for daily details.
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: “Colourscape is unlike anything else you'll experience this summer. With a different programme every day, there's always something new to discover, making it a fantastic reason to visit Cassiobury Park.”
Eye Music, the Arts Council-funded organisation behind the event: "From giant alphorns and chamber bells to contemporary ensembles and interactive family workshops, every day has its own personality. We hope people will come back more than once and discover something different each time."
Colourscape is just one highlight of Watford Borough Council’s Big Events programme - an exciting summer long celebration packed with free events for the whole community. To find out more, visit watfordactually.com.
