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Visitors are set to enjoy 17 days of arts, music and culture as Cookham Festival returned on Friday.<\/p>\n
The long-running biennial event will bring art, music, spoken word, exhibitions and walks to Cookham and the surrounding areas between Friday, May 1 and Sunday, May 17.<\/p>\n
Now into its sixth decade, the popular event looks to make \u2018exceptional cultural experiences\u2019 accessible to all and to celebrate local talent of all ages.<\/p>\n
Spoken word<\/strong><\/p>\n This year\u2019s event will kicked off on Friday with an evening featuring Lucy Fleming and Simon Williams.<\/p>\n It featured wartime letters between Fleming\u2019s mother, Oscar-nominated actress Celia Johnson, and her husband Peter Fleming, who is the brother of James Bond creator Ian Fleming.<\/p>\n The evening was followed by a screening of the 1945 classic Brief Encounter, starring Celia Johnson and introduced by Lucy.<\/p>\n Mike Parkinson shared an intimate tribute to his father, the late Sir Michael Parkinson, at Holy Trinity Church on Saturday, May 2.<\/p>\n Alistair McGowan will perform his three-in-one show combining poetry, comedy and classical piano on Monday, May 4.<\/p>\n Former Maidenhead Synagogue Rabbi Jonathan Romain will present a \u2018thought-provoking\u2019 talk on assisted dying on Thursday, May 14.<\/p>\n Musical programme<\/strong><\/p>\n This year\u2019s music programme features folk\/acoustic and roots singer Steve Knightley, founding member of Show of Hands, who will perform on Friday, May 15.<\/p>\n Fiery European ensemble Unicorn Frequency will perform on Friday, May 8, followed by Toby Cruse: Stars of the West End on Sunday, May 10.<\/p>\n A gala closing concert from City of London Sinfonia Alexandra\u2019s Wood, reimagining Vivaldi\u2019s Four Seasons, will take place on Sunday, May 17.<\/p>\n Children\u2019s entertainment<\/strong><\/p>\n Youngsters will be treated to a packed programme of entertainment including a Young Musician\u2019s concert, the Cookham Kids Summer Concert and a Bugs and Dinosaurs event with poet Simon Mole.<\/p>\n Guests will also enjoy art workshops and the Cookham Chronicles musical performance.<\/p>\n Art and walks<\/strong><\/p>\n Visual art lovers will get the opportunity to explore the festival\u2019s Sculpture Garden, photography exhibition and an array of gallery exhibitions.<\/p>\n Those who enjoy the outdoors can choose from guided walks, including a Stanley Spencer Walk, a Dawn Chorus Walk and a wildlife walk through the Odney estate.<\/p>\n Each ticket purchased for the festival directly supports communities served by the festival.<\/p>\n In 2024, the festival donated \u00a338,000 to local community groups and schools, funding equipment, performances and improved facilities for young people across the area.<\/p>\n Chairman Derek Bond, said: “Since 1967, this event has been a celebration of the arts known for the quality of its programme.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve designed a fantastic line-up of art, music, walks and spoken word for all ages. Whether you’re a returning friend or joining us for the first time, I hope you find something that delights you.\u201d<\/p>\n