Salisbury International Arts Festival 2019 gave a big boost for the city after a challenging year, with more than 42,000 people enjoying 120 events in just 17 days. Over 350 artists from 15 countries came to the city, which has become a real pull.

More than half of this year’s festival goers were first-time visitors to the Festival, a testament to the fantastic lineup by the team at Wiltshire Creative, behind the helm for just one year. The newly merged organisation brings together Salisbury Arts Centre, Salisbury International Arts Festival and Salisbury Playhouse.

Wiltshire Creative Artistic Director Gareth Machin said: “We are delighted that this year’s Festival was enjoyed by so many people. Throughout the Festival fortnight we were proud to offer world class music, dance, theatre, circus, spoken word and much more in the buildings and spaces of our beautiful city. Thank you to everyone who supported this year’s Festival, in each and every way.”

Gareth worked closely with Guest Festival Director Jonathan Dove to programme the 2019 Festival. Composer Jonathan enjoys a significant history with Salisbury, having begun his full-time professional career at Salisbury Festival 30 years ago. He recently received a CBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list for services to music.

Next year’s Salisbury International Arts Festival will run from the 22nd of May to the 7th of June, with further details released early next year.