The cultural life in Corsham has always been a vibrant one and today the area has a thriving arts scene.

Highlights include:

• The significant Fine Art collection including Italian Old Masters at the historic Corsham Court
• The Corsham Festival, one of the region’s leading small festivals, celebrating contemporary arts over eight days in June each year
• Alongside the main festival is the smaller Corsham Fringe Festival focussing on community performances, events and activities run by local groups and members of the community.
• The annual Global Village Film Festival which brings the best in world cinema to the area over one week in March
• A thriving community arts scene involving many local people in a range of art forms

The Pound Arts centre is the hub of Corsham’s arts, promoting a year round programme of performances, cinema, participatory events and exhibitions. Community arts thrive at The Pound, which is home to many groups including Corsham Windband Association, Corsham Arts Society and Film @ The Pound. Featured in South-West Arts, Muse magazine, Mish-Mash, a group of writers, creators and visual artists meets regularly at The Pound.

Other community arts groups include Adhoc Theatre, Corsham Choral Society and Corsham Town Band.  A range of artists work in small studios in the area including sculptors, painters and stained glass makers, who open their studios and exhibit their work.

As a visual arts college, Corsham School is a centre of excellence for arts learning and creativity.  Through their community outreach programme, a variety of workshops for children, families and adults are run including photography, kite making and bicycle powered paintings.

Bath Spa University has returned to Corsham to establish a centre for postgraduate, masters and doctorate level study in arts and humanities. Also based in Corsham is NSEAD, the National Society for Education in Art and Design.

Groups

ActNow Youth Theatre
Groups meet at The Pound, Pound Pill, during term time as follows: ages 7-9,
Sat 10-11am; ages 9-11, Sat 11am-12.30pm; ages 11-13, Sat 1-2.30pm; ages 13-17, Sat 2.30-4pm.
Contact 01249 701628

Ballet School
For ages 3 to adult. Meets at The Pound, Pound Pill, Tue 3.45-6.30pm,
Wed 4-7.30pm, Thu 2.30-6.30pm, Sat 9am-12 noon. (During term time only).
Contact 01249 701628

Caledonian Society/Scottish Dance Club
Meets at Community Centre, Mon 8pm from Sept - June.
Contact 01225 702190

Country & Western Dance Club
Partner dancing only, meets at Corsham Community Centre Tue 8.15-10pm.
Contact 01249 650702

Neston Drama Group
For ages 14+. Rehearses Thu 8-10pm in Neston Memorial Hall.
Contact 01225 810426

St Bartholomew's Church Drama Group
Puts on Pantomime at end of Jan and a summer show. Usually rehearses for production Sun 7-9pm at Corsham Community Centre
Contact 01249 712584

Corsham Band
Brass band available for concerts, fetes & other events. Meets Wednesday 7.45pm - 9.45pm at Neston Church. New players welcome.
Contact Rebecca Hazell (secretary) 07525 657587 www.corshamband.com

Corsham Choral Society
Meets at The Town Hall, High Street, Wed 7.30pm in term time. 3 or 4 concerts per year. No auditions.
Contact Margaret Waters 01249 652423

Music Xpress
For ages 13-18 to use recording facilities and create their own music. Meets at Youth Centre, Pickwick Road.
Contact 01249 716681

Corsham Windband
3 windbands for ages 5-21, all abilities. Meet Fri 7-9pm & Sat 9am - 12 noon at The Pound, Pound Pill. Individual tuition and theory lessons can be arranges.
Contact Jane Rawlings 01249 750660

Visual Arts

Corsham Art Society
Speakers on various subjects of interest to both those practicing and those who appreciate the visual arts. Meets inThe Pound Arts Centre.
Contact Dorothy Whittle 01249 713292

Corsham Photographic Club
Meets alternate Fri 7.30pm (Sep-May) at Church House, Church Street.
Contact Cynthia Holbrow 01249 656238

Corsham Flower Arranger's Club
Meets 7.30pm 2nd Mon at St Aldhelms Church.
Contact Diane Yemen (chair) 01249 713537

Wessex Scribes
Calligraphy society for Corsham and surrounding area. Workshops with professional tutors. Meet at Corsham Community Centre 9.30pm on the first Monday of each month. Exhibition in Library in Oct.
Contact Mrs M Elliott 01225 810734