SECOND BONSALL ARTS TRAIL IS A GREAT SUCCESS!
A big thank you to everyone that made Bonsall Arts Trail an enormous success. That is our visitors, hosts, artists, caterers, volunteers, musicians, sponsors and the welcoming village of Bonsall.
Sharing and celebrating Derbyshire and surrounding area artists and their work, the second Bonsall Arts Trail – held over the weekend of 29th & 30th June was an even bigger success than the first. Over 700 visitors walked around the village to enjoy the work of over 100 artists. Unique and original pieces of art from curated artists were exhibited in the large marquees on the park and around the beautiful quirky village of Bonsall. Once again, the hop on, hop off minibuses provided a valuable service to get those visiting around the venues in and around Bonsall.
Local company Longcliffe Quarries Ltd were involved as the major sponsor for the second time, and twenty-five artists entered a piece for the Longcliffe Award of £200 cash. The 2024 winner was Zaza Lewis with her piece ‘Wildflowers’. She was presented with her prize trophy and money by Longcliffe Operations Director Chris Wainwright.
The public choice of favourite artist for 2024 chose two artists who received the same number of votes. The winners were Paula Kemp and Tracey Watson both receiving Turners Art Vouchers to the value of £100 each.
Our Chair Julie Leggett and Vice Chair Chris Tkacz celebrated the success of the event –
‘This year’s event has gone from strength to strength with a fabulous selection of curated artists from Derbyshire and surrounding areas, building on the reputation as a cultural celebration of great artistic talent. We are looking forward to building on that for 2026’.
The addition of music on both the park and the rectory gave the trail a festival feel and a great vibe this year. Local businesses and vendors provided a delightful selection of street food and drink for the event.
Some photos from the trail…
The Longcliffe Award
The £200 Longcliffe award is awarded for a work that references the environment. The sponsor of this prize is Longcliffe Community Fund, set up by local company Longcliffe Quarries Limited. Longcliffe is striving to increase the sustainability of its business, including aiming to be carbon neutral by 2030.
There were 25 entries for the Longcliffe Award of a very high standard which made judging by Longcliffe Director Paul Bousted a difficult task. The winner was Zaza Lewis with her piece ‘Meadow Flowers’, a very deserving winner. A prize trophy and a £200 cash prize was won.
Zaza Lewis displaying her award winning work, along with Chris Wainwright, Operations Director, Longcliffe, and Julie Leggett
Longcliffe Award Entries
Midsummer Artists Reception
The Midsummer party was a very sociable and joyful opening to the Bonsall Art Trail, with artists, hosts, gallery owners, and organisers present. Everyone made an effort to dress in green and head garlands were provided.
Turners Prize
The Turners Prize is awarded to the artists who receive the highest visitor vote over the Trail weekend. It was very close this year! The joint prize was shared between Tracey Watson and Paula Kemp both getting £100 in Turners Art Vouchers.
Rosie Smith was very close (but worth a mention because her art is so beautiful!).
Tracey and Paula receiving their prizes from Chris Wainwright, Operations Director, Longcliffe.
