HALF Highworth Arts & Literary Festival

18/06/2026

Tonight if you’re free…

A day in the life of 100 women in Britain with Dr Rosa Matheson

A chance to hear about a book written by 100 everyday women. Funny, feisty, sometimes chokingly sad, it is honest, brave, and inspirational. Hear about the remarkable things this book has made happen; and meet some of its authors.

Time: 7:30pm
Venue: United Rerformed Church, 26 High Street, Highworth SN6 7AG

17/06/2026

Here’s a poem for HALF
And here’s an event for poetry lovers:

Open Mic Poetry Night

An open mic sharing event hosted by The Highworth. Are you a budding poet or even a published poet? Don't be shy ... find your voice, come along and share your work. Or just come along to watch, listen and learn.

Read your own work or share a favourite poem. No more than 3 poems at 4 minutes (or less) reading time each.

Enjoy a pint of or a HALF of the special Festival beer!

Date: Thursday 18 June
Time: 7pm to 9pm
Venue: The Highworth Hotel

ENTRY/EXIT DONATION

17/06/2026

HALF kicked off this last weekend
With an exhibition at the Community Room.

Lots of visitors. £230 was raised for Prospect Hospice.
Huge thanks to the volunteers providing refreshments.

Ann March painted outside the Hall for the entertainment of visitors.
The resulting painting will be on show and for sale at the local Artists Exhibition, on Sat and Sunday 20th-21st at the United Reform Church on the High Street.
Come along then and have a look!

17/06/2026

Great fun had by all at the Quiz Night last night. The HALF team did alright on arts and lit, so so on music.

Look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events for the rest of this week.
Check out what’s on here:

https://visithighworth.co.uk/vhl-half-programme.html

16/06/2026

So Mr Bond…
You think you know?

HALF Quiz Night at the Goldfinger.

Tonight, a not to be missed friendly Quiz Night hosted by the Goldfinger Tavern.

And fun fact:
On a literary note the Goldfinger opened in 1971 and is named in honour of the eponymous James Bond villian. James Bond creator, author Ian Fleming lived nearby at Sevenhampton.

Come along with a team and test your quizzing mettle.

Date: Tuesday 16 June
Time: 8pm
Venue: The Goldfinger Tavern, Newburgh Place, Highworth SN6 7DN
Price: £2 per person

PAY ON THE NIGHT

15/06/2026

Don’t forget this is on this evening folks!

Paint a Picture with words and Song

A chance to visit an open rehearsal of the Highworth Choral Society. We are opening our usual rehearsal night for you to share in the fun. We will sing some accessible songs so anyone can have a go. There will also be cake!

Date: Monday 15 June
Time: 7:30 - 9:30pm
Venue: St Michael's Church

Free

14/06/2026

Another book found?

Let us know if you’ve found one!
And hey, book lovers have you booked to hear Katy Fforde in our Festival Q&A yet?

Date: Saturday 20 June
Time: 7 - 8:30pm
Venue: Community Room, Gilberts Lane
Price: £10
Buy your ticket in the VHL Shop from Tuesday.
or Book Online anytime!

https://visit-highworth-ltd.sumupstore.com/product/half-q-and-a-with-author-katie-fforde

13/06/2026

Come and see the art exhibition in the community room on Gilbert’s Lane, Highworth. (Pictured).

Also starting this week the art trail around town - pick up your map and forms in Visit Highworth on the High Street

12/06/2026

Cheers!! 🍻

NEW BEER DAY - This one is straight out of Cricklade courtesty of for the Highworth Arts & Literature Festival. If you don't get a chance to enjoy a pint with us tonight in Cirencester, you can always catch a drop in Highworth during the festival which kicks off tomorrow.

A light and sessionable Pale brewed with American Summit hops with a touch of English Challenger bring fresh citrussy hop flavours to this easy-drinking beer.

12/06/2026

Art by Ann March and Richard Harpin, and photography by Neil George. Refreshments will be available over the weekend with all donations in aid of the Prospect Hospice.

Date: Saturday 13 to Monday 15 June
Time: 10am - 4pm daily
Venue: Community Room, Gilberts Lane, Highworth

FREE EVENT

Photographer Neil George:
https://neilgeorgephotography.co.uk/about-me

Ann March, Artist:
annmarch.co.uk/fr_setup.htm

Richard Harpin, Artist:
https://www.richard-harpin-fine-art.com