This August Bank Holiday, the gardens at Wentworth Woodhouse will be a riot of colour and fabric as WE Wonder returns for 2023.
Inspired by the Arts Council Collection exhibition, The Vanity of Small Differences by Grayson Perry, this year’s WE Wonder event will see four huge textile structures, immersive performances and a sensational picnic, all celebrating local voices, stories and heritage.
The festival, which takes place on Monday 28th August, is a culmination of co-creation between artists and global majority-led and disability-led community groups making textile pieces that come together magnificently.
Huge fabric obelisks will reference the original stone ones that once stood on the lawns: a joyous backdrop to a mass picnic.
Throughout the day, there will be various performances taking place for visitors to marvel at.
Prepare to belly laugh through the raucous ride that is Falconry Dismay. Turning the traditional falconry display on its head, Kevin Tickle from Dizzy O’Dare showcases his collection of majestic ‘birds of prey’ which he has been training. But who is controlling who?
Take everything you know about balloons; twist that into a theatrical experience, add an award-winning clown and an ‘80s soundtrack and you have The Giant Balloon Show. Expect feverous balloon sculptures, high energy comic performance and of course the all-important giant balloon!
Go on an epic adventure as Theatre Témoin perform FLOOD, a circus and acrobatic show highlighting the health of the world’s ocean through the eyes of Britain’s coastal communities. Standing under your own personalised sound umbrella, FLOOD will take you far beyond your front door and into the eye of the storm.
And get ready for a punkish celebration of individuality and difference as Stopgap Dance bring Frock to Wentworth Woodhouse. This uplifting dance riot will see six striking dancers collide with playful observations of the yesteryears.
WE Wonder has been made possible thanks to Arts Council England. Tickets are £8 for adults and free for children under 16 and accompanying carers. National Trust members can get in for half price.
Find out more or book tickets at the Wentworth Woodhouse website.
