SIXTY artists are gearing up to open their studios to the public as Largo Arts Week returns for its fourth year in the Fife village of Lower Largo and surrounding communities.
Running from Saturday, July 15 – Sunday, July 23, the festival will feature an array of arts and crafts by artists, sculptors and makers exhibiting in 37 open studios in the villages of Lower Largo, Upper Largo and Lundin Links.
Famous as the birthplace of Alexander Selkirk, the man who inspired the story of Robinson Crusoe, Lower Largo has in recent years become a creative hub for a range of artists inspired by its coast and countryside.
As well as the open studios, music and food will feature strongly in the Arts Week with free evening gigs at local hotels and food trucks offering gourmet street food.
Community café and venue The Aurrie in Lower Largo is also staging a week-long programme including the return of comedian and broadcaster Fred McAulay and popular children’s musical group, Artie’s Singing Kettle.
One of the prominent local artists opening his studio to the public is sculptor Alan Faulds (above), whose eclectic structures are dotted throughout Lower Largo, including the “Largo Obelisk” atop the village’s former red telephone box.
Largo Arts Week director Dougi McMillan said: “Over the last four years, the festival has gone from strength to strength, and we are delighted that 60 artists will be exhibiting their work this year, demonstrating the depth of creativity in the community.
“With bands playing live every night in local hotels and food trucks overlooking the beach at Largo Bay, we’re looking forward to a real summer celebration and carnival atmosphere.”
Free evening entertainment will be offered by The Upper Largo Hotel and Crusoe Hotel featuring popular Fife bands Passing Sages, Best Dressed Blues Band, Rewind and Astral Suns along with new faces including Sleekit and many more.
The festival closes with a return of the Omar Afif and the Gnawa Trance Fusion band (above) whose blend of Moroccan folk, jazz and blues will sound out in an open-air gig against the backdrop of the historic Largo pier.
Full details of the Largo Arts Week programme can be accessed on the festival’s website – www.largoartsweek.com
