"A richly inspired celebration of the people we all are."
First launched in 2013, The Festival of Us draws together people with a passion for creativity be they fine artists, poets, photographers, creative writers, composers, sculptors and more to create works inspired by the life story of a member of their local community. It's about how personal vision can be caught by others and how the passion that drives people can be a motivating force for us all.
If you would like to take part in one of our events please send a message to: [email protected]
“It was memorable. Lovely people talent sharing with great music and atmosphere.”
Sophie Galliers, Fine Artist, March 2025
“Thank you!! It was a beautiful day and I got a lot from being with such lovely bunch of creatives. Just what I needed to inspire my next body of painting.”
Rhiannon Davies, Fine Artist, March 2025
“It was an absolute pleasure to be part of The Festival of Us, and I’m so glad everyone enjoyed the music. The atmosphere was wonderful, and I loved being there.”
Sazava, Musicians, March 2025
“Thank you very much for a wonderful afternoon of live music and creativity-it was a privilege to be in company of the musicians and artists. I really enjoyed the opportunity to take part in the festival and look forward to seeing how it develops.”
Ella Edwards, Fine Artist, March 2025
“Hi Leighton! Thank you for inviting me. I thoroughly enjoyed it! What a great event with such lovely people!”
Elin Parisa Fouladi, March 2025
“Leighton, thanks again for inviting me to be a part of the event yesterday; such a wonderful afternoon.”
Lucia Jones, Fine Artist, March 2025
“What a lovely event, a special day to work with other creative people.”
Claire Syder, Poet, March 2025
“Leighton, I’d love to be involved again, it was a delightful and enriching experience for all concerned I think”.
Catherine, Poet and Creative Writing Lecturer
“Thank you ever so much for the opportunity on Saturday in Lewes, I found it a very humbling afternoon and I am really glad I got the chance to attend”.
Steve Awcock, Photographer
“Thanks Leighton for having us! We enjoyed ourselves too! We are definitely interested in doing some more workshops in Lewes, and thought it would be nice to work with the same group again. Cards is a great idea for their artwork, look forward to seeing them.”
Hannah & Claire, Fine Artists
“I had a really lovely day and met some very lovely people (especially Sandra!) she is a very inspiring lady”.
Holly, Portrait Artist
Great to meet you too Leighton. The Festival of Us project sounds brilliant and I hope we can get it going in Hackney! As discussed, running the project with Headway East London, in collaboration with Timber Wharf Time Bank would well, so I’ll pass on the info to some people at Headway and chat to them about it and go from there! Hope to get back to you next week with some news.”
Sarah, Timber Wharf Timebank
I’m very interested in your wonderful project in Lewes, and in Sandra‘s work.
I am a poet and writer, based in Lewes, and I teach Creative Writing at Brighton University and the Open University, and have worked in all kinds of different contexts with all kinds of different people. I would have been very glad to be involved on Sept 21st but unfortunately I have to be in London that day for a memorial service. I just wanted to offer my *verbal* support for this project, and do please keep me in touch with what is happening”.
Clare, Poet and Creative Writing Lecturer
Contact:
Email: [email protected]
BlueSky: [email protected]
