"Upon entering the festival, the sheer attention to detail is strikingly apparent; single stemmed sunflowers line the surrounding fences leading up to and on the site, hand-crocheted knitting has been clothed on a cosy 'Hugging' tree, lanterns to be set alight by sunset dangle from trees above our heads, submerged fairy-lights sparkle beneath the river beside the 'Digital Woodland' which lights trees up on cue like a forest orchestra and all the while the leafy canopy above beholds portrait frames, sock animals, fairies and Panda's fishing for their lunch. It sounds like a bizarre fairytale and to be honest, it isn't far off. This weird and wonderful landscape needs a suitably rad soundtrack and it's time to go in search of it."
Music
Rock, Pop, Funk, Jazz and Blues, Indie, Acoustic, Folk, Reggae, Country, Hip-hop, Punk, Metal, Classical, Choral, Bluegrass and much more from some of the very best established and emerging musicians Ireland and the U.K. have to offer.
Dance
We all love a dance, even if many folk have two left feet. What is for sure though, the dance performances at Stendhal this year will be poetry in motion and will include a wide variety of styles. More info coming soon.
Theatre
Theatre has the ability to inspire and amuse and this year at Stendhal we are looking forward to a couple of performances. We aren't sure just yet what the thespians have up their sleeve this year but if it goes down as well as previous performances it will surely be a winner.
Art
The Stendhal art gallery returns this year along with one or two other wee areas which will showcase the highly talented artists we have in the Northwest and Northern Ireland on the whole.
Augmented Woodland
Find the secret gardens newest secret with an amazing interactive augmented digital woodland installation in association with Nonzerosum and Digital Derry. The woodland was a hidden gem at last year's event but an experience worthy of those whom explored the landscape, be sure to check it out this year.
Sculpture
Adding to the beautiful surrounds of Ballymully Cottage farm this year will be some fantastic works of Sculpture from local artists, including Chainsaw sculptures and other installations.
Families
Stendhal Festival of Art is proud to be an affordable option which allows families to explore the arts and this summer we have a host of wonderful attractions for families of all ages.
This year at Stendhal we have an all new family marquee for our guests at Ballymully Cottage Farm to enjoy, which will add a new dimension to the family programme.
We have also taken on board feedback we had from families last year and are planning a much smoother experience for those nurturing tomorrows artists. More details to come on the Family tab soon.
Family weekend camping tickets cost only £45 and includes two nights camping in a designated family camping area for 2 adults and up to 4 kids under 18. EARLY BIRDS are now on sale until 27th April at last year's price of £35, get yourself a worm.
Food and Drink
Delicious food and refreshing beverage vendors will be dotted about the Stendhal landscape just as they were last year. We shall be expanding our range of caterers this year after your kind feedback last year, expect more exotic, organic and mouth watering cuisine.
Families may bring gas stoves to the event so that they can cook for themselves at a specially designated family eating area. Please note only those with family tickets are allowed gas burners.
Workshops
All nature of workshops will be available for kids to participate in different arts at the festival. Details on the family section soon.
Morning Yoga
For those looking to find Nirvana at Stendhal.
Poetry
Poetry Corner shall be developed this year to be more complementary of those reading their wares. Last year a host of fantastic poets, speakers and writers inaugurated this space, we shall develop and refine this space.
Members of the Jane Ross Writers Group, The Flowerfield Writers group and the Derry Scriptwriters group all performed at Poetry Corner last year and we anticipate many more at this year's event.
Comedy
Arts and Crafts Market
Stendhal Festival of Art is delighted to announce that our craft market will be returning with aplomb this August in the craft marquee.
Be sure to check out the craft market and support local handmade crafts, it's sure to surprise, delight and inspire.
Disability Access
We are currently working with several agencies in order to develop access to our site so that we can really offer a fully inclusive site across the farm. If you would like more information on this please contact press@stendhalfestival.com with any questions or anxieties about the terrain and we shall endeavour to give you the most recent site adaptations at that time.