Paignton's the place to be if you want to be creative - and have some fun

A host of creative events and projects is being held in the town centre under a 'Wide Open' initiative.
Inspired by the people and places of the town, the Wide Open 'season' offers free experiences and creative activities for everyone.
Across two weekends, from September 22 to 24 and October 20 to 22, residents and visitors can enjoy a whole host of events, with five new artistic commissions and a broad range of exciting cultural and community events, including performances, workshops, tours, art exhibitions, film screenings, talks, poetry and music.
The Wide Open programme is co-ordinated by local producing house Filament with over 40 artists and 20 cultural and community organisations involved, including Paignton Picture House; Sound Communities; Artizan Gallery; Palace Theatre; Tonic Creatives; Doorstep Arts; Libraries Unlimited; and many others.
Wide Open kicks off with a late opening at Paignton Library on September 22 from 6.30pm to 10pm with live music from Sound Communities, screenings, talks and a chance to meet some of the artists who will be showing work over the coming month. Inspired by Paignton Picture House, there’ll be examples of early and pre-cinema innovations.
The Great Paignton Paint Out is from September 23 to 24. On Saturday September 23, a Artist Heritage Trail starts from Paignton Sands, taking a route through the high street and around Paignton Old Town. There are eight artists to meet, all painting at sites with unique stories. On Sunday September 24 September you can take part in a mass 'Paint Out' on Paignton Green. Through the month, you can experience five new artistic commissions. Each artist has developed work specifically for Paignton, inspired by Paignton Picture House, Palace Theatre and the area’s rich cultural heritage and communities
On September 23 and 24 on Victoria Street and Paignton Green, choreographer Richard Chappell returns to his hometown of Paignton, bringing together professional and community dancers to create contemporary dance duets that draw inspiration from Dartmoor and Torbay’s coastline.
There will be 'Moving Portraits' with: Rob Mennear with performances and installations over the weekend October 21 to 22 in multiple venues, with free creative workshops and opportunities to get involved from September 22 onwards.
From October 20 to 22, the Moor to Sea Music Collective are creating an immersive play experience for early years children and disabled young people who prefer sensory approaches.
Paignton Lights with Steve Sowden and Emma Welton is being held from October 20 to 22. Drawing on childhood memories of Paignton Picture House, this multimedia performance by artists Steve Sowden and Emma Welton draws out stories in Sowden’s hometown of Paignton. Involving live music, sound, film and community voices in song in central Paignton.
'Screen Future Memoir' with Kelly Bryant is from October 20 to 22, between 11.30am and 6pm with timed slots at Paignton Picture House. Kelly is creating a unique installation inside the cinema that reflects the layered history of this building and the stories held within its walls.
Families can also 'Playing in the Streets' which returns to Victoria Street on October 21 with free fun, live music, workshops, street entertainers, creative activities and games. From October 21, there is also a new trail for all ages to interact with Paignton with the Paignton Play Plaques offering different challenges with QR codes.
Jacob Brandon, Chair of Torbay Culture, said: "As a new cultural programme as part of Paignton’s Cultural Development Fund, Wide Open is a great opportunity to explore and celebrate its rich heritage and culture. Working with cultural and community partners, it provides a whole range of activities for residents and visitors alike to enjoy, as we bid a farewell to the Picture House before works commence on its restoration this autumn. Residents can feel proud that the artists involved in this programme have been so inspired by Paignton, its heritage and stories.”
The Wide Open Autumn Season programme is at www.wide-open.uk.