This year's Centre Stage festival will be 'bigger and better' than ever say organisers.

Centre Stage is a free multi-arts festival that claims the streets of Richmond as a playground for creativity, community and contemporary culture.

The festival is returning for its second year and this time, it is incorporating the Richmond Myths programme, allowing the residents of Richmond to experience the town in a new way.

Councillor Katie Mansfield, Lead Member for Richmond Town Centre said: "Last year showed the power of culture to bring people into Richmond, support local businesses, and create a real sense of energy across the town centre."

"We are even more ambitious this year. The festival will fill our streets with performances, music and activity, creating memorable experiences for everyone, while showcasing everything that makes Richmond such a distinctive destination."

The full programme for this year's Centre Stage: Richmond Myths has now been revealed.

The festival will begin on Saturday, 17 July and throughout the weekend, the town centre will come alive with three days of live music, theatre, street performances, workshops and markets.

The event has been curated by Orange Tree Theatre and HemingwayDesign in partnership with the council and BeRichmond.

Tom Littler, Artistic Director and Joint Chief Executive of Orange Tree Theatre, said: "The festival will celebrate and enable many strands of local artistry, from music to dance to drama.

"It promises to be a weekend packed with exciting and surprising performances and creativity with community at its heart."

Last year's festival was a great success, attracting thousands of visitors to the riverside town and contributing a 30% boost to footfall and a 20-45% boost to local hospitality.

The festival is inspired by the stories, history and character of Richmond and this year's extended programme will fill the area with culture and creative experiences, inviting residents to get involved in the town's community.

Cllr Mansfield added: "The festival is also part of our wider vision for Richmond town centre – supporting local businesses and increasing footfall while creating a vibrant, welcoming and thriving town centre for people to enjoy."

Across the weekend, residents and visitors can experience:

• A opening ceremony on Richmond Riverside, where twelve Olympian gods launch a weekend of music, dance and celebration inspired by the myths and stories of Richmond.
• Twelve unique performances, created with local groups and contemporary writers, taking place in some of Richmond's most loved and unexpected locations.
• Centre Stage on Saturday 18 July, bringing live music, street entertainment, family activities, participatory workshops and creative experiences to Richmond's streets.
• Back to the Belvedere – a celebration of Richmond's musical heritage inspired by the legendary parties once hosted at the Belvedere Arms – alongside live music performances from local artists and emerging talent.
• Independent makers and young entrepreneurs showcasing local creativity, talent, and small businesses through a series of markets and pop-up experiences.
• A finale parade where everyone is invited to join, bringing music, movement, and energy through the town centre.
• A Sunday programme of live music, poetry and performance ending in a special closing ceremony celebrating Richmond's community and future.

To find out more about Centre Stage visit its website here.

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