The Isles of Scilly most likely aren’t at the top of your dream holiday list, but they probably should be. Part of the U.K., his beautiful archipelago off the coast of Land’s End consists of some 140 rocky islets, five of which have inhabited settlements. The climate here is temperate and the islands are known for their striking sunsets that cast orange and pink hues over the windswept beaches.
The Isles of Scilly are also known for their frequently turquoise seawater and the rocky white sand beaches, of which there are 35 scattered throughout the islands. Perhaps the best thing about the Isles of Scilly, though, is that there is no one there. Scilly offers the chance to escape the madness of the south of Spain or Gran Canary and relax in your own New England-esque setting, enjoying a local brew over a plate of freshly caught lobster.
ArtScilly 2010 is a new arts festival that comes to the Isles of Scilly May 8-15, this year. The concept is fairly simple: bring together artists and art-lovers to celebrate the unique geography and culture of the Isles of Scilly through artistic venues.
ArtScilly 2010 will feature a variety of events in a weeklong programme that consists of lectures, exhibitions, workshops, receptions and gallery openings. Attendees will get the chance to meet some of the artists, many of whom are local to Scilly, and partake in workshops that range from quilting techniques to stained glass.
Many of the exhibitions and gallery openings are free in, while prices for spots in the workshops and lectures range from £5-20.
A few hotels in the area are offering discounted room rates for ArtScilly patrons. For instance, Hell Bay on Brhyer is offering a special package deal that includes dinner, bed and breakfast, return helicopter flights, travel insurance, boating on arrival and departure, and entry to Tresco Abbey Gardens from £485.00 per person.
A full timetable of events is available here: ArtScilly 2010 Festival Itinerary.
You can also read the ArtScilly blog or follow their happenings on Twitter @discoverscilly.
ArtScilly 2010
Isles of Scilly
United Kingdom
artscilly@scilly.gov.uk
http://www.artscilly.com
Photo by skitzitilby.
