The Arrowtown Spring Arts Festival has attracted a standout line up of participants as it steps up its programme to a three-week format.

Run by the Arrowtown Creative Arts Society (ACAS) the new look festival will run in October and November and is a follow on from the successful inaugural three-day festival held in 2017.

Chairman , Barry Litten, says this year’s celebration will host 14 creative events and workshops.

“It will be a bumper carnival, from a sculpture walk at Sir Michael Hill’s renowned golf course to films, music jamming, artistic workshops, interviews and speakers. It’s a great programme – some of it more fun , some more serious.”

He says the sculpture walk at The Hills on October 3 will be an exclusive tour of the distinctive art installations, accompanied by an informative presentation from artist, Mark Hill.

Other headline events include an exhibition by guest artist, Matt Gauldie, who is presenting his new works to coincide with the opening night of the festival on October 17.

“He will deliver a detailed talk about his journey as official New Zealand Army artist and creating art in war zones,” says Barry.

One of New Zealand’s best-known authors, Katie Goldie, renowned for her short fiction, novels and picture books is a highlight of the programme on October 18 while Sir Bob Jones, the provocative newspaper columnist, rich-lister and novelist is scheduled to appear on stage on October 24.

“His topic is Satire – The Art of Taking the Mickey and will involve Arrowtown newspaper columnist, John Lapsley interviewing him. This is definitely a marquee event for the festival,” says Barry.

He says the expanded festival has been made possible by the successes of the other ACAS events and the ongoing support from benefactors and sponsors.

“We are passionate about supporting the development of the creatives in the Wakatipu and the festival programme is designed to enrich the community.”