Record crowds have seen two new venues announced for a popular Cotwolds arts festival.
Broadway Arts Festival has grown rapidly since its launch in 2010, meaning it now requires even more space to contain the various activities.
In the first three days of last year's 10-day festival alone, more than 5,500 people visited.
As such, organisers have confirmed that Stanton Guildhouse and the Cidermill Theatre at Chipping Campden School will help host next year’s festival.
Festival director Alison Braithwaite said: “The Arts Festival is very successful, not just locally but very much recognised as the best arts festival in the whole of the Cotswolds, it attracts a huge number of people.
“I think because of lockdown a lot of people have discovered their love of the arts, be that painting, theatre, music, whatever.”
She added that last year’s festival had a record number of attendees.
Stanton Guildhouse will be used for activities such as woodwork, pottery and writing.
A spokesperson for the venue said: "We are very excited to announce our partnership with Broadway Arts Festival, Stanton Guildhouse is going to be a base for exclusive creative workshops during the first weekend of the festival in 2023 and we look forward to hosting them.
“We are both running similar projects in the local area, encouraging the development of arts and crafts in the north Cotswolds, and it made sense, as we have similar charitable aims, that we should work together. The key words in this day and age are collaboration and partnership and we look forward to working with partner organisations.
“All of this activity is great for the Guildhouse, enabling us to meet more local artists, build new relationships and networks, and meet people who are interested in teaching / learning crafts. The Guildhouse has a fascinating history, which can be seen on our website, which we now want to build on and share with others."
Mrs Braithwaite stressed that the decision to move some events to Chipping Campden does not mean the festival is in any way leaving Broadway.
"As the festival grows we need to explore additional venues with greater capacity and improved visitor experience,” she said.
“We are just adding to the list of venues we use because it has gotten so big, but the hub will still be in Broadway.”
The £4million Cidermill Theatre seats 300 people and will offer free onsite parking.
Mrs Braithwaite added: “This state of the art new theatre provides us with the ability to deliver quality events to a larger audience in a truly stunning setting.
“Opening this summer, we can't wait to use this incredible new space.
“Hats off to Chipping Campden School for what has been a herculean effort to raise the funds and build such a fabulous theatre for the North Cotswolds.”
The 2023 festival will take place from June 9 to 18.
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