IT’S summer and for Harlow Arts Council and Harlow Museum that means only one thing – it’s time for the annual Art of the Garden Party. Taking place on Sunday 1 July from 1pm – 4.30pm it’s now the sixth year running that many of the town’s performing arts groups and the local community have been welcomed into the museum gardens for a free afternoon of entertainment.

The idea for the afternoon began in 2011 when Harlow Arts Council decided to run a small Arts Festival to promote the vibrancy and diversity of arts across the town. As the Festival increased in size, HAC wanted the opportunity to bring its members to the community without any cost to the audience, making the afternoon truly accessible to everyone. The Museum presented a perfect venue with its beautiful walled gardens, and a unique environment for the groups to perform in.

This year sees an amazing line up of performers across the generations sharing their passion for song, music and dance.

New Edition Singers will collaborate with St. James’ School Choir to bring together a range of voices, ages and love of singing whilst Harlow Chorus and De Merc Choirs will present a range of both classical and more contemporary pieces.

Efua Sey Cultural Academy bring their joyful African Drumming and Dance steeped in tradition and community cohesion.

Dance continues with the energy of the young performers in street dance group Hip Hop Pop whilst the ever popular Harlow Rock School return with their young musicians performing with full band and acoustically.

There’s the opportunity to connect with your inner harmony with a Qigong & Tai-Chi performance by Ian Bowland and plenty of laughter and audience involvement with drama group Razed Roof.

There is also plenty to do on the Community Green run by the Volunteer Centre Harlow and Rainbow Services including children’s creative activities and an opportunity to meet local voluntary groups.

The Art of the Garden Party is a true community event made possible by the generous support of Harlow Recreation Trust and the Essex County Council Chairman’s Fund which is managed by Essex Community Foundation, as well as the Stansted Airport Community Trust.

Art of the Garden Party, Sunday 1 July 1pm-4.30pm Entrance Free. Harlow Museum Gardens, Muskham Road, off First Avenue

Refreshments available to buy or bring your own picnic. Chairs will be available but due to limited numbers  please bring a picnic rug or folding chair if you have one.