This September, East Coast Gallery invites you to discover Tiganites—an imaginative world inspired by local history, landscape and storytelling, created especially for Walton Arts Festival by local artist Duffy Tomei. Through a series of creative workshops for children and adults, you’ll explore the traditions, characters and places that bring this unique world to life. From clay modelling and weaving to basketry, jewellery making, lino printing and more, every workshop connects to a different part of the Tiganites story.
A spokesperson for East Coast Gallery said:
” Join young Mildryth from Welltun on Nice crossing the treacherous waterway of the Swire to Herewic and, on the way, coming face to face with a giant. This is a new medieval tale, but it’s not just a story; at East Coast Studios, children can dress up and join an interactive session where they may experience the ups and downs of Myldrith’s trip. Whether you’re joining us to learn a new skill, spend time creating with others or simply enjoy trying something different, we can’t wait to welcome you.”
East Coast Gallery is at 13 Old Pier Street, Walton-on-the-Naze. Workshops for children run from Mon 24 Aug to Fri 28 Aug and for adults on 1st, 9,10 and 11 September. Cost £5 (Children aged 4–6: £2) and can be booked by phoning 01255 773535.
Young Writers Challenge: Walton Beneath the Waves
The festival is also looking for aspiring writers with their Young Writers Challenge 2026 This year the theme is Walton Beneath the Waves. All entries welcome! From short stories, comics, and poems to any kind of literary device, There will be prizes for funniest, spookiest and most imaginative writing and drawing that relate to the theme. Drop your entry into The Nose or email: waltonartsfestival@gmail.com. Deadline: Sunday 13th September.
A5 Art Competition
Finally, the Festival is calling all artists to enter their A5 Art competition, sponsored by Heady’s Hobbies and Gifts in Walton High Street. The theme is ‘Festival’, and your imagination is the limit! Think about a festival you’ve experienced. Imagine the sounds, colours, senses, food, movement, costumes, celebrations and traditions. Use festivals from the past, present or future. Folk festivals, carnivals, regattas and processions.
To enter, fill one side of A5 paper with any medium that the paper will support, use landscape format. Ensure you’ve added your contact details on the reverse and return to The Nose in Newgate Street by Saturday 12th September. Finished work will be exhibited with other entries during the Walton Arts Festival, 17th -20th September and prizes will be awarded during the Festival.
A spokesperson for the Festival said:
“We’re really excited about this programme of arts events. which are aimed to involve people with all sorts of interests – from learning about clay modelling and weaving to basketry, jewellery making, lino printing and more with the Tiganites at East Coast Studio, to the new writers and artists of all ages, there’s something for everyone and we can’t wait to see the results!”
The full programme for the Walton Arts Festival will be released shortly.
