WVRF makes a triumphant return to the Wye Valley from 27th May – 5th June 2022 with its trademark vibrant and innovative programme of shows, workshops, performances, installations and public debates. Inspired by the theme of Human ⇋Nature, this year we ask: What is our relationship with nature? What is our own human nature? Where does one end and the other begin?
The Wye Valley River Festival is an open access community festival across the Wye Valley region from Hereford to Chepstow. Come and get involved: be entertained, moved, engaged and inspired by this interactive celebration and exploration of our living landscape and wildlife.
The popular open access festival will kick off on Friday 27th May to help audiences re-connect after the pandemic through a programme of vibrant and innovative shows, workshops, performances, installations and film running at venues from Hereford to Chepstow until Sunday 5th June.
WVRF2022 highlights include sound installations at Tintern Abbey, featuring interactive sound making experiences, an immersive soundscape designed by renowned sound recordist Chris Watson along with recordings by actors including Dame Emma Thompson and bilingual poetry by Rhys Trimble.
On May 28, Monmouth will host a Merry Mischief Day and on June 3rd Ross-on-Wye hosts the Streets of Ross, both will see interactive circus acts, street theatre, music and parades take over the streets. Cycling performers the Bikesplorers will tour throughout the festival along a 65-mile route, putting on pop-up performances.
Interactive performers Red Herring will perform as the Whistler Conservation Society at Symonds Yat Rock on June 3. Appearing as “the elusive Whistlers”, a remote whistling community, audiences will hear their “extraordinary whistling language” up close. On June 4 Ross-on-Wye will host quirky street theatre, wild circus, and local celebration, alongside artists and performers will be making and presenting work around the market town and in the Prospect Gardens of St Mary’s Church.
