Lorraine Kelly OBE Becomes Arts Alive Festival Patron

19th August 2020

Local arts festival announces that much-loved journalist Lorraine Kelly will be its new patron.

Supported by Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) and taking place throughout October, Arts Alive is the biggest arts festival in the South East. The festival has been renamed Arts E-Live this year, as events move online due to current social distancing guidance. 

Lorraine Kelly takes over from last year’s patron, Dame Judi Dench. Lorraine is known for presenting popular morning television shows ITV’s GMTV, This Morning and Lorraine. Throughout her 40-year career she has been committed to using the arts to promote good mental health and social connection. She has encouraged millions to improve their wellbeing through her television work and exercise DVDs.  

Lorraine says, “I’m delighted to be patron for this year’s Arts Alive festival, now in its 24^th year, and its first year as Arts E-Live. I truly hope that the online events mean even more people can engage at a time to suit them. I look forward to an art-filled October 2020!”

Event registrations open on Friday 28 August for one week, so now is the time for local arts groups to start planning their online events, whether it’s drama, music, dance, painting, poetry, crafting or horticulture. All art forms for all ages are welcome.

Cabinet Member for Leisure, Councillor David Draper, said: “We are delighted that Lorraine Kelly accepted Arts Alive’s invitation to be festival patron. She is beloved by so many people, and has achieved a huge amount in her long career. This is fantastic news for our local arts festival, and we really appreciate the support. MVDC is proud to support Arts Alive; it is a unique opportunity for the community to come together and engage with the arts.

“We are keen to run as many online arts events as we can, so if you have an idea, please get in touch and we can talk about how to make it brilliant. As always, our aim is to make tickets to the events free or very low cost, as we want to make them accessible for as many people as possible.”

To discuss an Arts E-Live event idea, email arts.dev@molevalley.gov.uk or call 01306 885001.