Ashby Arts Festival 2026

For this year's Ashby Art Festival the artistic focus was to celebrate the writer, broadcaster and naturalist, Sir David Attenborough, who turned 100 thismonth. Although born in Middlesex, Sir David grew up in Leicester so here in Leicestershire we are happy to consider him "one of our own". Most of us have grown up learning to understand, care for and appreciate the natural world through his many TV programmes and through his advocacy for environmental causes.

To showcase the wonders of the planet and celebrate Sir David's huge contribution, local artists created huge 8 foot by 4 foot artwork to display on the walls around Ashby. Ivanhoe School students from Year 8 and Year 9 created their artwork which is on display on the art trail.

Well done to the following students for their incredible hard work:

• Darcey
• Eppie
• Ellie
• Scarlett
• Shelby
• Thea
• Marco
• Orlando
• Stefan

This Artists statement: "We took inspiration from his documentary ‘Africa’. We did a red sky because it contrasted with the lion’s fur and signifies Attenbourough’s love for nature 
and his passion for living things. The lion running represents how David Attenbrourough continues his powerful campaign for the environment and nature.
The choice of a lion as out topic was also important to celebrate the 50th anniversary this year of the founding of Ashby and Coalville Lions Club and recognise their 50 years of contribution to the community. We had many struggles whilst painting this such as dropping an entire tin of wall paint on the floor but we remained positive which is the painting is titled
‘Savannah Swagger’."

Artist Statement
The students were inspired by the iconic, Emmy and BAFTA award winning documentary The Blue Planet, which premiered in 2001 and still remains a wellloved and influential series. They loved how bright and vibrant the colours were. We have been studying sea life in art recently, so it was lovely to make that connection through this project. David Attenborough does a wonderful job of bringing to life some of the sea creatures that many of us may never have the opportunity to see ourselves. Our board is a tribute to his work and to the amazing and beautiful creatures of 
our seas.