A FESTIVAL to celebrate the life and times of one of Whitchurch's most celebrated figures will 'inspire people young and old' it is hoped.

Last month preparations for the 2022 Randolph Caldecott festival began, with a date of March 19, 2022 being set.

One of the event's organisers, Dr Norma Raynes says she hopes the festival will prove to be inspirational for the residents of Whitchurch, as well as providing a welcome boost to the economy.

"The festival itself, the first of its kind as far as we know, is both celebrating and inspired by Randolph Caldecott, who lived here from the age of 15 to 21," said Dr Raynes.

"As his father wished he was training in a bank, but he wanted to be an artist.

"After moving to Manchester, training at art school there at night, working in a bank by day, he finally went to London and he got to live his dream.

"He became an internationally renowned artist and illustrator.

"We now know that there is blue plaque in at 46 Great Russell street in London, opposite the British Museum where we also know some of his work is held.

"We hope he will inspire young people and older people, who have gone through such difficult times in the pandemic to live their dreams, and that the festival will promote creativity and fun in our community and help in the recharging of our local businesses and local economy, as well as making Mr Caldecott better known, locally, countywide and nationally."

The event will be officially launched on Friday, April 16.

Dr Raynes explained: "The launch is taking place on Friday, April 16 in the afternoon.

"We are using two shop fronts, both donated by the owners.

"One is in the Bullring. It is the new Watergate Centre, and the other on the High Street here in Whitchurch, in a shop called Creatology."