Saffron Walden Maze Festival 2013 starts today (Friday August 8)

The Human Maze (Image: Archant)

Saffron Walden is alone in the UK in having two historic mazes – the ancient turf labyrinth on the Common and the Victorian hedge maze in Bridge End Garden.

Children in the Turf Maze (Image: Archant)

Mazes have many different aspects to them – historic, fun and games, spiritual and artistic – and they make this town of ours special.

To celebrate that uniqueness and to explore man’s fascination with mazes and labyrinths over the centuries, the Saffron Walden Initiative is once again holding a giant festival, starting today and continuing until Monday (August 19).

There’ll be an array of events and entertainment for people of all ages and interests, from maze-themed games and race to talks and exhibitions,

And it has brought together the whole community, such as the recently-formed Town Team who have linked up to run a competition, as well as children and adults who have been busily making their own mazes.

“People have been really positive and like the fact we’ve organised things free as much as possible. It doesn’t exclude anyone,” said Barbara Wilcox, of the Saffron Walden Initiative.

“We wanted to help bring people into the town to support the local economy and provide something interesting and fun for everyone.

“This is a very wide ranging festival, from serious information, exhibitions and talks to lots of mazes around the town for people to enjoy and have fun with.”

For the full programme of events, click on the link to the top right of this page.