Sabrina Dean -

Smithfield - Artists and entertainers performing at the inaugural Platteland Preview arts festival in Smithfield will be provided with free accommodation.

The fringe of the forthcoming National Arts Festival in Grahamstown takes place in the Free State town from 21 to 23 June and will showcase several acts included in the official Grahamstown fringe line-up.

Festival convenor Carmel Rickard explains how the concept was born last year when a performer spent the night in Smithfield on route to Grahamstown.

Rickard says performers are provided with free accommodation, venues, lights and sound, while the Free State community have theatre and the arts right in their own backyard.

Some of the shows on offer include Vrek, the Bram Fischer Walz, 1Waycrew, Hoax and more.

For more information or bookings visit www.smithfieldfestival.wordpress.com.