|
The annual community arts festival, Arts for All, is back in town at
local beauty spot Haigh Hall and Country Park on Sunday 22nd July. This
fantastic free family event begins at 12 noon and will be non stop fun
and arty frolics through to 4pm.
Arts for All, organised by Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust, provides
something for everyone, from music and theatre to dance and visual arts.
Supported by Greater Manchester Local Strategic Arts Fund, this family
day is a celebration of interactive arts activities, exhibitions, craft
demonstrations and live performances.
Martin Green, Development Officer for Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust,
said: “We want people to take pride in what has been achieved in the
community so come along and support local artists, partners and
participants. Families and friends can make a real day of this, why not
bring along a picnic and enjoy the afternoon? After recent rainy spells,
we are hoping that Mother Nature will be kind as this event promises to
be a real treat for lovers of all things artistic. However, if the
heavens should open shelter can be taken in the café and bar areas.”
Arts for All features an eclectic mix of art work and projects produced
by various community groups who have been funded by the festival.
Visual Arts:
Acclaimed local artist, Elizabeth Smith, ran workshops with pupils from
St James’ Primary School, Worsley Mesnes to create a piece of textile
art. Helped by members of the locally based Daisy Chain Stitchers group,
the children had the opportunity to work alongside older members of the
community and learn stitching skills from them. The team’s effort will
be on show for all to see at this year’s event.
Also, in the run up to this year’s festival, local artist Mark Mennell
worked with pupils from Mab’s Cross Primary School, to create hanging
‘tree sprites’ and ‘furniture monsters’ using natural and reclaimed
materials. The artwork will be displayed in the grounds of Haigh, on the
day of the event.
Children from Leigh Central and Leigh Sacred Heart Primary Schools,
worked with Manchester based artist Mandy Beck-McKim to produce carnival
costumes, art work and musical instruments. Their work will be showcased
during the festival in a procession entitled ‘Carnival Chaos’,
accompanied by music from the Anvil band.
The project, coordinated by Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust’s Play team
and the Fit 2 Dance project, aimed to highlight the importance of
recycling, protecting the environment and enjoying cultural differences
to local children.
Haigh’s artist in residence, Karen Buckels, will be encouraging an
international feel with her ‘Heartlift’ project after a recent trip to
Gambia. This will involve the exchange of messages on hearts between our
two countries.
Other visual arts displays will come from Studio 77 Art Group, Worsley
Mesnes Art Group, Joan Griffiths, Maxwell Ayres, Nigel Buckels and Mike
Fahey who will be drawing people’s portraits.
Dance:
Dance fans can enjoy performances from Scottish dance troupe, the
Thistle Society, Street DanceZone and an exclusive from two recently
formed groups from Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust’s ‘Fit 2 Dance’
scheme. Thunder, Storm and Lightning will also be strutting their stuff
in a cheerleading and stunt display.
Theatre:
Performances will take place throughout the day for theatre lovers from
groups such as Wigan Pier’s Adult Community Theatre, presenting their
short melodrama, ‘The Haunting of Hardup Hall’ and the New Garrett
Theatre Company showing highlights from their musical extravaganza
‘Destination Broadway’. Wigan Pier’s Youth Theatre Company will be
educating audiences on tricks of the trade with stage combat and mask
workshops.
There will also be opportunities to hear ‘The Ageless Self’, a radio
play and documentary produced by Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust, in
partnership with Age Concern. This brings together humour and drama
while exploring issues around loneliness and isolation.
Music:
The ever popular Jill Fielding Folk Band will return to Haigh to perform
their upbeat folk collection and local singing sensation Sean Perkins
will have his chance in the limelight with a selection of swing
classics.
Martin Green, said, “This event involves the whole community whether
they take part as artists or the audience. The vast array of local
talent and different activities from across the arts spectrum definitely
makes it a day to be enjoyed by all.”
Arts for All takes place at Haigh Hall and Country Park on Sunday 22nd
July from 12pm till 4pm. For more information, contact Martin Green on
01942 709305.
-ends-
NOTES TO EDITORS: For further information on this News Release please
contact Chris Dunbar, Media and Public Relations Manager, on 01942
486937 or at
c.dunbar@wlct.org
Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust: Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust is a
charitable trust working on behalf of Wigan Council to manage and
support leisure and cultural facilities, initiatives and events for over
300,000 residents in the Wigan Borough. See
www.wlct.org
Getting Wigan Active: Getting Wigan Active is Wigan Leisure and Culture
Trust’s vision to help people across the Wigan Borough to become more
physically, mentally and creatively active. It also aims to increase
community activity and to encourage good citizenship
►
Print this page
►
Return to Trust News
|
The Daisy Chain Stitchers with children
from St. James’ Primary School
|