ONCE UPON A TIME IN NORTH EAST ENGLAND…
Cultural programme 2010/11 launches as part of National Storytelling Week
Well worth a read is the new cultural programme 2010/11 launched by NewcastleGateshead Initiative this National Storytelling Week.
Telling the story of the vibrant and eclectic festivals and events due to take place in the North East across the course of the year, the event programme has been developed to appeal to an international, national and regional audience of all ages and from all backgrounds.
Storytelling is at the root of all art forms, which is why National Storytelling Week has been chosen to launch the latest exciting array of events, which uncover fascinating views, tales and truths about the North East’s heritage, landscape, food and cultural offerings – from Emperor Hadrian’s time to the present day and beyond.
Already strongly established as a cultural destination, on paper NewcastleGateshead’s 2010/11 offering is a real page turner set only to be bettered by experiencing each occasion in the flesh with a local narrator.
The first chapter of events kicks off with AV Festival 2010, one of the UK’s largest international festivals of electronic arts. This year’s theme is energy and the 2 exhibitions, 20 performances, 10 screenings, 14 talks, 4 club nights and 3 symposia across NewcastleGateshead, Middlesbrough and Sunderland all respond to this idea in some way, ranging from sounds, light and mechanical
energy to the spiritual and human.
Hot on its heels is a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of an icon that will see World Heritage Site Hadrian’s Wall illuminated from end to end, forming an amazing 84 mile long line of light from Wallsend to Carlisle. Taking place on Saturday 13th March, Illuminating Hadrian’s Wall will show the true scale and majesty of the wall and truly capture the public’s imagination.
Sure to keep visitors enthralled is Newcastle ScienceFest incorporating Maker Faire, a 10-day celebration of creativity, innovation and science where attendees can learn to speak Chimpanzee, race power tools, meet a robot world-record holder and step inside a bubble.
Across eight days and also in March, Northern Lights Film Festival will appeal to members of the public, media and film buffs alike, showcasing a range of events, film screenings and soup sessions led by leading risk takers and mischief makers from the worlds of advertising, films, games and science.
Carol Bell, head of programme development at NewcastleGateshead Initiative, said: “We are proud of the diverse and innovative events that we have delivered over the years, many of which have been both unique and exceptional – and this year’s choice will certainly rival the best of them.
“Once again, we will be working with a range of regional, national and international partners to deliver both firm festival favourites and create new commissions that will engage people in novel ways and open up the North East as it has never been seen before.
“Whatever your favourite kind of tale, we have something to suit so we are encouraging everyone to leaf through our must-see cultural calendar and set aside time so they don’t miss out. We promise a memorable time that visitors will share with others as part of their own personal storytime.”
Other focal points of the 2010 calendar include EAT! NewcastleGateshead (12 – 27 June), a food and drink festival showcasing the very best of local produce and culinary talent and JUICE (20 – 31 October), which celebrates the creativity of children and young people aged 0 – 18yrs.
With Newcastle having been named Britain’s greenest city by Forum for the Future and Gateshead this year’s European City of Sport, there are many additional reasons to pay a visit over the next twelve months.
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Cllr John Shipley, Leader of Newcastle City Council, said: “The words NewcastleGateshead have become synonymous with the very best that culture has to offer, with visitors from across the world as well as the UK joining local people in actively participating in the different events taking place. Our success lies in the fact that our programme is accessible to everyone, something we set a lot of store by. We hope to entice even more thousands of people to get involved during 2010/11.”
Cllr Mick Henry, leader of Gateshead Council, said: “Thanks to our fantastic and highly fruitful partnership with Newcastle City Council and NewcastleGateshead Initiative, both residents and visitors to North East England have been able to access a truly inspiring series of events that have each been extraordinary in their own way. We are proud to continue to build this heritage with our up and coming events, which highlight everything the region stands for in terms of beautiful landscapes and proud, welcoming and talented people, not to mention great value attractions which sit alongside ambitious businesses and highly respected educational establishments.”
NOTES TO EDITOR
Please find attached details of NewcastleGateshead’s cultural programme for 2010.