Local inspiration for arts festival
Posted on 31. Aug, 2009 by Lily in Article, Culture
Not surprisingly, our beautiful Pennine Landscape has inspired several of the entries in this year’s
Littleborough Arts Festival chairman Richard Cafiero with some of his works
Littleborough Arts Festival with titles such as “Evening in the Pennines”, “Pennine sky”, “Pennine moor”, “Hollingworth Lake in winter” and “Snow on the Edge” giving a clue as to the popularity of local subjects among both artists and photographers and patrons.
But the festival is more, much more, than that. Now in its 8th year, the event continues to attract artists and visitors from all over the UK and stays true to its aim of promoting art within the local community. With 80 artists displaying nearly 200 works, this year’s exhbition at Littleborough’s historic Coach House is both varied and vibrant.
There is also a photographic exhibition with the theme “The Changing Countryside” and visitors can vote for their favourite work.
Part of the proceeds from the sales of artwork support the work of Springhill Hospice, Rochdale.
Festival chairman Richard Carfiero, who has three of his own works in the exhibition, told Pennine Life: “It has been exciting and rewarding to be a member of the Littleborough Arts Festival Committee. The Festival has continued to develop and extend its range of art events with the support of the public, artists, volunteers and local sponsors and grants. We will be looking forward to planning net year’s events and welcome any suggestions on how to improve and further expand our arts programme.
By Tim Collier
Feeling the beat in Rochdale
Posted on 01. Aug, 2009 by Lily in Culture
You can certainly feel the beat when you join the community percussion group Pandemonium. My evening with them at the Syke Community Base was most enjoyable although the palms of my hands were pleasantly smarting by the end. They made me feel very welcome as I joined in with their weekly drumming session.
Steve Hignett from Rhythmweave runs the sessions. Steve, a freelance musician and teacher, says that anyone is welcome to join the group. “We are not all young and to be honest anyone can do it and enjoy it. It’s fun and easy to learn. It also helps with getting rid of the frustrations and anxieties of the day. Most people say their confidence gets a boost.”
The group rely on funding to keep going and sometimes are able to bring in tutors to help develop their style. They started off playing mainly Samba but now can play Arabic and African rhythms. The group take bookings to play at community events such as Mayor Making. Steve, when asked what he gets out of it he replied: “If I see people dancing to our samba music that’s what I get out of it – knowing people are enjoying the music.”
The group have had media exposure before and proudly, with every right, mentioned the visit they had from Jill Tunstall from the Guardian last year.
You can hear a snippet of their Pandemonium
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
If anyone is interested in joining the group they can either visit http://www.rhythmweave.co.uk/home or phone 01706 521731
Local Resident “John Gadd” interview
Posted on 01. Aug, 2009 by Lily in Home and Garden
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
