Grab a slice of culture – and bags of fun –
in Forres this Saturday, writes Susan Welsh
The Moray town of Forres punches above its weight when it comes to pulling out all the stops to put on a show. Events such as Piping Hot Forres, the Vintage theme day and Highland games regularly attract thousands of visitors.
This Saturday, September 26, the town will burst into life again, thanks to an explosion of arts and creativity. More than 80 arts and cultural events will be taking place throughout Forres town centre on Saturday as part of Culture Day 2015.
Returning for a third year, Culture Day takes place between 11am and 5pm and will see the streets, parks, shops and public buildings of Forres come alive with an exciting and eclectic mix of art, music, film and dance, talks and tours and much, much more.
Artists from across Moray and beyond will join hands with local businesses and community groups to offer an array of exhibitions, performances and lots of free have-a-go activities for all the family.
Each activity provides an opportunity for the public to interact with artistic and cultural organisations to discover the abundance of creative activity taking place on the town’s doorstep all year round.
Culture Day 2015 will celebrate the creativity and energy of the town following the Forres area’s success at the Creative Place Awards earlier this year. Among other projects co-ordinated by Findhorn Bay Arts, the £100,000 win has helped to support and promote local arts participation in the event.
Culture Day organiser and director of Findhorn Bay Arts Kresanna Aigner said: “This year’s Culture Day is bigger and brighter then ever.
“A huge variety of artists, businesses and groups will be ‘throwing open their doors’ and inviting you to explore the work that they do throughout the year.
“With over 80 groups and 200 participants taking part, the event demonstrates the incredible range of activities taking place right here on our shores – a true reflection and celebration of our Creative Place.
Performances by The National Theatre of Scotland and well-known touring children’s theatre company Frozen Charlotte reinforce our recognition as a cultural hub, locally and nationally.”
With so many events taking place throughout Culture Day, residents and visitors alike are invited to wander, explore and find something magical around every corner. Below is just a small taste of what is on offer:
The National Theatre of Scotland presents To Begin . . ., a theatrical adventure inspired by real-life stories from the people of Forres (see separate box within the Your Weekend supplement).
Culture Day kicks off a little early at 10.30am, with children’s theatre company Frozen Charlotte Productions and The Library – A Mysterious Mystery.
Join local artist Bob Kenny and discover the secret art life of Forres on Secret Studios Tour. Aboard a vintage bus, visit the arts and craft studios you never knew existed.
Ignite: Moray Youth Arts Hub at Forres House Community Centre will be hosting performances by young artists throughout the day, including singing from Rising Stars, music from Be Like Pablo and Esther Rose, plus a Trash Fashion fashion show.
Grant Park will be home to The Big Performance Tent, featuring a singing workshop with local jazz singer Andrea Turner, a Chinese martial arts fan workshop, plus Afternoon Streetdance sessions.
Pop-up cinema hub, screening over 20 films created by Moray-wide filmmakers. Films will be screened at four mini stations, so you can relax and select what you want to view.
Commissioned especially for Culture Day and supported through the Creative Place award, help artist and crafter Karen Collins create a willow sculpture installation, enjoy music from
Forres-based Dave Levon, soak up a darkly lit lantern show from House of Automota, take part in a workshop with Varis Crafts and spot the witches from Macbeth the Remix out and about around Forres.
A kaleidoscope of performers including stilt walkers, music makers, clowns and other colourful characters will be out and about on the streets, to entertain and help point you in the right direction.
At 5pm, Culture Night kicks in, with a sprinkling of superb events taking you through the evening including Creative Cafés at The Red Lion and Transition Town Forres from 5pm to 7pm, with music, local food and a splash of creativity by local performers. Free traditional music at the Mosset Tavern from 5pm to 7pm with Fire in the Kitchen and The Reelers.
Culture Day will come to a grand finale with an evening of cabaret, performance, concert and dance celebrating the marvellous creativity of Moray’s artistic community. Forres Town Hall, 8pm to late, with a bar by Speyside Craft Brewery.
Visit www.findhornbayarts.com