GiFT…
a present to everyone in Colchester
entertainment, music, art, theatre
12 Sept to 11 Oct 2009
A Colchester 2020 project, supported by Colchester Borough Council
“Colchester Borough Council is delighted to support the partnership delivering GiFT… The project is a great example of what can be achieved when people feel passionately about where they live. As a result we have a wide range of events to enjoy, which celebrates Colchester as a great place to live, work and visit.” Cllr Paul Smith, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Diversity
• GiFT… is a series of arts and cultural events for all ages taking place in Colchester from 12 September to 11 October.
• GiFT… is inspired by people, places, stories and memories of Colchester.
• GiFT… celebrates the rich diversity of Colchester’s heritage and brings together professional artists with many different talents to work alongside local people to create experiences that all can enjoy.
The Mercury Theatre Company’s 10th anniversary production DEPOT, featuring some of Colchester’s hidden voices and forgotten stories, will be performed by company actors, a local community choir and acting group, at the Old Tram Shed on Magdalene Street, Colchester from 24 September to 11 October
Step Into History this is the chance to star in your very own piece of archive film footage through the wonders of Blue Technology with Signals Media Arts.
The Music of Place offers free concerts by Britten Sinfonia – musicians play specially commissioned music at various Heritage Open Day sites around Colchester on weekend of 12 and 13 September.
firstsite will present a programme of Artist-led tours, audio guides and trails to encourage new ways of looking at forgotten parts of the town. Watchout for an alternative sightseeing bus tour and a new film inspired by a gentleman from 16th century Colchester.
Colchester Arts Centre is hosting a special invitation event for anyone married at the venue when it was St Mary’s at the Walls church, to return for an afternoon of cream teas and reminiscence.
GiFT… many other activities will take place including a free
• “Colchester’s Global Heritage” a fantastic spectacle of over 200 dancers, singers, musicians, artists and craftspeople from around the world reflecting Colchester’s diverse make-up.
• Sat 3 Oct starts Culver Square at 11.30 am with Nepalese dancing, Flamenco, Belly dancing etc Every available space in the town including the Baptist Church Forecourt, the market area, Trinity Street and Long Wyre Street will have international entertainment, which is of course, completely free to everyone.
• Sunday 4th Oct events in the Upper Castle Park – The Tent of World Dreams with music, dance, food, arts and crafts from around the world in Castle Park.
• Entertainers include
◦ Colchester’s own world music community “Quire”
◦ Gamelan performances,
◦ Ghurka, Indian and Bulgarian folk dance,
◦ Dhol Drummers from India,
◦ Gamelan from Indonesia,
◦ Samba from Colchester’s own Boudica Samba tbc
◦ Morris dancing
◦ old English mummers plays,
◦ Colchester Brass Band
and many, many others for all ages, tastes and interests. There is also a ‘spoken word’ tent with stories, poetry and comedy from multicultural diverse performers, and a workshop tent where you can try your hand at practically everything. Round that off with stalls and crafts and it is obvious that this is simply something not to miss!
• Art Stop: Bus Stop, The Colchester History Quests – an interactive family treasure hunt and a GiFT… market stall with free gifts for all.
To find out more about GiFT… go online to www.visitcolchester.com
