West Lothian hosts Commonwealth Games cultural celebrations
Storytelling on two wheels
A show in an ice cream van
Cutting edge visual arts
A CUSTOMISED ice cream van and a bicycle with saddle bags packed with books by the author of The Gruffalo, are ready to hit the road as more events are about to take place in West Lothian this summer as part of the Glasgow 2014 Cultural Programme.
The nationwide Glasgow 2014 Cultural Programme is celebrating Scotland and Glasgow’s hosting of the XX Commonwealth Games with more than 1,000 events taking place across the country.
Far from the Madding Crowd Bookshop; Linlithgow Palace; Armadale Community Centre; Howden Park Centre
Adding to the excitement of the Queen’s Baton Relay reaching the region actor Tam Dean Burn will be cycling into town on Sunday 15 June as part of an epic journey in which he will read all 195 books and plays, and sing all the songs written by former Children’s Laureate, Julia Donaldson, to children along the route of the QBR.
The Marathon Storytelling Cycling Challenge is free to attend and Tam and friends will be at Far from the Madding Crowd Bookshop at 10am, Linlithgow Palace at 11am, Armadale Community Centre at 2pm and Howden Park Centre at 4pm.
For details visit: booksonabike.com
Debenhams Car Park, Livingston
Also coming to town on this special day is, The Pokey Hat, a new family musical interactive show from Grinagog Theatre performed in a customised ice cream van, which is touring Scotland with its own especially composed jingles. Based on stories and research provided by the local community in the East End of Glasgow, the show will take an entertaining look at the way we used to live; the Italian community in Scotland and café culture; childhood songs, games and sweets.
Crolla dairy ice cream from Glasgow will be handed out at performances. Come along to Debenhams Car Park Livingston at 3pm on Sunday 15 June to join in the fun.
To find out more visit: www.grinagog.co.uk/content/productions_the_pokey_hat/
Howden Park Centre
On Friday 20 June there’s a treat in store for young children and their families at Howden Park Centre. Yellow Valley is a loveable, contemporary, musical-storytelling performance, created especially for children aged two to four years old, based on the Kenyan children’s book Who’s Calling by celebrated author Charity Waciuma.
This quirky story presented by Starcatchers is recreated with live African music, electronic vocal effects and energetic performances to tell the tale of a feisty little girl and her animal friends who strike up a disagreement with another, cheekier, little girl (and all her animal friends) across the valley. Performances are at 10am, 11am and 1.30pm. For tickets phone 01506 777666.
Linlithgow Burgh Halls
As part of GENERATION, the most ambitious programme of visual art ever held in Scotland, artist Louise Hopkin’s exhibition Black Sea, White Sea will be showing at Linlithgow Burgh Halls from Friday 15 August to Saturday 1 November.
GENERATION, which celebrates 25 years of contemporary art in Scotland, features work by 100 artists in over 60 venues and all exhibitions are free to attend.
The Glasgow 2014 Cultural Programme is a partnership between the Glasgow 2014 Organising Committee, Glasgow Life, and Creative Scotland through National Lottery funding.
Janet Archer, chief executive of Creative Scotland, said: “It’s fantastic to see this exciting work being presented in West Lothian and I’d encourage everyone to join in with and enjoy the events.”
Eileen Gallagher, Independent Director on the Glasgow 2014 Board and Chair of the Ceremonies, Culture and Queen’s Baton Relay Committee, said: “The Glasgow 2014 Cultural Programme is offering people the opportunity to be part of the Games wherever they are. With something for all the family, in popular local settings and an inspiring range of shows and activity, there is something for everyone to enjoy.”
To find out more details about what’s happening in West Lothian and throughout Scotland visit: www.glasgow2014.com/culture
Notes to Editors:
The Glasgow 2014 Cultural Programme is a national celebration. Culture 2014 will showcase dance, theatre, music, visual arts, comedy and much more in the run up to and after the Commonwealth Games, with Festival 2014 transforming the Host City at Games time.
Media Contact
Brian Maycock
Interim Media Relations and PR Officer, Glasgow 2014 Cultural Programme
E: brian.maycock@creativescotland.com
T: 0330 333 2000
D: 0131 523 0046
M: 07972 835 212
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Contact: Brian Maycock
Email: brian.maycock@creativescotland.com
Website: http://www.creativescotland.com
