Perth and Kinross hosts Commonwealth Games cultural celebrations
High octane spectacular contemporary circus
Storytelling in an ice cream van
Fascinating literary discussion
A BICYCLE with saddle bags packed with books by the author of The Gruffalo, and an incredible group of young contemporary circus performers are heading to Perth and Kinross for just two of the events that are about to take place 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.
Tay Street, Perth
Adding to the excitement of the Queen’s Baton Relay coming to the region on Friday 4 July, Tay Street, Perth will be the setting for a high octane, spectacular performance showcasing contemporary circus skills.
The Commonwealth Youth Circus is a new company featuring specially recruited young performers from Scotland and the Commonwealth who are wowing audiences along the route of the QBR. Catch them on Tay Street between 3pm and 7pm.
To find out more visit: http://www.brightnightinternational.com/community/commonwealth-youth-circus-2014/
Perth City Centre
Actor Tam Dean Burn will also be cycling into Perth City Centre on Friday 4 July 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 so don’t miss out on the fun and join Tam and friends in Perth Town Centre.
For details visit: booksonabike.com
Perth City Centre
This special day also sees a new family musical interactive show from Grinagog Theatre performed in a customised ice cream van in Perth City Centre from 1pm to 3pm. Based on stories and research provided by the local community in the East End of Glasgow, The Pokey Hat 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.
To find out more visit: http://www.grinagog.co.uk/content/productions_the_pokey_hat/
Innerpeffray Library, near Crieff
At 7pm on Saturday 5 July at Innerpeffray Library, near Crieff there’s the opportunity to enjoy a fascinating Scottish PEN event.
Kenyan exiled author, Philo Ikonya, discusses her personal journey and works with Scottish PEN Treasurer and author Linda Cracknell. Linda’s radio drama, The Lamp which was broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2011 is set and recorded at Innerpeffray Library imagined the visit of a Kenyan librarian and drew on her work with Philo and experiences of Kenya.
Audience members are invited to take part in a guided walk in the footsteps of the original library borrowers before the event. The event is chaired by Drew Campbell, President of Scottish PEN.
For more information and to book your free ticket visit: http://www.scottishpen.org/news/events/words-in-times-of-conflict
Perth Theatre
From Wednesday 2 July to Saturday 5 July there’s a treat in store for the newest residents of Perth and Kinross when the Blue Block Studio visits Perth Theatre.
A unique shared experience for children up to two years-old, Blue Block Studio offers the opportunity for adult and baby to interact in a friendly, inspiring and beautiful environment. The Studio is a carefully created play space providing a safe environment for babies and their families to interact, engage and explore. A range of objects, stimuli and sounds encourage play, discovery and wonder, allowing the very young the freedom to follow and engage with what interests them.
Created by early years artist, Katy Wilson, in collaboration with a team of fellow artists, Blue Block Studio is a Starcatchers production.
Adding to the fun on Friday 4 and Saturday 5 July, Starcatchers will also be presenting Yellow Valley. This loveable, contemporary, musical-storytelling performance, created especially for children aged two to four years-old is inspired by Kenyan children’s book Who’s Calling by Charity Waciuma.
For more information and to buy tickets visit: http://www.horsecross.co.uk/whats-on
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 Perth and Kinross 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 Perth and Kinross and throughout Scotland visit: www.glasgow2014.com/culture
Notes to Editors:
- The Commonwealth Games is an international, multi-sport event involving 71 teams of athletes from the Commonwealth of Nations. The event was first held in 1930 and takes place every four years. Glasgow 2014 will be the XX Commonwealth Games and will be held from 23 July to 3 August. It will feature 17 sports in 11 days of competition with 261 medal events on show. The Games will play host to 4,500 athletes and sell 1,000,000 tickets with the event aided by an army of 15,000 volunteers. Glasgow 2014 Ltd is the official name for the Organising Committee tasked with delivering the Games in partnership with the Scottish Government, Glasgow City Council and Commonwealth Games Scotland.
- Glasgow 2014’s official partner level sponsors are Longines, SSE, Virgin Media, BP, Emirates and Ford. For more information on Glasgow 2014’s full sponsor family, please visit http://www.glasgow2014.com/games/our-sponsors.
- Glasgow 2014, the Commonwealth Games Federation and UNICEF are working together in an exciting partnership that will transform the lives of children in Scotland and throughout the Commonwealth. Using the power of sport and culture this unique partnership aims to inspire, enable and empower the children of the Commonwealth to be the best they can be.
- The Glasgow 2014 Cultural Programme is a national celebration. Culture 2014 is showcasing 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. The Cultural Programme is a partnership between the Glasgow 2014 Organising Committee, Glasgow Life, and Creative Scotland through National Lottery funding. www.glasgow2014.com/culture
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
Gordon Boag
Cultural Press Officer, Glasgow 2014 Organising Committee
E: gordon.boag@glasgow2014.com
T: 030 2014 0000
D: 030 2014 0160
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Contact: Brian Maycock
Email: brian.maycock@creativescotland.com
Website: http://www.creativescotland.com
