THE Last Post will be played in communities across Scotland and the rest of the UK on a range of instruments this November as arts non-profit organisation, Superact, launch The Last Post project to mark the First World War centenary.
Community groups will research and share the stories of local people and places from the war and then hold a commemorative event.
At every event, the Last Post ceremonial call will be played in a variety of styles to remember someone in their community; not just on bugles but on any instrument from pianos and cellos to guitars and drums.
Scottish musician and broadcaster, Mary Ann Kennedy, has joined the likes of Ben Elton and Hugh Dennis to support for the project by recording a Last Post video tribute to Tiree soldier, John MacDonald, who died in the First World War from sniper fire in the second battle of Arras.
Empowering communities in Scotland and across the UK; the project will inspire people of all ages to come together to explore their First World War heritage, remember the impact that the First World War had on their local community and play music from the era as a mark of commemoration.
Designed and piloted by Superact in 2013 with support from the Department for Communities and Local Government, The Last Post project has been awarded £92,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to roll out the project in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland in 2014.
Last Post events this year will take place across the UK in November 2014 as part of a ‘Last Post fortnight’.
To get involved and organise a Last Post event, community organisations and groups across the country are being urged to register their details on The Last Post website to receive an information pack and learn more about the project.
Commenting, Virginia Crompton, Superact’s executive producer of The Last Post project, said:
“The Last Post is an innovative project that will make the First World War Centenary accessible in a creative way. We have already seen how Last Post events engage and inspire communities through the nine pilots we launched this year and we can’t wait to see the project spread across the UK.”
Explaining the importance of the HLF support, Carole Souter, Heritage Lottery Fund chief executive, added:
“This nationwide project will reach out to new audiences for heritage and help local communities explore and understand their First World War stories in an imaginative way.”
For more information visit www.thelastpostproject.org.uk
ENDS
Notes to editors:
About Superact
Superact is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company that uses music and the arts to develop a wide range of social impact projects. Based in the UK but with an international reach, Superact delivers a wide range of participatory creative interventions that make a positive difference in key areas of community development, skills development, employability and health and wellbeing. www.superact.org.uk
About the Heritage Lottery Fund
Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) aims to make a lasting difference for heritage, people and communities across the UK and help build a resilient heritage economy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage. HLF has supported over 36,000 projects with more than £6bn across the UK. In total, since April 2010, HLF has awarded more than £56m to over 700 First World War Centenary projects. www.hlf.org.uk
About the First World War Centenary Partnership
2014 – 2018 marks the Centenary of the First World War, a landmark anniversary for Britain and the world. The First World War Centenary Partnership, led by IWM is a growing network of more than 2,900 local, regional, national and international cultural and educational organisations in 49 countries who together will be presenting a vibrant programme of cultural events and activities, and digital platforms which will enable millions of people across the world to discover more about life in the First World War. For more information, visit www.1914.org
About the Department for Communities & Local Government
The Department for Communities and Local Government works to move decision making power from central government to communities, putting them in charge of local services and planning, showing them how their money is being spent, and working to bring communities and people from all backgrounds together. www.gov.uk/dclg
Contact:
Katharine Lane – The Last Post project manager
077606 60628 / 01172 140366
Katharine@superact.org.uk
Nick Roberts – Superact communications manager
07966224375 / 01172 140366
Nickr@superact.org.uk
Laura Bates – HLF communications manager
020 7591 6027
lbates@hlf.org.uk
MEDIA RELEASE issued by Jennifer McGlone. You too can post your story ideas for journalists (aka press or media releases), on allmediascotland.com. Email info@allmediascotland.com for more information.
Check out twitter.com/nonstopstories.
Check out twitter.com/allMusicPR.
Contact: Jennifer McGlone
Phone: 07900413314
Email: jennifer@glowarts.co.uk
Website: http://www.thelastpostproject.org.uk
