ORGANISERS of one of Northwich’s biggest festivals are giving their up-and-coming young members a chance to pull-off their own event in style.
Now Northwich, put on by Winsford’s Cheshire Dance and partners, is an extravaganza of dance, acrobatics, street performances, live music, interactive workshops and artisan food and drink.
On Sunday, April 16, a dynamic cohort of 12 teenagers from Cheshire Dance, all members of the organisation’s Young Producers arts education programme, are showing off their production skills by putting-on their own ‘mini-festival’.
Dubbed ‘Northwich Rising’, the event includes 5 dance performances at Barons Quay, as well as music, interactive activities, and a ‘community canvas’ where people can contribute their ideas of how Northwich can take its contribution to the arts forward as a town.
Suzi Boyden-Beckly, marketing and events co-ordinator at Cheshire Dance, said: “The Young Producers Programme ensures that there is a youth voice at the heart of Cheshire Dance programming.
“It provides with opportunities for the young people to express their unique voice and perspective and have a positive impact on their local community.
“The Northwich Rising event has been produced by the group, and has given the young people the chance to programme a micro-festival with five dance performances, vibrant music, and a community canvas where the people of Northwich can explore their creativity.
“It’s a two-hour event that looks to spark positive change for the future through the arts.”
The Young Producers pragramme aims to increase the cultural capital of young people and the wider community, in an area that has limited access to the arts, while develop lifelong skills including communication, organisational and leadership skills.
It also seeks to build confidence in young people in their approach to the arts and producing, through collaboration with professional artists.
Suzi added: “This a great way of getting these young, talented people to understand what it’s like to work in a festival.
“They have produced it themselves, programmed the artists themselves, and they will be running it themselves, with our support.”
This free event is suitable for all ages, and starts at noon on Sunday, April 16, and lasts until 2pm, in Barons Quay Square.
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