With Christmas fast approaching Ormskirk town centre will host some magical tales with a fabulous arts event called The Festival of Tales.
This wonderful feast of visual art, creative writing and performance will feature works by local and international artists and writers who have taken their inspiration from the town of Ormskirk itself. The town centre as a whole will be the venue, with the streets animated by fabulous artworks specially made for this event.
The festival will officially be launched at the Chapel Gallery on Saturday 18 November when people can discover more about the artworks and short stories that celebrate the heritage of Ormskirk, a medieval market town with a colourful history.
Children can even make their own Ormskirk Oddities at free workshops between 10.30am and 12.30pm and 1.30pm and 3.30pm. Similar workshops are taking place on Saturday 16 December. Places at these events are limited and must be booked by emailing [email protected].
Among the many eye-catching pieces of visual artwork will be The Clock Tower (Ormskirk Clockmakers & Watchmakers) by internationally-renowned artist Su Blackwell.
The festival will be truly interactive and people living and working in West Lancashire can get involved in a variety of ways. Each artwork provides the opportunity to download a creative activity so individuals can make an artwork to exhibit online or at the Chapel Gallery itself. These will be available at www.chapelgallery.org.uk from Saturday 18 November.
Other ways people can get involved include creative writing workshops on Saturday 2 December and Saturday 9 December, with sessions for young people aged 8+ from 10.30am-12.30pm and for adults (16+) between 1.30pm and 3.30pm. All sessions have exciting themes and places must be booked in advance by emailing [email protected].
Many other exciting activities are being planned and more details will be announced very soon. But one special date to put in the diary will be the fabulous on-street theatrical experience called The Devil's Wall by the Wives Tales Theatre Company on Sunday 3 December from 3pm. Starting at the end of Moor Street, a parade of performers including Edge Hill students and community groups bring the audience to the performance stage by the Clock Tower.
Councillor Yvonne Gagen, West Lancashire Borough Council portfolio holder for Leisure, said: "Don't miss the wonderful Festival of Tales as it will showcase a fabulous arts extravaganza. We are all really excited that The Festival Tales is about to start, so come to Ormskirk and feast your eyes on what we have to offer."
The Festival of Tales is being developed by West Lancashire Borough Council Arts Development Service, Ormskirk Town Centre Management Group, and Edge Hill University in partnership with local businesses. The festival has received a £15,000 grant from the Arts Lottery Programme.