Issue02 The Making Issue
CURATED BY Faye Adams CONTIBUTORS Faye Adams Jacques McCaughran Chris Hidden
Blackburn is Open is a creative regeneration scheme funded by Arts Council England and backed by Blackburn with Darwen Council. Entrepreneur and designer Wayne Hemingway MBE is the creative director. Its ethos is the town’s motto, Arte et Labore, which translates as ‘by art and by labour’ or ‘by skill and hard work’.
DESIGN BY Source Creative sourcecreative.co.uk COVER IMAGE BY Richard Tymon richardtymon.com
Blackburn has a proud history of art, industry and innovation. In recognition of this, Blackburn is Open aims to bring together and support a creative community in the heart of the town centre. It also works to make under-utilised spaces and empty shops available to artists and entrepreneurs, support new businesses and celebrate the creative industries.
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PHOTOGRAPHY Richard Tymon richardtymonphotography / Derren Lee Poole @phunkography / Cameron Proctor camprosphotos / Richard Oughton @rjpimage / Wayne Myers @Diddybond / Peter Sanders @petersanders_ /
CONTACT Blackburn is Open, 65 King William Street, Blackburn, BB1 7HU 01254 667130 blackburnisopen.co.uk ideas@blackburnisopen.co.uk blackburnisopen
INSIDE Issue02 4/ His Bright Materials Multi-talented maker Alex Wareing and his passion for challenging the boundaries of taste 6/ Musical treasures Night at the Museum Live is the live music event set amongst the artefacts 8/ Independents Day Four makers are striking out on their own and showcasing the best of independent design 11/ Hopping Mad Craft beer connoisseur, Jacques McCaughran celebrates local brewers doing it for themselves 14/ The Reel Deal Tips from Blackburn Film Club on starting your own movie mayhem 16/ The Life and Soul Hot on the heels of locally shot film Northern Soul here’s the BS&HW beginners guide to the musical genre
18/ Chocs away Blackburn’s own Willy Wonka on building his chocolate empire 20/ Love is all you need Love & Etiquette’s pop up gallery Black Cube 24/ The Makers BS&HW meets the makers of East Lancashire 32/ A Light Shines Former places of worship are being reinvented and reimagined 36/ Pixel Power Pixel Lust, a retro games themed exhibition, returns along with a chance for people to get their hands ‘digitally dirty’ 39/ 24 hour party person Former Blackburn lass Christine Cort shares her secret to making an event special
The Making Issue By Skill and Hard Work (BS&HW) is a quarterly publication celebrating the creative talents of people who live, work or play in Blackburn. BS&HW celebrates the town and the commitment to skill and hard work of its creative community.
In this issue we consider makers and artisans. From watchmaking to the art of making a great event we have found inspiration in the people who have made a commitment to the long and tricky but ultimately rewarding path of following their dreams and making the most of their talents.
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Maker Alex Wareing on not fading into the background.
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Fashion designer, illustrator and print maker Blackburn based Alex Wareing is a multitalented maker. And he is also the organiser of Printfest, the town’s first Print fair, a celebration of printing including exhibitions, a print sale and printing workshops. It will feature printmakers from around the UK and set the precedent for an annual event. “I’m hoping it will be the beginning of something that will be quite special. We’ve got a lot of printmakers based in and around Blackburn and it would great to bring them together and hopefully spark off some exciting collaborations.” The 22 year-old studied Textile Design and Fashion at Manchester Metropolitan University where he specialised in print design and fashion.
As well as working on Printfest he is busy creating a series of installations at Accrington Library and Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery. Due to be completed in April the constructions are made entirely of pom-poms in gloriously clashing colours and will take over huge sections of these buildings. Blackburn’s installation will see the hundreds of woollen pom-poms cascading down the museum’s ornate Victorian staircase. “I wanted to create something out of place but also something that would oddly compliment the space. As with colour theory the colours that are complimentary are the ones we don’t expect, like red and green. “These buildings have huge imposing staircases covered in darkly painted green tiles with dark brass and wooden stair rails and I want to attack them with bright fluffy pompoms!”
In addition to these projects he is also creating a line of fashion accessories including a range of clutch adorned with sequins, embroidery and colours that shouldn’t work but do. The tactile furry bags inspired by the film Party Monster tap into the trend for fake fur championed by the catwalk brand Shrimps. Influenced by the likes of Katie Eary and House of Holland, Alex’s work is bold, colourful and sparkly. Through it he explores themes of the vulgarity of commercialism, gender identity and drag queens. “I don’t like to fade into the background and my work reflects this. My designs are about having fun and playfulness and I love playing around with the boundaries of taste and that fine line between tacky and sophistication.”
facebook /blackburnprintfest @alexwaredesigns
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PHOTOGRAPHY: RICHARD TYMON LOCATION: TONY’S BALLROOM, BLACKBURN
Blackburn Printfest Saturday, February 21 Opening exhibition Friday, February 20
Blackburn’s newest gig venue promises music among the Mummies Night at the Museum is fast becoming a fixture on the live music circuit for up and coming talent. The night in the 140-yearold Grade II listed Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery, which is now looking forward to its third event, has featured performers from all over the UK.
They include everyone from Manchester based four piece, The Gramotones chosen by none other than the Modfather Paul Weller as support on his latest European tour to London based singer songwriter Alexander Wolfe, who’s critically acclaimed new album From the Shallows has brought rave reviews.
facebook /nightatthemuseumlive nightatthemuseumlive.com 6
Everyone who appears at Night at the Museum is carefully selected by organiser Pete Eastwood who only chooses bands that he is himself passionate about. “The night really is a reflection of my musical taste,” he said.
“If I’m excited about a band then I tend to think it’s something other people will want to see to. “The first event sold out in less than 24 hours so I guess that says I’m on the right track.” Pete who has been putting on gigs for the past ten years, has booked everyone from James Walsh and Rae Morris to Pete Doherty.
He says he’s been waiting for the chance to do something a bit different and creative so when he hit upon the idea of staging something in the Museum he knew he was on to a winner. “I’ve been coming to this museum since I was a kid and I’ve always loved the building.
PHOTOGRAPHY DERREN LEE POOLE
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“Not enough people know it’s here and we’ve got some really fantastic stuff in there like the Egyptian Mummies for example. “Night at the Museum has given me a chance to bring people in who probably haven’t been here in years and let them see what a beautiful place it really is.”
Four makers are striking out on their own and showcasing the best of independent design.
PHOTOGRAPHY RICHARD TYMON
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With many shops and even banks leaving the high street and moving solely online what is in store for our towns and cities?
The team are jewellery maker, Verity Evans, artist and maker Cath Ford, Elizabeth EmmensWilson who specialises in surface decoration and ceramic painting and painter and printmaker Antonia Hennerley.
Some predict it’s actually a more diverse and independent selection of shops that offer something a bit different.
No.11 was opened through the Blackburn is Open empty shops scheme that offers empty spaces to artists and entrepreneurs along with advice and some financial support.
One group of women who believe that there is no substitute for meeting their customers face to face and letting people see their beautiful creations up close is the team behind No. 11.
It serves as a studio, gallery and a space for workshops which the group are planning to start along with craft parties and ‘meet the artist’ events later this year.
The group of four makers took on the pop-up shop on Town Hall Street, Blackburn, to show their work and also that of other local makers.
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In keeping with their diverse talents the art work on sale includes everything from ceramics to paintings, prints to jewellery, photographs and even textile pieces.
They’ve found a few challenges along the way in running an actual shop as opposed to an online store, for example finding ways of encouraging shoppers to make the trip to their shop needs to be factored in alongside the actual staffing of the shop.
No.11 also stocks a wide variety of work by other artists such as upholstered furniture and woollen scarves although it always has to meet the team’s rigorous quality control and selection process.
“We take it in turns, but it does take up our time and as artisans time is very precious because we need to be working on making things. So that’s a bit of a juggling act,” added Verity.
“Our styles are all different but I think we all share a common vision for the shop and what it should be and how it should look,” said Verity.
However she believes the positives far outweigh the negatives. “It’s lovely to find out where things are going. For example, we’ve have quite a few people come in and say ‘I’ve got to send something to Australia or Canada but it needs to be ‘postable’ and we can help them with that!”
“We have to know that something is right for us and for our customers and we all take a vote on it.” Having been open just over three months the group say they have been bowled over by the response to the shop.
“It’s also a really immediate way of getting feedback as opposed to online so we get to see what people want to buy so we know what artists we need to stock.”
“The reaction has been really great,” added Verity. “We get lots of people in saying my sister, mother in law or my friend said I absolutely must come in.”
“And perhaps most importantly it’s just a nice experience to see people’s reactions and be inspired by their enthusiasm.”
No.11 Town Hall Street, Blackburn facebook /no11townhallstreet 10
Home grown hops or the exotic new world flavours of the American and New Zealand variety? This is a choice facing brewers up and down the country. Following the resurgence of real ale (or as the hipster might say ‘craft ale’) on both sides of the pond, flavour, taste and colour are the new kings of boozers and bars as drinkers begin to shove off the fizzy counterpart. And breweries are all trying to tap in to what is for many a new market, with customers demanding more and more elaborate ales, porters and stouts with equally strange and elaborate names.
SKI Y B
LL & HARD WO RK
CRAFT BEER CONNOISSEUR, JACQUES MCCAUGHRAN CELEBRATES LOCAL BREWERS DOING IT FOR THEMSELVES.
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Leading the charge and at the forefront of the beer revolution, Blackburn with Darwen plays host to a number of award winning breweries, producing hand crafted ales by master brewers.
“There has definitely been a shift in the beer industry over the past few years,” said Natalie “The once old fashioned real ale is now competing for lager’s crown; lager cannot compete with the choice and variety even between local pubs”
One such brewery, Hopstar, operates from a small industrial estate in the heart of Darwen started out in life as a real garage industry. Run by the Tyson family the brewery is a Father – Daughter outfit that are using the very finest British hops to create floral pale ales, tasty milds and sweet chocolaty stouts.
“Drinkers are leading a real ale revolution” Part of this revolution and further up the road in nearby Tockholes, more gallons of hand crafted joy are being produced on a daily basis.
Launching the Hopstar brand from dad Barry’s garage, daughter Natalie now runs the brewery that produces 40 barrels a week (four times more than Barry’s Garage) all to be delivered to local pubs and restaurants.
The Three B’s Brewery overseen by head brewer Robert Bayer operates on a model that many micro-breweries have found successful. Operating from behind the Black Bull pub (which serves as the brewery tap) Three B’s is regularly producing over 20 barrels a week for a range that includes eight ales, with the pub serving as a very popular brewery tap.
Changing the range with the seasons, Hopstar has seven permanent beers including the popular Lancashire Gold and Dark Knight, whilst introducing hoppy treats throughout the year, with a chilli beer amongst the selection for winter.
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Blackburn Business and landmark Thwaites Brewery (famous for its large red sign that frames the Blackburn skyline) has itself been a keen exponent of the real ale revolution with its traditional lines of Wainwright (a personal favourite), Bomber and Nutty Black representing the British additions to the real ale scene.
Using a combination of domestic and German Hops they are creating not only the traditional pale ales, milds and stouts but also hybrids of flavoursome ales but with the same fizz as their larger alternatives. “I think every brewer and brewery has seen a resurgence in the popularity in real ale,” said Robert.
However in recent years and in a break from its normal brewing practice the company has introduced a micro – brewery that is now producing ‘American Style’ craft beers under the Crafty Dan branding.
“Using the Black Bull with the Brewery behind allow us to not only offer a different drinking experience, but also allows us to see what sells well, what drinks are popular and what could be tweaked by myself and the team.”
Combining European, domestic and international hops the three beers in the range are all slightly higher than average ABV but are all fantastic hand crafted, well-conceived and executed examples of master brewers enjoying their craft.
Three B’s like Hopstar offer seasonal ales and for Christmas 2014 they brought out Santa’s Skinfull to complement the ever popular Bee Blonde, Bobbins Bitter and Doffcocker to name but a few.
Who needs lager when both Blackburn and Darwen are creating lovingly handcrafted fine ales, definitely not me.
However it is not just micro - breweries that are profiting from a recent change in tastes.
PHOTOGRAPHY CAMERON PROCTOR AND THWAITES BREWERY
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Tips from Blackburn Film Club on starting your own movie mayhem. Film clubs are popping up all over the UK hosted everywhere from rooftops to churches.
But while the likes of London’s Secret Cinema can include a full cast of costumed actors accompanying each screening yours’ need not be such a complicated affair.
In part the movement has been inspired by social changes such as the rise of the ‘do it yourself’ culture and a greater emphasis on community spirit.
Blackburn Film Club which has shown everything from a series of architectural films for the Urban Room Festival to the documentary on Acid House parties High on Hope, has some essential tips for you to realise your cinematic potential…
Support from organisations like the British Film Institute (BFI) has also helped along with changes in licensing and access to cheaper equipment.
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Choose your location wisely
So you’re keen to set up a film club? You want to be able to show obscure Argentinian Manga or the entire Kevin Smith back catalogue to an appreciative audience? But where are you going to set up shop? Blackburn Film club has tried out a number of locations, an empty shop, a former church and a local bar. This has been handy for recent showings of Elaine Constantine’s Northern Soul so the party can continue afterwards. / Think about where most people are willing to travel to, most likely a town or city centre venue is your best bet. / Think outside the box - it doesn’t hurt to ask about unusual venues like a café or bookstore. / Don’t be afraid to ask about empty premises or bars/pubs that have the right layout to screen a film.
Getting licensed
Whether you’ve got two people or two hundred watching your film or even if you’re not charging for entry you’ll still need to have permission or risk a hefty fine. The costs differ depending on various factors for example whether films have already been released on DVD, how many films you intend to show and whether
you charge for admission. For an average film club the best bet is an annual non-commercial license from Film Bank.
Get equipped
Get decent equipment – if you’re putting effort into organising and promoting an event there’s no point in screening a colourful smear on the wall. Try to get a good projector and sound system. This will depend to an extent on the space you choose; big spaces need big systems. The British Federation of Film Societies (BFFS) has loads of helpful advice in this area.
Spread the word
Social media is going to be your friend in this case – it’s free and effective. In the very least get yourself a Twitter address and Facebook page. Starting a mailing list is also a good idea as even though members may have enjoyed themselves once you may need to keep in touch and remind them of what’s on in the future to tempt them back. There are also other handy online resources such as www. screeningfilm.com where you can register your showing and they will help publicise it.
Getting a little help from some friends
Once you have everything running, ask local businesses for help; drinks firms may want to supply some of their stock,
entertainment shops DVDs and catering companies for food – all this in return for some space on the promotional material. Also look for grants, depending on who you are, what you’re doing and where you’re doing it there maybe support from a range of institutions.
What’s on the bill?
Yes Andrei Rublev is a landmark film but unless you know there’s an audience for that type of thing, most people aren’t going to be convinced to spend their night off watching three hours of soviet era cinema. Throw it out to other members and take some suggestions on what they want to see. Also linking up with a local event or celebrating a global event such as International Women’s Day through an appropriate film is a good idea and may help with publicity.
Don’t go it alone
Get others involved in the process so it’s not dependent on a single person. While it may be your baby sharing the load and playing to peoples’ strengths is a good idea. So while you might have an extensive knowledge of film your accounting skills or knowledge of social media might not be as strong as other club members. blackburnfilmclub@gmail.com facebook /blackburnfilmclub @BBFilmClub
Inspired? Find out more The British Film Institute (BFI) Great for guidance on setting up a film club. bfi.org.uk The Independent Cinema Office The national organisation for the development and support of independent film exhibition in the UK. independentcinemaoffice.org.uk
British Federation of Film Societies (BFFS) National support and development organisation for the film society and community cinema movement. Lots of information for getting started and getting support. bffs.org.uk
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Film Bank The go to place on getting a license and has a great guide to setting up a club. filmbank.co.uk Screening Film A free tool for audiences and exhibitors to find and promote film events. screeningfilm.com
You’d have needed to be hiding under a pretty big rock to have missed the publicity that surrounded Elaine Constantine’s debut film Northern Soul. A love letter to the music genre that captivated the teenage Constantine it was part filmed in Blackburn where enthusiasm for the music has never gone away. Regular all-nighters at King Georges Hall still attract hundreds and the night which celebrates 20 years this year is the North’s longest running soul night out. So if you’re wondering what all the fuss is about and are thinking of find out more about Northern Soul here is our guide to what you need to know.
PHOTOGRAPHY RICHARD TYMON
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Blackburn Soul Night DJ Richard Searling has chosen five Northern Soul classics to tempt newbies out on to the dancefloor. THE SALVADORS / Stick by me baby US Wiseworld (1967) Written by soul legend, Jo Armstead, this 4-piece outfit from St Louis went into the studio one night in ‘67, cut the track and were never heard of again. That’s a shame because this is explosive harmony group Northern Soul at its very finest. Mark it down as one of the Bolton Va-Va’s All nighters most popular dancefloor packers from June 1973 ...I wonder if Jo ever cut a demo version? This song is featured heavily in the great new film, “Northern Soul”. CHUBBY CHECKER / you just don’t know (what you do to me girl) UK/US Cameo Parkway (1965) The “twist” sensation had long died out when Chubby cut this amazing track whilst on a promotional tour to London in September 1965. Only ever officially released in the UK, there are just a handful of American promotional copies in existence. A record first heard at the Catacombs All Nighters in Wolverhampton in 1971 and I was lucky enough to grab a mint UK copy on a trip to the legendary Bowkers record shop on the outskirts of Manchester late in that year. GLORIA JONES / Tainted love US Champion 45 (1965) Released as a “b” side in September 1965 this was Gloria’s first record. She later became a successful songwriter at Motown,
and then later still married Marc Bolan. I met the two of them at an All Dayer at the Ritz Ballroom in Manchester in 1976. I found this record whilst on a buying trip to Philadelphia in 1973, and it went on to be one of my biggest ever records at Wigan Casino in early 1974. Later covered, and a huge chart hit for Soft Cell.
PHOTOGRAPHY RICHARD OUGHTON
Fiona Smith runs Dance Northern. Here’s her suggestion for a beginners dance step to get you started. One of the easiest dance steps to get you started is this step. Stand with your feet apart
YVONNE BAKER / You didn’t say a word US Parkway 45 (1967) The perfect Northern record, a cool dancer, a wonderful melody and meaningful lyrics… and super rare too! Influenced by the James Bond craze of the late 60s, this Billy Jackson produced anthem was, and still is, a guaranteed floorshaker to this day! The name’s Baker, Yvonne Baker ! MARVIN GAYE / Love starved heart (it’s killing me) US Tamla 45 (1966)
Bend your left knee and slide your right foot in from of your left making sure it’s at a 45 degree angle. It’s a bit like passing a football. Make sure your right knee is NOT bent and your right foot is in front of your left and not to the side.
Knee not bent
Although recorded in 1966, this gem only turned up in the tape vaults of Motown in 1980, just a few months prior to Marvin’s untimely passing. I played it off an acetate at the Casino Allnighters to a rapturous response, but ceased to do so after April 81 and his death. Written by two white schoolteachers from Detroit, and produced by a youthful Johnny Bristol, this is without doubt the biggest Motown track ever to grace the Northern scene. Richard Searling Wigan Casino DJ, 1974-1981 richardsearling.co.uk
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Knee bent
At the same time place your left hand on the front of your right hip. Then do the same for the other side. Make sure the foot you’re sliding does not leave the floor and you do not twist your upper body. dancenorthern.com
Port & Stilton, Bakewell tart and toast & marmalade are just a few of the innovative flavours developed by chocolatier Daniel Coletta.
Inspired by the likes of boundary pushing chefs such as Heston Blumthenthal and Francisco Migoya the Blackburn based chef has recently open “Chocolat By Daniel Coletta� in his home town. Offering everything from a chocolate academy to a bespoke wedding favour service it is hoped the shop will become a new go to
destination for chocoholics across the North West.
own after tiring of the long hours in the restaurant industry.
Visitors are able to watch chocolate making demonstrations as well as signing up to a chocolate lovers subscription service which offers flavours before they are available in the shop.
Taking a year out to try something else he had a flash of inspiration and came up with the idea to make a tea set entirely out of chocolate.
Classically trained pastry chef Daniel decided to set up on his
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While the tea set never ended up taking shape a range of chocolates based around an afternoon tea did.
The 24-year-old has currently developed over 40 flavours which including tarragon caramel and Crème Brûlée and a few ranges such as the Barista collection and the Afternoon Tea Collection. Like hero Heston he says he also loves to come up with new techniques and he is particularly proud of his Amaretto truffle that uses compressed nitrous oxide
to create a texture like an Aero bar only a little more grown up . The shop follows the launch of his online business set up a year ago taking it to the next level after he was buoyed by his success at local artisan markets. “I was blown away by the reception I got and that definitely gave me the confidence that I could make a real go of it.
PHOTOGRAPHY RICHARD TYMON
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“It’s exciting and terrifying at the same time but I know that I’ve got something unique to offer and to do it here in Blackburn is the icing on the cake.” Chocolat 55 James Street, Blackburn artofchocolat.co.uk
Black Cube gallery will aim to encourage debate, challenge stereotypes and spark conversations.
For a full list of events visit loveetiquette.com admin@loveetiquette.com
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Black Cube is a seven week long residency by arts organisation Love & Etiquette that aims to encourage cross cultural conversations. The pop-up that has seen Love & Etiquette take over an empty shop in Blackburn Town centre to showcase a series of artists and filmmakers from around the world and a packed programme of workshops, demonstrations and exhibitions. It covers an ambitious variety of disciplines from spoken word poetry to Arabic calligraphy, illustration to photography. Featured artists include spoken word artist and poet Wajid Hussain and Latvian born Maryam Golubeva whose artworks of intricate paper cuttings explore the bond between East and West. The intention says Rizwan Iqbal, Creative Director of Love & Etiquette, a not for profit arts organisation, is to encourage cross cultural conversations and in particular encourage people from Asian communities to participate.
“One of our main objectives is to increase engagement in BME communities in the arts and to give more young Asian and Black artists opportunities to explore potential careers in this area or just to find out about opportunities in the arts as a way to express themselves,” he said. Black Cube will also work to challenge opinions and create discussion. It includes the showing of the award winning documentary The Pakistani Four by Shehzad Hameed Ahma that considers perceptions around Pakistani women. The film follows four women whose disparate paths in life as a sous-chef, weightlifter, saber fencer and stand-up comic all have one thing in common, the lack of conformity with traditional stereotypes. Black Cube will also feature the work of renowned photographer Peter Sanders whose images of Muslim women wearing flags as traditional dress sparked widespread debate.
PHOTO ABOVE BY PETER SANDERS
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Sanders’ early career saw him photograph the likes of Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix before turning his lens on capturing Islamic faith and culture. During the Black Cube pop up he will run a street photograph workshop as well as exhibiting his work. Love and Etiquette was set up in 2005 by Rizwan. “I’d always loved art even though I’d never pursued it as a career and I came to really appreciate how it’s a big part of world culture. “I came to the realisation that communities can communicate through arts and culture and it could be a way of bringing people together and having those conversations.” For more information about Love and Etiquette visit loveetiquette.com @lovetiquette Black Cube runs until January 23 at 51 King William Street, Blackburn BB1 7HQ. Monday to Saturday from 11am to 7pm.
JANUARY
Thursday, January 15 Art SPACE A monthly meet up for creative people. Art SPACE stands for S-Socialise, P-Perform, A-Animate/Amuse, C-Create/ Collaborate, E-Exhibit St John’s Art Centre, Victoria Street, 6.30–10pm, £3 Thursday, January 22 NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE TREASURE ISLAND
Drink and Draw
Even
Live broadcast of a thrilling new stage adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s story of murder, money and mutiny. Darwen Library Theatre, 7pm, £13/£12 concs Until Friday, January 23 BLACK CUBE GALLERY Artist residencies, workshops and demonstrations. Monday to Saturday from 11am–7pm 51 King William Street, Blackburn FEBRUARY
Pixel Lust II
Thursday, February 5 SOUNDBYTES Networking event organised by Creative Lancashire for artists and independent music companies. 6.30–10pm, St Johns Church, Victoria Street Free. Registration essential.
Saturday, February 14 EXHIBITION PREVIEW WU ZOREN
Friday, February 6 BLACKBURN FILM CLUB
An exhibition of 18 paintings by Chinese artist Wu Zoren. Little known in Europe, Wu was one of the most celebrated artists of his generation. Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery
Screenings every Friday of the best in new and vintage cinema St Johns Church, Victoria Street 7pm, Free. (timings may vary check website for individual listings) Thursday, February 12 DRINK AND DRAW
Monday, February 16 LIGHT (THEATRE AD INFINITUM)
Alternative life drawing session. St Johns, Victoria Street, 7–9.30pm (doors at 6:30pm) £5
Inspired by Edward Snowden’s revelations and the ensuing debate on state surveillance. King Georges Hall, 8pm, £10 / £8 concs
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Thursday, February 19 Art SPACE A monthly meet up for creative people. Art SPACE stands for S-Socialise, P-Perform, A-Animate/Amuse, C-Create/ Collaborate, E-Exhibit St John’s Art Centre, Victoria Street, 6.30-10pm, £3 Friday, February 20 – Saturday, February 21 PRINTFEST Print fair with exhibitors from around the North West, workshops and demonstrations. St John’s Church, Victoria Street, Blackburn.
nts
Thursday, March 5 A LIGHT SHINES IN DARKNESS
Saturday, March 7, 9pm–4am THE GARDEN OF EDEN
A selection of films curated by the Film and Video Umbrella - The Great Ecstasy, Stable and The Carriers’ Prayer. Holy Trinity Church, Blackburn, Lancashire, 4.30–8.30pm
Make your way to the Garden of Eden for this unique indoor Festival. Funk, Reggae, Electro Swing, Deep Live music, DJs, stalls, cinema and live art. St John’s Church, Victoria Street
Friday, March 6 THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME - PROPERJOB THEATRE
Thursday, March 12 DRINK AND DRAW
Inspired by H.G. Wells’ novel of the same title, The Shape of Things to Come is a poignant look at the history of the twentieth century and the history of the future. Darwen Library Theatre, 7.30pm, £8 / £6 concs ArtSPACE
Alternative life drawing session. St Johns, Victoria Street, 7–9.30pm (doors at 6:30pm) £5 Saturday, March 14 CIRCUS GEEKS A hotchpotch remix of juggling subculture and influences such as TED talks, The Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy and a fear of the haddock. Darwen Library Theatre, 7.30pm, £8 / £6 concs Monday, March 16 – Sunday, March 29 PIXEL LUST II Retro games interactive exhibition. Workshops include Stitch A Sprite, Coding for youngsters and a gaming party. See article for full listings. Thursday, March 19 Art SPACE
Circus Geeks
A monthly meet up for creative people. Art SPACE stands for S-Socialise, P-Perform, A-Animate/Amuse, C-Create/ Collaborate, E-Exhibit St John’s Art Centre, Victoria Street, 6.30–10pm, £3 Thursday, March 26 NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE - BEHIND THE BEAUTIFUL FOREVERS
Blackburn Heritage Festival
Live broadcast of this stage adaptation of Katherine Boo’s tale of hope and struggle in a Mumbai slum. Darwen Library Theatre, 7pm, £13 / £12 concs Further details at
blackburnisopen.co.uk 23
MARCH
BS&HW meets the makers of East Lancashire.
The Filmmaker Piers Sanderson has documented the pioneers who fought for our right to party. The filmmaker is the creator of High on Hope a documentary about the 90s acid house parties that saw people from all over the country descend on Blackburn to party. The film is a surprisingly inspirational story that tells the story of a group of friends who decide to reject the corporate owned night clubs of the time in a bid to do things their way. Set against the bleak backdrop of Thatcher’s Britain it tells how organisers used the derelict warehouses of Britain’s old industrial past in the spirit of a new togetherness, to dance all night. The project was a ten year labour love by first time director Piers, 44, who made his living throughout his early 30s from dance music either through DJing, owning record shops or bars or making music.
A dramatic change of direction saw him decide to move into making documentary films and take the decision to start with a subject about which he cared passionately. “Blackburn had a wonderful run of warehouse parties and I happened to catch the tail end of them,” he said. “I got to know some of the guys putting them on and knew that their reason for risking their lives and liberty each week was closely aligned to the spirit of the time, which is why I thought their story would be a good way of telling the history of acid house.” However, on making the film Piers who is currently working on a documentary about Nigeria email scammers says he realised the tale went way beyond just a few people partying. “I learnt what actually happened to the people at the centre of the organisation and that the story was as much to do with how a government reacts to something it cannot understand and can’t control.
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“It’s a narrative that needs to be told because it’s part of our history, both culturally and politically. It reminds us that our elected government works for us but we have to keep an eye on it and remind it that it cannot just do what it wants.” He believes that the stand taken by the organisers paved the way for a number of changes and the age old ‘right to party’. “If it wasn’t for Acid House there would be no festivals, no late clubs and pubs, or things like pop up bars. Just think if we applied that power to even more worthy causes. What could we achieve?” The film was so well received that it saw Piers admitted to the prestigious National Film and Television School despite having no formal qualifications. On graduating he worked for Channel 4 and made a follow up covering the second phase of Acid House when its DJs became superstars.
He has reworked the original High on Hope and made it into a feature film but lack of funding for the music rights has prevented its release. Despite this it has had gone down a storm wherever it has been shown.
“The reaction to the film has been way beyond any expectations. “Originally I thought it may be of interest to the people who went to the parties or experienced acid house in its hey day but it’s been shown in film festivals in Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Mexico, most countries in Europe as well as North America.
highonhope.com
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“It won the audience award at Leeds Film Festival and best international film at Barcelona’s in-Edit festival. Not bad for a small story about Blackburn.”
The Printmakers Printers of hoodies, t-shirts and soon to be fabric and wallpaper, Ink Threadable are launching a new online service for creatives.
A planned further expansion will see them offering a full range of printing that includes material, wallpaper, bed linen - in fact you name it they print on it.
Crearte, offers a marketplace for independent artists and a UK version of US alternatives where users can have their designs printed onto fabric and other products. Designers can also set up a shop on the site and then sell their goods through it without ever having to contact a t-shirt supplier and the site will even handle the payments. The new service is the brainchild of entrepreneurs Alex Cunliffe and Amy Dunn who unlike many teenagers can say they’ve been running a business since they were at school.
However, Crearte is something they’re particularly excited about. It came about because the company work with so many artists and saw an opportunity to share their work and saw their frustrations with other alternatives. “Speaking to artists they spend a lot of time dealing with orders and finding suppliers while this way they don’t have do anything other than set it all up,” said Alex. “The feedback we’re getting is people are really excited about it. It will mean they can just get on with the designing and their customers don’t have to mess about with things like import taxes.”
At 16 they set up Ink Threadable based in Darwen, while studying for their GCSE’s. Two years later they now have a team of five people and offer a range of services including garment and screen printing, sublimation printing and embroidery.
inkthreadable.co.uk @InkThreadable
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PHOTOGRAPHY CAMERON PROCTOR
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The Shoemaker Visiting the offices of Goodwin Smith we found MD Tim Smith mid-way through a game of poker surrounded by empty whisky bottles and a bevy of beauties. The Wolf of Wall Street has nothing on this chap. Actually, this is nothing like what happened but we agreed to put this as a nod to the brand’s good time image.
The company’s heritage goes back to 1928. Ernest Goodwin and Walter Smith (Tim’s Great Grandfather) were both shoemakers and set up The Bacup Shoe Company where Tim has worked since being at school. Fast forward to 2013 and the young entrepreneur originally from Blackburn and who went to school in the town saw a gap in the market.
In fact we found something much cooler – a hard working lad full of creativity and totally dedicated to his fledgling shoe business.
“It was felt that other companies were playing it a bit safe and we wanted to try something different,” said Tim.
This however fits perfectly with the ethos of Goodwin Smith; shoes for the young professional who works hard and plays to an equally dedicated level.
“Shoes that were well made but fashionable: something we’d wear ourselves but branded with a bit of an edge.”
In fact the type of shoe you wouldn’t mind going to work in but dapper enough that if after work drinks take a turn for the better you won’t need to run home and change.
Following research into the original company’s history for inspiration it was decided to name the new brand in honour of the original founders Ernie (a former Man City footballer) and Walter, who both ‘by all accounts loved a night out’.
goodwinsmith.co.uk @goodwinsmithUK
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So far it has gone down a storm with two lines selling out within a week and the likes of England Rugby player Danny Cipriani and raft of A-list celebrities wearing their shoes. Head of Sales and Product Development, John Kirk, is currently expanding the range with some high end styles in Italian leather for their Autumn/ Winter 2015 collection launch. They’ve also opened a new showroom in Manchester’s Northern Quarter. “It’s been a lot of hard work but it’s gone better than we even dared hope it would,” adds Tim. “The best thing is when you’re on a night out and you see someone wearing a pair of our shoes, nothing beats that.”
PHOTOGRAPHY RICHARD TYMON
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The Watchmaker It takes seven years to train as a watchmaker which is not surprising really when you consider there are up to 150 components in a typical watch. And says watchmaker Ian Walsh they are different on every model. Ian started training as a horologist (watchmaker to you and me) at aged 13 after taking a Saturday job with a local chap who sold antique grandfather clocks. Although his interest initially was piqued, in fact not by the clocks but the model steam engine in the window. And it’s an interest in engineering and how things work that meant he was perfect for the trade. After a few months cleaning the shop window and winding up the clocks the young Ian progressed on to helping repair those that came in.
This was followed by a three year training course with the British Horological Institute. “I knew pretty quickly that this is what I wanted to do,” he said. “I love the variety of working with watches and the complexity of them. The mechanics of taking them apart and then putting back together and watching them work. “I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.” His education was followed by stints at Rolex and TAG Heuer. And it was at TAG Heuer who are particularly known for their chronographs (those with a stopwatch) that he developed an appreciation for the complexity of this perfectly crafted machine. As a result when he set up on his own brand a few years later he made sure a chronograph was featured.
ianwalsh-watchmaking.com
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Called IWI, it was the first British made watch brand and had a strong retro feel influenced by aviation and motorsport. He sold it in 2012 and currently refurbishes antique timepieces while training up his own apprentice and he is considering taking on a second to pass on his craft. But with a keen interest in British heritage brands and men’s clothing, ideas for a new range of watches are bubbling away. And with the growing appreciation for craftsmanship and quality that is especially associated with British made goods he believes the timing could soon be right. “A well-made watch is an investment, it’s something that will never go out of fashion and looked after should last you a lifetime.”
PHOTOGRAPHY WAYNE MYERS
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A LIGHT Former places of worship are being reinvented and reimagined. As a society changes the way in which its buildings are used also evolves and those that can be adapted are more likely to survive desertion or even demolition. From the many pubs that have fallen out of favour to enjoy new lives as beauty salons or even supermarkets and mills that become loft apartments as manufacturing moves overseas buildings have to be all things to all people. However, places of worship present a particularly tricky problem. As many faiths are faced with dwindling congregations a number of these buildings once at the heart of a community, now lie empty and at risk of vandalism and theft. As well as being considered sacred they are also often places of historical and architectural interest and like stately homes that venture into running farm shops and offering holiday lets, they have to earn their keep. As a result all over the country churches are being used
for other purposes from art exhibitions to film showings in an effort to ensure a future for these once revered buildings. The Film and Video Umbrella (FVU) that commissions and produces moving-image works by artists is working with the Church’s Conservation Trust and has created an exhibition to tour churches and cathedrals around the country. The collection of six films called collectively ‘A Light Shines in Darkness’ is intended to bring new audiences into churches, some of whom may have never set foot in one, and challenge them to look at the building in a new way. Arriving in Blackburn’s Holy Trinity Church in March the exhibition aims to provoke discussion around buildings now often overlooked and undervalued that nevertheless provide a powerful architectural presence often in the central parts of a town. Mike Jones curator from FVU said: “Whether you’re religious or not you can’t help but be affected when you go
PHOTOGRAPHY CATHERINE CATON
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into a place like this and the atmosphere the architecture creates. They deserve to have life in them and for people to have access to such special places.” Three films from the collection have been specially selected to be shown at the Grade I listed Gothic church built at the height of Blackburn’s industrial might. They include LEAP after The Great Ecstasy an examination of worship of a different nature that of a major sporting event. Councillor Phil Riley is a supporter of the church and among a group of locals hoping to set up a ‘friends of’ group to raise funds for improvements and to bring the church back into use. “When the church was built Blackburn was the cotton capital of the world; there was plenty of money around in the town and it shows. It’s just beautiful with its great Gothic columns. And when the light shines through those windows even if it’s been a dull day it’s breath taking.”
SHINES
Elsewhere in Blackburn another church has also been given a new lease of life. St Johns on Victoria Street is a Grade II listed church built in 1788 that closed to services in 1975. Until recently the church which boasts beautiful stained glass windows was used as a venue for the Citizens Advice Bureau (C.A.B). Since being taken under the wing of Blackburn is Open, the town’s creative regeneration scheme, it has been used by the creative and artistic community as a venue for gigs, club nights, exhibitions and even a Halloween Ball. Local artists and creatives have now set up a group to formally relaunch the former Citizens Advice Bureau as The Bureau, Blackburn Centre for the Arts. They hope to make it a hub for the community, ‘a busy, buzzing, inspiring, interesting and inclusive place’ says group member Kerris Casey-St.Pierre. “It’s incredibly exciting that St John’s is being reused and reimagined as a space for the Arts and for communities to use.” 33
A Light Shines in the Darkness Holy Trinity Church, Brownhill Road, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council Thursday, March 5 4.30–8.30pm fvu.co.uk
Funeral for a Friend King Georges Hall, Blackburn
Review by Chris Hidden
Tonight the grand old surrounds of Blackburn’s King George’s Hall are set up to get down and dirty with Welsh post-hardcore heroes Funeral For a Friend. Still a force to be reckoned with eleven years on from the release of their debut album, the quintet might have experienced some line-up changes in the intervening years but are no less formidable live for it. Kicking off their set with ‘Bullet Theory’, the boisterous front few rows of the crowd let Funeral know they’re more than welcome in Blackburn for what frontman Matthew Davies-Kreye reveals is their first time. They certainly seem at home, blasting through ‘Roses for the Dead’ and ‘All the Rage‘ with the force and poise of a band comfortable in their surrounds. ‘She Drove Me to Daytime TV’ elicits the first mass sing-along of the night from the responsive crowd, with its refrain of “Such holidays in
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the sun don’t come without sacrifices” echoing from the stage and audience through the hallowed halls of King George’s Hall. Despite the early airing of a few classic tracks, tonight isn’t just a nostalgia trip - Funeral are a going concern and give the crowd a glimpse of the band’s future with the showing of new song ‘1%’ from their seventh record ‘Chapter and Verse’. With the kind of tumbling riffs and wrought melody we’ve come to expect it nestles in impressively between old cuts ‘Rookie of the Year‘ and ‘Monsters’ without sounding one note out of place. ‘Conduit’ keeps the pace up before a thrilling three song finale of ‘Juneau‘, ‘Streetcar’ and ‘Escape Artists Never Die‘ thrusts an adrenaline spike into the body of Blackburn’s most beloved venue; sending both band and crowd off into the night in the most thrilling of ways. @ChrisHidden
PAUL WELLER
LUKE JERMAY
PLACEBO
Tuesday, February 3, 7pm HAYSEED DIXIE
Saturday March 7, 7pm PLACEBO
Monday, March 16, 7.30pm PAUL WELLER
The kings of Rockgrass, Hayseed Dixie call into Blackburn as part of their 20+ date tour of the UK!
Placebo return to the UK to play their most extensive run of shows since 2006.
Paul Weller returns to Blackburn as part of a 14 date tour for March 2015.
Thursday, February 26, 8pm LUKE JERMAY – SIXTH SENSE
Thursday, April 30, 7.30pm DAVE SPIKEY
Luke Jermay is the most incredible man you’ve probably never heard of. He can read your mind. No really; he can read your mind.
Dave Spikey presents a knockout new show – “Punchlines”
Thursday, May 21, 8pm MILTON JONES AND THE TEMPLE OF DAFT
WWW.KINGGEORGESHALL.COM
An evening in the company of an idiot. Or is he? Yes he is. Only come if you like jokes though. If not you’ll be cross.
BOOKINGS: 0844 847 1664
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The retro games themed art exhibition, returns along with a chance for people to get their hands ‘digitally dirty’
Video games are the world’s most popular form of home entertainment; since 2012 games have outsold music, DVD and other video formats. Yet despite this success, video games still aren’t widely considered to be an artistic medium. Now, thanks to the ubiquity of tablets and smartphones, a new generation of gamers of all ages is being created. But they’re not playing Call of Duty or World of Warcraft. They’re playing games with simple graphics, bright colours and catchy music, just like those that heralded the birth of gaming in the 1980s. So when Blackburn based software designer Alex Martindale decided to stage Blackburn is Open’s first retro games art exhibition, he knew he was on to a winner. The aim: come for the gaming, stay for the art. Fourteen local artists were selected, who exhibited work inspired by gaming including paintings, screen prints, graphic design, music and pixel art. Alex put out an appeal for consoles and assembled a collection that included a ZX Spectrum, an Amiga 600 and an Atari 2600 as well an arcade cabinet and a pile of games from Manic Miner to Donkey Kong. The Philips Videopac G7000, a console partly built in Blackburn, was also on show. A week long bonanza named “Pixel Lust” ensued, with gaming-inspired art work exhibited alongside video installations, gaming
tournaments and workshops that included everything from cross stitching a sprite to a live music performance. “A lot of my friends who are artists from Blackburn have been influenced by this era of video games,” said Alex. “I thought it would be a great topic to explore and especially to make the links between games and art.” “There’s something about the graphics from those early games.
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The way they created iconic characters like Mario and Sonic the Hedgehog, from essentially four colours and a small grid of pixels but they still have so much personality and pathos.” This year, buoyed by the popularity of the first exhibition, Pixel Lust will return with even more events and a new element inspired by the hacker movement. Events will include Tech Jam, an opensource electronics event for people wanting to start
“home brew” projects as well as an introduction to basic coding for youngsters with Scratch software. “There’s a focus on making stuff at Pixel Lust II,” said Alex. “We’re getting practical with art, programming and electronics workshops and celebrating technologies such as Minecraft, Arduino and Raspberry Pi, that encourage adults and young people alike to get their hands dirty, but only digitally, of course.”
And he believes that this growing popularity for the back to basics approach fits in well with the early spirit of gaming that the original Pixel Lust sought to capture. “When I was a kid my parents gave me a ZX Spectrum and a pile of computer magazines and I learned how to break into a game to give myself extra points, or change the names or appearance of characters. I developed an understanding of code and how
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to write it and now I do it for a living. “These days we’ve lost some of that with young people playing with iPads and closed system consoles. “But the likes of Raspberry Pi and Arduino are democratising computing more and more so that gamers are finding out how things work, experimenting and being creative.” Pixel Lust II, 16-29 March. Full events listings over the page
PIXEL LUST II 16–29 March, Blackburn Is Open, 65 King William Street
Volunteers/sponsored wanted. Email info@pixellust.co.uk
STITCH-A-SPRITE (FREE) Monday, March 16, 6–9pm Monday, March 23, 6–9pm
BEATS OF RAGE Friday, March 20, 7–10pm, Free A night of live music influenced by retro video games.
Textiles workshop. Learn cross stitch and other techniques to make your own sprite pin badge or hair accessory to take home. Materials provided.
Age 16+ CRAFT JAM Saturday, March 21, Midday– 5pm, free.
SHRIMPING IT: MEMORY GAME Tuesday, March 17, 6–9pm, Tuesday, March 24, 6–9pm, £10 Electronics workshop for beginners. Programme the Arduino compatible Shrimp microcomputer to create your own Simple Simon memory game to take home. Price includes kit which is yours to keep. RETRO GAMING PARTY Wednesday, March 18, 6–9pm An evening of retro-gaming. Play our arcade cabinet and retro consoles or bring along your own. Competition to win the coveted PIXEL LUST Golden Joystick. JEWELLERY WORKSHOP Thursday, March 19, 6–9pm Thursday, March 26, 6–9pm, Free Learn new techniques in ceramic and beaded jewellery, then make your own pixel creations to take home.
Opensource art and craft event where anything goes as long as it’s got less than 32 bits. Pixel Lust artists will be on hand with materials and advice - unleash your creativity and imagination. PIXELCON Sunday, March 22, 11am–17pm, free. Unconference featuring workshops and talks based art, electronics and retro gaming. Learn new skills and push your projects.
WORLD BUILDING WITH MINECRAFT Friday, March 27, 5–10pm, Free (Bring your own PC or Mac laptop). Learn how to create a Minecraft world using free, opensource tools. TECH JAM Saturday, March 28, Midday– 5pm, Free Opensource electronics and tech event. Work with our electronics, Arduino and Raspberry Pi experts to create your own project. The Pixel Lust shop will be open for all your component needs. GAME OVER: CLOSING PARTY AND ART SALE. Sunday, March 29, 4–8pm, Free Meet the artists, buy work. Retro soundtracks DJ.
FUN WITH SCRATCH: TEACH YOUR YOUNGSTERS TO CODE. Wednesday, March 25, 5–10pm, Free (Bring your own PC or Mac laptop). Scratch is the perfect introduction to programming. Create your own games and Age 8+ animations “from scratch” with help from our experts.
pixellust.co.uk facebook /pixellustblackburn @Pixel_Lust 38
Christine Cort, Managing Director of the Manchester International Festival (MIF) has staged some of the UK’s biggest cultural events. MIF attracts thousands of art and music fans to the North West from all over the globe. From hosting an opera written by Damon Albarn to setting up Björk in a three week residency at Manchester’s Upper Campfield Market there’s little the former Blackburnian doesn’t know about putting on event. Recently she turned her attentions to her hometown and set about organising Back to Blackburn, a night in a disused church with Dave Haslam and Wayne Hemingway MBE DJing. So for budding event organisers here are Christine’s tips for organising an event. 1 / The Idea Always start with the idea or artist. Put them at the centre and then build out. The quality of planning that goes on behind the scenes for an event whether it’s art, music or an exhibition is the difference between it being absolutely amazing or mediocre. We put Kraftwerk in Manchester’s Velodrome performing one of their tracks while the Olympic Cycling squad came out on the track,
because Kraftwerk have a song called Tour de France. I’ve had people tell me it’s one of the best gigs they’ve ever been to. Those special moments are important in a live experience. 2 / Attention to Detail Anyone who has worked with me knows I am obsessive about details. Sorry past teams! I’m a perfectionist. I’m never happy to settle for second best no matter how much extra work it might be – I persevere. I also care passionately about what I choose to be involved in. It’s the details that matter and something that seems unimportant can end up causing you big problems. 3 / Put yourself in the position of a guest. I like to imagine I’m someone coming to one of my events. I plan every single step of the experience...: how I’ll get there, what I will see when I arrive, how I’ll be greeted, where I will put my coat, where I will sit, what will the atmosphere and lighting be like – what I will remember and what I will take away from the event. Because you can have a brilliant night out but if it takes 39
you ages to get home or you have to wait too long at the bar, it can spoil your enjoyment of the whole evening. 4 / Take risks and be ambitious Don’t be constricted by a budget - there are usually ways round it. I take a collaborative approach - who will benefit from being involved and will they work with me? Try new things - not just for the sake of it but push yourself and others. For me it’s all about a challenge. Some of the most exciting events I’ve been a part of have come through some really unusual collaborations and there’s often some amazing but unexpected consequences that occur as a result. 5 / Remember to enjoy yourself! If you are tenacious, love detail and planning and can cope with punishingly long hours then running events is for you! But it’s important to care about the people round you building the event too. If you enjoy yourself along the way they will too. And when everything’s going well there’s no better feeling. mif.co.uk
make learn shop Blackburn Town Centre Saturday 12 September 2015 Visit us at blackburnisopen co uk /blackburnisopen Follow us