SPOTLIGHT News to make you smile

Festival

BEAR WITH US

Dare devil adventurer Bear Grylls is coming to Powderham Castle next year to host a brandnew festival.

The Gone Wild Festival, to be held on the August Bank Holiday 2021, is a familyfriendly festival for anyone who loves a bit of outdoor adventure. Festival go-ers can expect kayaking on the Exe Estuary, paddleboarding on Powderham Lake, a purpose built obstacle course, archery, yoga, abseiling and climbing and even knife and axe throwing.

Expert instructors from the Bear Grylls Survival Academy will also teach children and adults essential survival skills such as shelter building, fire lighting and campfire cooking.

As the sun goes down over the castle, there will be food from top chefs and street food vendors followed by dancing and a night of live music and DJs – Kaiser Chiefs, Razorlight and the Ministry of Sound Orchestra have been confirmed so far – plus household-name comedians and lots more campfire cosiness.

For more www.powderham.co.uk. Tickets are on sale now

Expect Grylls and thrills

Tommy’s film is a winner

Film

AND THE AWARD FOR THE BEST FILM IS…

Devon filmmaker Tommy Gillard has just scooped the award for Best Short Film from the prestigious BFI London Film Festival for his sports comedy Shuttlecock.

The film centres on the macho Carl, who is forced to confront his idea of masculinity when an obsession with a mysterious new member of his badminton club spirals out of control. Using a whole host of talent and crew from Devon, the film was shot across three days in Sidmouth College’s now demolished old-school sports hall.

It was commissioned and supported by Exeter Phoenix, whose filmmaking bursary schemes offer vital support and development opportunities for filmmakers in the region.

“I’m thrilled to have won the LFF Best Short Film Award for Shuttlecock,” says Tommy.

“Working with Exeter Phoenix to realise the film has been an amazing journey, and really shines a light on how important regional arts centres are, especially now. I’d urge every filmmaker to use and work with the arts venues close to them, as they can really push you to make your best work!”

For more: www.spinningpath.com and exeterphoenix.org.uk

Education

IN PLACE Exeter School is providing means-tested bursaries for those in need of support, with eight free places on off er to children from the local community.

“We are an inclusive community that welcomes bright and committed young people who can give their talents and skills to better our community, and are willing to take up the challenges and opportunities that we off er,” says Louise Simpson, head at Exeter School.

The deadline for September 2021 entry registration is 1 December 2020 and the deadline for bursary applications is 5 January 2021. For more: www.exeterschool.org.uk

Standing tall at

Exeter School

Arts

FINE PRINT Earlier this year, RAMM (Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery) held their annual Local Art Show competition which gives art groups and societies from Exeter and the surrounding area the chance to exhibit their work in an exhibition. The theme for the 2020 competition was ‘Ramm and its collections.’

Double Elephant Print Workshop were announced as the winners and the exhibition showing their work is currently planned to run from 12 December – 17 January. Who are the Double Elephant Print Workshop? For 22 years, they have been providing resources, tuition and support to complete beginners and experienced artists alike. The ethos of the group is one of continuous creative learning and development. Double Elephant’s artists work across the spectrum of printmaking methods, from relief printing to lithography and everything in between. From butterfl ies to totem poles, RAMM`s collections have been a source of inspiration for this vibrant and varied show. For more: exeterramm.admit-one.eu Opportunities for young people

Arts

COMMUNITY AND CREATIVITY

Exeter Northcott has unveiled a range of creative opportunities for artists, young people and communities to kick start a year of change and creative renewal. With investment from the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund, the theatre can now announce ambitious plans to support and celebrate local talent through 2021.

“Everything we do is powered by the stories, ideas and creativity of the artists and communities we work with,” says Daniel Buckroyd, artistic director and chief executive at Exeter Northcott.

“But this year has been incredibly tough for so many people, with inequalities that have always been present brought into sharper focus by Covid. We know that access to live performance and opportunities to be creative or pursue a career in the arts aren’t the same for everyone and that’s about to get harder.

Now is the time for the Northcott to tackle this with a series of meaningful interventions.”

Young People The theatre is inviting young people to help shape its future programme. Anyone aged between 14-21 can apply to become a Young Advisor and help the Northcott come up with ideas for new activities that can be tried out through 2021. Creative Communities For community groups thinking about the change they want to see or the inequalities they want to see righted, the Northcott will support them by matching them with a professional artist – which may be a writer, a musician, a dancer or a fi lmmaker – to help share stories, discover new skills and make some noise. With grants up to £5,000, projects can be ambitious. Artists & Theatre-Makers The Northcott charity is also extending its professional development programme for theatre-makers, off ering more opportunities for people to gain hands-on experience and develop a career in the creative sector.

For more: www.exeternorthcott.co.uk

Four Horses by Chris Laver; Royal Albert Memorial Museum Linocut by Penny Wolujewicz

Rugby

PLAY AND DISPLAY

Fresh from their historic double victory – winning the European title on 17 October, then the Gallagher Premiership title just seven days later – The Exeter Chiefs Rugby Club is to display both its cups at Exeter Cathedral.

“We are all incredibly proud of the team’s achievements this year,” says Chiefs’ chairman and chief executive Tony Rowe OBE.

“But we all know that we would not have reached this point without the ongoing support of the people of Exeter and faithful fans from further afield. So offering everyone the chance to see the trophies in the heart of the city, at the Cathedral, is one way of sharing this victory with them all.”

The Dean of Exeter, the Very Revd Jonathan Greener, adds “Exeter Cathedral is here for the people of Devon, through both difficult and joyful times. The incredible achievements of Exeter Chiefs is a much needed cause for celebration, and we are delighted to be able to host that celebration in the centre of Exeter.” For more: www.exeter-cathedral.org.uk

from top: Exeter Chiefs celebrating their wins