The Ironbridge Museum on Enginuity was a wonderful setting for the first of three Pop Up Festivals of Stories this year. The brainchild of Dylan Calder, these are the festivals that really do reach the parts that others cannot. A vast outreach programme has seen authors visit thousands of children in hundreds of schools in all different areas of the country, while the Festivals themselves have now moved beyond London to the wider community with this spectacular day – which was completely free to visit and join in with.
Amongst others, Sita Brahmachari, Kayo Chingoyi, Chris Mould, Jane Ray, Thomas Docherty, Julia Golding and Sarwat Chadda enchanted and thrilled with story, poetry, drama, masks and monsters, folk tales and myths, and more art activities than you can shake a paint brush at. Here’s Jane’s beautiful Pegasus, and the dashing Chris Mould ready for action outside his Emporium!
Each author, storyteller or artist had a vision, and this was brought to life in installations or sets build by the Royal Opera House production department. My sets were, once again, a gallery with art referencing the great masters and much of it created in outreach workshops by children. A lovely part of the ongoing celebrations for Katie’s 25th anniversary.
Helping me was scenic artist Lucy Griffith, and the day flew by as waves of children passed through the museum to work with Thomas, Jane, Chris or myself in a concentrated explosion of creativity. Magic birds, evil p0tions, enchanted cities and dazzling art appeared throughout the day. I think the pictures say more than words ever can, so take a look (thanks to Joanne Seargent, photographer, for permission to use some of her pictures. Check out her website HERE). And remember that the SECOND Pop Up Festival is on May 3rd in Purfleet Essex, at the Royal Opera Production Park. Once again, it’s all free – check out my events link for details!
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