Taunton Olympic Torch Celebrations!

Its nearly time to celebrate! Finally, after months and months of preparations The Olympic Torch will finally be arriving into Somerset and into Taunton on Monday May 21st. The torch will make its way through the town before arriving at The County Cricket Ground at 06.50pm. I could not imagine not writing a post about this event, seeing as so many arts organisations are taking part in the events happening on the day, because whilst the torch does not arrive until the evening, during the day from 10.00am onwards there are loads and loads of things happening around town. From live music, to performance, circus skills, video projection and art exhibitions, if you are planning to come into town tomorrow you'll definitely find something to do!

Take a look below at what's on:


10am – close The Brewhouse (Main House)- Light Waves films
Over the past year Light Waves has been working with artists, schools, families and communities from across Somerset. Come to the launch of specially commissioned documentary films, created by Somerset Film, at noon. At 1pm join us for the premiere of the Luminos film, Taunton Stop Line, co-produced with Somerset Arts Works. Films continue on the hour every hour.
11am – 12pm Somerset Square- Somerset Parade
A procession led by specially created human powered vehicles with the Celebrating Somerset Banners and The Big Noise street band will leave the Coal Orchard car park and parade up to the north street roundabout and back. They will be joined by school children wearing Games-inspired costumes; with machines and costumes created by Somerset College students.

AT 1.00PM SEE THE FIRST SCREENING OF 'STOP LINE' (the SAW Maximum Exposure funded project that took place earlier this year) live in the auditorium of The Brewhouse!

12pm – 5pm Somerset Square- Outdoor Celebrations
An afternoon of participatory, sports-meets-arts activities and performances for all ages and abilities to enjoy together. As Taunton awaits the arrival of The Olympic Torch, join in the fun and games right outside The Brewhouse on this special day. Join the circus with Fuse Performance, with their exciting performances, workshops and street games, and also look out for some special performances from the local community.

 2pm - 3.30pm The Brewhouse (Studio)- Lightstream
From 2pm to 3.30pm Parents with young children will be able to attend a free taster Lightstream workshop. This is aimed at ages 2 to 5 years old and is an interactive session, where children are invited to play with big lights and tiny lights, lights that glow and lights that move. Even some noisy lights!
8pm – 10pm Somerset Square- Illuminations
From 8pm, Celebrating Somerset will present an evening of sound, stories and light illuminating Somerset Square. The evening will feature live music, projections created by Light Waves artists, fire juggling from Fuse Performance Co and Street Linx, machines built by Somerset College students and the Wind Gatherer vehicle and its crew.

ALSO ON:
Articulate: 2nd year Fine Art and Graphics degree students exhibition at The Collar Factory (next to The County Cricket Ground). Open 10.30am - 08.00pm on Monday 21st. Exhibition open daily til Saturday 26th.

So lots to see and do tomorrow! I've included some sneak preview photos of the Wind Gatherer vehicle and wind gatherers that are part of the Somerset Journey which starts tomorrow in the parade at 11.00am and again in the Cricket Ground in the evening. I've been involved in organising this project for the last few months so it is something that I am really looking forward to and I think it will be quite the spectacle.The Somerset Journey will  'Sound out Somerset' for a month before arriving in Weymouth for 'The Battle for the Winds' on July 28th. For more info on 'A Somerset Journey' please go to: http://www.soundingoutsomerset.blogspot.co.uk/

The Wind Gatherer vehicle as a part of The Somerset Journey on its maiden voyage around the Bridgwater Crypton Industrial Estate. Please note the vehicle has not yet been painted.

One of the wind gatherers, Thunder and Lightening Man surveys the scene.

Tarn the fixer, Chime child and the Wind conductor on board the Wind Gatherer