As the sun came out on July 10th, the main event, of an extended summer as part of the Bridgwater Quayside Festival, included performances and street theatre, dancing and music that took place across the centre of Bridgwater and in Blake Gardens.
The event was organised by Sally Mann, Fuse Performance and Somerset Outdoor Arts, with support from Arts Council England and commissioned by Sedgemoor District Council. The event was supported by the Bridgwater Cultural Partnership with support from Bridgwater Town Council.
The event prioritised safety this year, seeking to find a balance between attracting local audiences in line within Government guidelines whilst creating a vibrant set of performances, musicians and street decorations (designed by Sarah Lovett) reflecting a popular version of the culture and history of Bridgwater.
For those not willing yet or able to be in crowds, the programme was also streamed on line to be viewed during the event in the safety of their homes. Recordings of the various performances are to be found on the Fuse You Tube channel, You can view the livestream playlists here.
Watch the official film here Bridgwater Quayside Festival and also an additional short film by our festival photographer here.
One of the highlight’s of the event included the Peoples Mural Project reported on BBC news that profiled, on the Library wall, local people who have kept people connected and supported in their communities during the pandemic.
The organisers also worked with Somerset Wildlife Trust on a local schools’ project. The Fuse Eco Arts project created a trail of children’s arts sculptures, produced with artist Sarah Butterworth using recycled materials including a giant eel, fish and wading birds and displayed along the West Quay and in the town centre. The festival trail highlighted young peoples concerns about their environment.
The Festival was also an opportunity for Bridgwater’s cultural partnership and organisations to celebrate their work. Somerset Film at The Engine Room created the Games for Good exhibition and Bridgwater Through The Ages sound installation that were open all day.
Dancers animated the streets with Seed’s Let’s Dance Sedgemoor project finale taking place in Blake Gardens and around the town, where groups and individual dancers showcased their talents.
The Bridgwater Arts Centre Tours were sold out and Bridgwater Library story-teller Sarah Mooney entertained audiences with her traditional tales and spontaneous stories in the great outdoors.
Bridgwater Rotary kindly collected on behalf of the festival’s chosen charities and distributed funds between Bridgwater Food Bank and League of Friends of Bridgwater Hospital.
And there’s more to come as the Festival continues on Saturday, July 24th July, with the Bridgwater International music event at Bridgwater Art Centre.
On August 14th, there will be more street theatre and music from local musicians in Bridgwater town centre from 10.30am to 2pm and celebrating the launch of the Bridgwater Blue Heritage Project.
If you are local and would like to take part and join in, please get in touch.
For more information, visit www.bridgwaterquaysidefestival.co.uk
CONTACT
E: bridgwaterquaysidefestival@gmail.com
M: 07866771601
