Colchester's arts GiFT
Colchester gets a new arts festival this month with the launch of GiFT.
Arts and cultural events for all ages taking place in Colchester from 12th September to 11th October will be inspired by people, places, stories and memories of Colchester.
GiFT celebrates the rich diversity of Colchester’s heritage, and gives professional artists the opportunity to work alongside local people to create experiences.
The Mercury Theatre Company’s 10th anniversary production DEPOT, featuring some of Colchester’s hidden voices and forgotten stories, will be performed by company actors, a local community choir and acting group, at the Old Tram Shed on Magdalene Street, Colchester from 24th September to 11th October
Step Into History is the chance to star in your very own piece of archive film footage through the wonders of new technology with Signals Media Arts.
The Music of Place offers free concerts by Britten Sinfonia - musicians play specially commissioned music at various Heritage Open Day sites around Colchester on the weekend of 12th and 13th September.
firstsite will present a programme of artist-led tours, audio guides and trails to encourage new ways of looking at forgotten parts of the town. Watchout for an alternative sightseeing bus tour and a new film inspired by a gentleman from 16th century Colchester.
Colchester Arts Centre is hosting a special invitation event for anyone married at the venue when it was St Mary’s at the Walls church, to return for an afternoon of cream teas and reminiscence.
Colchester's Global Heritage will see the creation of a fantastic spectacle with over 200 dancers, singers, musicians, artists and craftspeople from around the world reflecting Colchester's diverse make-up.
On Sunday 4th October there are events in the Upper Castle Park - The Tent of World Dreams with music, dance, food, arts and crafts from around the world. There is also a 'spoken word' tent with stories, poetry and comedy from multicultural diverse performers, and a workshop tent where you can try your hand at practically everything.
And Art Stop: Bus Stop, The Colchester History Quests is an interactive family treasure hunt and a GiFT… market stall with free gifts for all.
GiFT takes place across Colchester from 12th September to 11th October and is organised by Colchester Council.
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