For the third year in a row, Beam! International Festival will take place at different locations throughout the city from July 2th until July 9th.
Lincoln BIG originally organised the festival so that extended family and friends were able to see schoolchildren’s productions that they wouldn’t be able to see otherwise. It was then extended to include under 5’s and teenagers as well.
Rachel Hanson, events and promotions assistant at Lincoln BIG, said: “By creating the festival, the streets are very much livened up throughout the week and those who come to watch the performances or attend the other events will then have the opportunity to shop and have lunch here as well.”
“As the festival is part of the Cultural Olympiad and was extended this year to become Beam! International 2011, it was very important to bring in different cultures and involve people from all walks of life, making as much of the festival free or affordable as possible.”
And that is exactly what they have done. A mix of African, Finnish, America, French, Italian, German, Scottish, Dutch and English acts will be performing on the streets of Lincoln and also holding workshops at the Drill Hall.
Starting on July 2th is a slap stick Olympic style opening ceremony that children have been working on with national street theatre company Mark Mark Productions. The ceremony is a must see event which will bring the streets of Lincoln alive with the joyful sounds and sights of street performers.
Continuing throught the day will be events at St Marks, Cornhill Exchange, the High Street, City Square and the Brayford Waterfront. A mix of acrobatic dancers, Black Eagles (Tanzania), and super speedy snails will bring laughter and smiles to all.
Lincoln’s High Street and Castle Hill will be the places to catch 30 of Lincolnshire’s school taking part in The BIG School Programme which is now going into it’s seventh year. Children will be putting on a variety of performances throughout the week to showcase some of the young talent that there is in the area.
“We never have a problem getting schools on board and Lincoln BIG give a travel subsidy to schools attending to help towards the cost of their travel. Attendance at the festival is free and they have the opportunity to take part in a free drama or dance workshop plus the rare opportunity of watching other schools perform,” explained Hanson.
The Drill Hall has also become involved in the festival, offering a variety of workshops such as creating a sweet house based around the Brothers Grimm novel Hanzel And Gretel and a Hip Hop master-class.
They have also put on evening events that will see Nottingham band That Sunday Feeling supporting rock band Futures on Wednesday, July 6th and Dutch hip hop group 3rd Dimension play alongside Soul Mavericks and Radio 1’s beatbox champion THePETEBOX.
A full brochure of events can be seen via the Cultural Solutions website.