The sun shone over Morecambe on the 28th, 29th and 30th of June for a series of 6 community picnics for local community groups. The picnics were organised as an alternative to the Kite Festival and were made possible thanks to a grant from Arts Council England’s ‘Culture Recovery Fund’, which was introduced by the government to support the arts industry and the communities that arts and cultural organisations reach.

These, however, were no ordinary picnics! The picnics were organised in line with covid-19 restrictions as an alternative to More Music’s annual Kite Festival, “Catch the Wind”. Groups of 30 participants were invited to enjoy an amazing new live theatre show from The Grand Cavalcade, featuring More Music’s friend & the great showman from Barrow, Gary Bridgens. They sang and danced with the medieval hip hop band Boom Bike Bourrée which stars two More Music musicians Ash Murphy and Sian Phillips, and made and flew kites in a workshop run by artist Shane Johnstone. In between the entertainment, the groups also ate a delicious picnic which gave everyone time to chat and soak in the atmosphere of the day – and bask in the beautiful sunshine!

 

The picnics took place in three beautifully decorated locations; Regent Park, the gardens behind More Music and beneath the stunning new mural at Sandylands, commissioned by Deco Publique and created by Glasgow based Colbolt Collective.

When asked about their experience at the picnics, attendees said:

“It just makes you leave all your worries and relax” (Bay Leadership Academy)

“I mean how good does that make you feel! The children are involved. There is such a good positive vibe and that spreads and makes people feel good […] We are making kites and my daughter has made a little friendship while she was out today, I got speaking to my neighbours and that’s one of the most important things in the community isn’t it.” (West End Resident)

“Look it is very good, for a year and a half we’ve been sitting within our four walls, we don’t communicate with people, we don’t go out. This is really good, to be in the community, a different culture” (Global Link)

More Music director Kathryn MacDonald says “We are so grateful to the Cultural Recovery Fund for supporting this important work and delighted to have brought the beauty, the spirit and the music of Catch the Wind to Morecambe this summer.”

As restrictions ease More Music looks forward to opening up its building and to welcoming people back for a diverse programme of informal music making activities, gigs and events. We will continue to deliver work outside and to re-connect with the community through workshops, performances and festivals.