Events Listings: Open Weekend (26-28 September)

OPEN WEEKEND
celebrating the launch of the Cultural Olympiad
(Friday 26th September – Sunday 28th September)

There are over 40 events and activities going on across the region, which is a remarkable response. Highlights are given below, but the full list can be found on the London 2012 website by clicking on “find an event” (bottom of the page) at:

http://www.london2012.com/get-involved/cultural-olympiad/open-weekend

ACROSS THE SOUTH WEST

The Bandstand Marathon
Various please visit website for details,
27 September 2.00pm - 4.00pm
Admission: Free
Genre: Music
On Saturday September 27th there will be 50 concerts happening simultaneously between 2pm and 4pm on bandstands in different towns all across the South West of England. Please view the interactive map on our website for full details of your nearest concert.
www.superact.org.uk

BATH AND NORTH EAST SOMERSET

Bath and North East Somerset celebrate the launch of the Cultural Olympiad
Various, visit website for details www.bathfestivals.org.uk
26 September-28 September
Admission: Visit website for details www.bathfestivals.org.uk
Genre: Festival
Enjoy a weekend of family activities to celebrate the launch of the UK’s Cultural Olympiad programme. There will be plenty to choose from-children’s activities, participation, entertainment and events, museums, galleries and other venues open and more. More information available closer to the date and on
www.bathfestivals.org.uk

BRISTOL

BBC Bristol Open Day
Broadcasting House, Whiteladies Road, Bristol, BS8 2LR
27 September-28 September
Visit website for details, www.bbc.co.uk/openweekend
Admission: Free. To book a space on to a free BBC Tour please visit www.bbc.co.uk/openweekend or call the BBC Ticket line on 0370 901 1227 and quote the Open Up Weekend. Bookings will be taken from August 15th 2008.
Genre: Film, video & digital
On a tour of BBC Bristol you will get a chance to see into both our local radio and news studios. The tour will also give you a fascinating insight into what goes on within Bristol’s Broadcasting House from the BBC’s Natural History unit to Points West. All tours must be pre-booked.
www.bbc.co.uk/openweekend

Royal Yachting Association (RYA)
2008 RYA Zone Sailing Championships – South West Zone
Walley Court Road, Chew Stoke, Bristol, BS40 8XN
27 and 28 September (see website for timings)
Admission: £28 for single handed boats and £30 for double handed boats
Genre: Sport
Chew Valley Sailing Club
The Zone Championships mark the end of the Junior racing season and is a selection event for those sailors wishing to be considered for winter squad training. Racing will be in Optimist, Topper, Laser 4.7, RS Feva, Cadet, Mirror, Hobie Dragoon and Windsurfers. Entry online at www.ryaracingevents.org.uk closes on 17/9/08.
Visit website for details
www.rya.org.uk

The Bristol Do
Portland Square, Portland Square, Bristol, BS2
27 September-28 September 1.00pm - 7.30pm
Admission: Free
Genre: Street arts & Carnival
The Bristol Do brings new experiences to audiences and artists alike, encouraging playfulness, oddity and spectacle. The Bristol Do is a free, two day outdoor arts event for everyone happening in Portland Square in Bristol's St Pauls. The event will feature dance, games, outdoor arts, circus, performance and much more
www.thebristoldo.com

CORNWALL

ON YOUR MARKS, GET SET, GO! – a Getting Cornwall Dancing event
Mount Folly Square, Bodmin, PL31
27 SepTEMBER 2008 11.00pm – 4.00pm
Admission: Free
Genre: Performing Arts

Presented by the Works, On Your Marks, Get Set, Go! celebrates the launch of the Cultural Olympiad with five hours of free dance activity, in the centre of Bodmin. Come along and watch Bollywood, Capoeira, Contemporary and Scottish Dancers. Why not put your shopping down and join in the workshops? With two specially commissioned new dances, this is a great free, fun event.

DEVON

BBC South West Open Day
Broadcasting House, Seymour Road, Mannamead, Plymouth, PL3 5BD
27 September
Visit website for details, www.bbc.co.uk/openweekend
Admission: Free. To book a space on to a free BBC Tour please visit www.bbc.co.uk/openweekend or call the BBC Ticket line on 0370 901 1227 and quote the Open Up Weekend. Bookings will be taken from August 15th 2008.
Genre: Film, video & digital
On a tour of BBC Plymouth you will get a chance to see into both our Radio Devon and BBC Spotlight / Inside Out studios. The tour will show you behind the scenes and give you a fascinating insight into the world of broadcasting. All tours must be booked in advance.
www.bbc.co.uk/openweekend

ART WORKSHOP FOR BEGINNERS
Art workshops for the beginner, the nervous and anyone who wants to have a go
Garden Studio, Little Linhay, Celia Olsson, Bondleigh, North Tawton, Devon EX20 2AJ
26 September-27 September 11.00am - 4.00pm
Admission: Spaces are limited please contact organiser for details
Genre: Photography & Visual Arts
Art workshops for those who are afraid to make the first brush-stroke. Participants will experiment with various painting methods and media without worrying about the ‘rules’ and ‘getting it right’. Materials are available – all you need is the wish to have a go.

Torbay Arts Base Awards Party 2008
Oldway Mansion Way, Torquay Road, Paignton, TQ3 2TE
26 September 7.00pm - 11.30pm
Admission: Ticketed available from Chelston Gallery
Genre: Performing arts
An annual event to celebrate all things creative in the bay. A chance to give recognition to all those involved. All awards are based on public nominations. Local bands, bar, music and dancing.
torbayartsbase.co.uk

International Comedy Film Festival
Various locations, please visit website for details, www.icff.co.uk
26 September-28 September
Admission: See website for details, www.icff.co.uk
Genre: Film, video & digital
Torquay - the home town of the world’s favourite sitcom is set to celebrate their remarkable comedy heritage with the launch of the first ever International Comedy Film Festival. Events include star-studded soirees, a drive-In movie and screenings of new and classic comedy films in some very unusual locations. Come & Visit the 'Cannes Of Comedy Film' - it'll be a laugh
www.icff.co.uk

Experience the Exeter Blitz
RAMM Gallery at Exeter Library, Queen Street, Exeter, EX4 3RX
27 September 10.00am - 3.00pm
Admission: Free
Genre: Literature & Poetry
Steve Manning is a local storyteller who works “in character” as an Air Raid Warden. Steve will offer short interactive sessions encouraging the audience to participate in telling the stories, using the handling collections from RAMM. The aim of the interactive storytelling-with-artefacts event is to give a multi-sensory experience of what life might have been like in Exeter during the time of the blitz. This event will also link in with the National Year of Reading by encouraging families to read novels and other materials written for adults and children about the second world war. Many of these will be available from the library’s collections to browse on the day. The interactive nature of the event will also make it more accessible to children with disabilities.
www.devon.gov.uk/libraries

Creative Torbay Website Launch/ArtsBase Awards
26 September
Visit website for details, www.creativeorbay.com
Admission: Free
Genre: Film, video & digital
The Creative Torbay Website will be a practical tool for all Creative Industries and Cultural Practitioners/events and consumers to access. It has a state of the art directory, news, events, creative careers advice and apprenticeships, creative space agency, grants and funding and is a home to all of the SW’s Cultural Olympiad news.
www.creativeorbay.com

Devon Dances: get naturally active
Darts Farm Topsham Exeter, Darts Farm, Topsham, Exeter, Devon EX3 0QH
26 September
Please visit website for details, www.danceindevon.org.uk
Admission: Free
Genre: Performing Arts
Opening up a new non-arts venue and a new and unsuspecting audience to dance. Our theme is celebrating Devon’s wonderful food produce and making the connection with a fit and active healthy lifestyle. We will provide participatory workshops for children, young people and their families. Plus a surprise dance performance intervention in the café. www.danceindevon.org.uk

The Olympic Spirit 1948 to 2008 (A People’s Record Event)
Torquay Museum, 529 Babbacombe Road, Torquay, TQ1 1HG
27 September-28 September 10.00am - 4.00pm
Admission: Free
Genre: Heritage, museums & galleries
We will hold a small exhibition of photographs and memorabilia of the Yachting Olympics held in Torbay in 1948. There will be an opportunity for the public to share their memories through the People’s Record Project. Just how different were these Olympics to those taking place in 2012?
www.torquaymuseum.org.uk

Blank Canvas
Torre Abbey, The Kings Drive, Torquay, TQ2 5JX
27 September-28 September 10.00am - 6.00pm
Admission: Please visit website for details, torreabbey.co.uk
Genre: Photography & Visual Arts
Torre Abbey is delighted to announce the launch of a new open exhibition by a contemporary artist and makers from the South West region. In addition, every Sunday will be a festival day with performance and workshops.
torreabbey.co.uk

DORSET

B-Side (the seaside)
Please visit event website for venue details
26 September-28 September
Visit website for details, www.b-side.org.uk
Admission: Free, please visit website for details
Genre: Photography and visual arts
"B-Side" (the seaside) is a multi-media arts festival, animating public spaces in Weymouth and Portland during September. It will prioritise younger artists (including students) in Dorset and recent arts graduates/emerging artists from across the South West region. Seven venues and two local routes have been chosen for this year’s event. www.b-side.org.uk

India in Bloom
Sherborne Museum, Abbey Gatehouse, Church Lane, Town Centre, Sherborne DT9 3BP
26 September-27 September Friday 6.00pm - 8.00pm, Saturday 10.30am - 12.30am and 1.30pm - 4.30pm
Admission: Free
Genre: Photography and visual arts
India in Bloom will introduce families to Sherborne Museum’s fantastic collection of watercolours painted by Diana Ruth Wilson, in the early years of the C20th . Her married life took her to the foothills of India where she illustrated her husband, eminent botanist Philp Furley Fyson’s, massive tomes and helped found the Fyson Academy. Events with an Indian flavour will introduce her until now underappreciated work to a much wider audience.
www.sherbornemuseum.co.uk

Inside Out presents Veles e Vents (Wind & Sail)
Bowleaze Coveway, Weymouth, Bowleaze Coveway, Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 6RY
26 September-27 September 7.30pm
Admission: Free
A spectacular outdoor event charting the story of a dangerous sea journey through live performance, pyrotechnics, sound and light, Veles e Vents, created by acclaimed Spanish artists Xarxa Teatre, will celebrate the launch of the Cultural Olympiad in Dorset. It also involves young people from Poole, Bournemouth and Weymouth who have worked with artists to create their own Stories of the Sea.
www.insideoutdorset.co.uk

Lyme Regis ArtsFest Artists Art Trail
Various please visit website for details, www.lymeregisartsfest.com
27 September-5 October 11.00pm - 5.00pm
Admission: No, booking is required for some workshops
Genre: Photography & Visual Arts
The 6th Lyme Regis ArtsFest consists of an Art Trail throughout the town with 35 local artists exhibiting in over 100 shops, cafes, pubs and businesses and three major venues. There will also be a children’s competition and workshops. Open to all. Wheelchair access to major venues – some restrictions to others.
www.lymeregisartsfest.com

Knights Attack!
Scaplens Court Museum, 4 High Street, Poole, BH15 1BW
27 September
Admission: Free, booking required
Genre: Libraries & archives
Mediaeval Poole comes alive in these family storytelling sessions. Follow an ancient Spanish chronicle relating the dramatic events of an attack on the town in 1405 by French and Spanish sea-raiders. Drama, costumes and re-enactments in a historic setting, yards from the site of the original events.
www.bouroughofpoole.com/libraries

Royal Yachting Association (RYA)
2008 RYA Zone Sailing Championships – South Zone
Osprey Quay, Portland, DT5 1SA
27 September (see website for details)
Admission: £33 for single handed boats and £35 for double handed boats
Genre: Sport
Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy
The Zone Championships mark the end of the Junior racing season and is a selection event for those sailors wishing to be considered for winter squad training. Racing will be in Optimist, Topper, Laser 4.7, RS Feva, Cadet, Mirror, Hobie Dragoon and Windsurfers. Entry online at www.ryaracingevents.org.uk closes on 17/9/08.
Visit website for details
www.rya.org.uk

GLOUCESTER

Grand Relaunch of Leisure@Cheltenham
Various locations please visit website, www.cheltenham.gov.uk
26 September-27 September
Admission: Free
Genre: Festival
Cheltenham’s much loved leisure centre suffered serious damage after the flood of July 2007. A year on, the centre will celebrate its relaunch with a massive weekend of free creative and sporting activities for all the family, to coincide with the launch of the Cultural Olympiad. 26th -27th September 2008.
www.cheltenham.gov.uk

WILTSHIRE

The Bollywood Brass Band
Wiltshire Music Centre, Ashley Road, Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire, BA15 1DZ
26 September 8.00pm
Admission: Box Office 01225 860110 or www.wiltshiremusic.org.uk
Genre: Music
Ten-strong, funkily rhythmic and equipped with a tuba the size of Belgium, the Bollywood Brass Band is a fabulous hybrid beast.’ The Times With hits from Indian films, video clips, striking costumes and a live Bollywood dancer, they have taken the London Mela, WOMAD and Olympic Stadium Sydney by storm. www.wiltshiremusic.org.uk

Rannel Theatre Company – FLHIP FLHOP
Swindon Dance, Town Hall Studios, Regent Circus, Swindon, SN1 1QF
26 September-27 September 7.45pm
Admission: Box Office Swindon Dance 01793 601700
Genre: Performing Arts
Rannel combines hip hop and a unique playful style, along with everyday objects, to create a dynamic physical performance that is energetic and full of spontaneous comedy. Matt Bailey and Joey D compete to entertain each other in an attempt to forget about the monotony of everyday working life.
swindondance.org.uk

The Austerity Olympics
Chippenham Museum, Chippenham Library, Timber Street, Chippenham, Wiltshire SN15 3EJ
26 September 7.00pm - 8.00pm
Admission: Free
Genre: Libraries & archives
Local historian Jean Harvest will be dressing as a historical figure and leading activities focussed on 1948’s austerity Olympics.
www.wiltshire.gov.uk/libraries

Swindon Dance Un-wrapped- OPEN HOUSE
Swindon Dance, Town Hall Studios, Regent Circus, Swindon, SN1 1QF
27 September 9.00am - 5.00pm
Admission: Free
Genre: Performing Arts
An invitation to come along to see what happens at Swindon Dance during a Saturday. Watch young people dancing as well as Youth Dance Academy students and perhaps even take a tour around the building and meet some of the dance staff. Open to all
swindondance.org.uk

Swindon Dance Un-wrapped- Open House
Swindon Dance, Town Hall Studios, Regent Circus, Swindon, SN1 1QF
27 September
Admission: Free
Genre: Performing Arts
Site specific piece - Look out for Mr Whippy and the Ice-Cream Van during the weekend and a few other surprises.
swindondance.org.uk

My Trowbridge. ‘You are where you live’
Trowbridge Museum, The Arc Theatre, Trowbridge Library, The Shires, Court Street, Trowbridge, Wiltshire BA14 8AT
27 September-25 October 10.00am - 4.00pm
Admission: Free
Genre: Photography & Visual Arts
A photographic exhibition showcasing the talent of young budding photographers from Trowbridge. Armed with disposable cameras, 20 participants aged between 8-24 set out to document what their town means to them. The resulting photographs offer a rich and eye-opening perspective on today’s town.
www.trowbridgemuseum.co.uk

Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre Open Day
Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre, Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre, Wiltshire
27 September 9.30am - 5.30pm
Admission: Free
Genre: Libraries & archives
The Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre can help you discover the past, so we want to help you discover the Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre. Visit our open day to understand more about the services on offer in this new building.
www.wiltshire.gov.uk/heritage

Creative Juice
Arc Theatre, College Road, Trowbridge, BA14 0ES
27 September 10.00am - 3.00pm
Admission: Book your free tickets from 3rd Sept on 0845 299 0476
Genre: Photography & Visual Arts
Wiltshire's Art scene; What do you want to pro-juice?! We are YALG giving you a juicy taste of the arts. YALG is the Young Arts Leaders Group and we are putting on this event to find out what other teens want from the arts in fun and creative ways. Get your creative juices flowing! For 13 - 21 year olds, 27th September '08, Entrance from 10am til 12.30, Event closes at 3pm. Free entry, workshops and food. Book your free tickets from 3rd Sept on 0845 299 0476
www.wyap.org.uk

Wiltshire Stories
Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre, Cocklebury Road, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN14 3QN
27 September 9.30am - 5.30pm
Admission: Free
Genre: Libraries & archives
The Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre can help you discover the past, so we want to help you discover the Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre. Visit our open day to understand more about the services on offer in this new building.
www.wiltshire.gov.uk/heritage

Local History talk with John Chandler
Downton Memorial Hall, The Borough Downton, Salisbury, Wiltshire,
27 Septembe 7.00pm
Admission: Further information from the library from the end of August
Genre: Libraries & archives
Former County Local Studies Librarian and published author John Chandler will be giving a talk about researching village history, and helping promote a new exhibition at the library on the 'Downton millinery industry and related crafts' .
www.wiltshire.gov.uk/libraries

Swindon Dance Un-wrapped- EVERYBODY DANCES
Swindon Dance, Town Hall Studios, Regent Circus, Swindon, SN1 1QF
28 September 10.30am - 4.00pm
Admission: Free, tickets booked in advance at Swindon Dance 01793 601700
Genre: Performing Arts
Come along to Swindon Dance and join in some seriously fun Workshops. Take your pick from African Dance with live drumming, seriously funky Samba Reggae, Contemporary with a Latin Twist and Contact Dance with a touch of Tango
swindondance.org.uk

Swindon Dance Un-wrapped- THE UN-WRAPPED CABARET
Swindon Dance, Town Hall Studios, Regent Circus, Swindon, SN1 1QF
28 September 5.00pm - 6.30pm
Admission: Box Office Swindon Dance 01793 601700
Genre: Performing Arts
Short performances from local and regional dancers including Salto! And Hannah de Cancho (Swerve Dance Theatre Co) compered by MC poet in Residence, Tony Hillier
swindondance.org.uk

Salisbury Then and Now
Salisbury Library, Market Place, Salisbury, Salisbury, SP1 1BL
28 September 11.00am - 2.00pm
Admission: Free
Genre: Libraries & archives
Salisbury Library is open on Sunday 28th September as part of celebrating the launch of the Cultural Olympiad. There will be displays of photographs of Salisbury from the past and present, as well as poetry displays and the playing of traditional games. You can also share your favourite read over a cuppa.
www.wiltshire.gov.uk/libraries

Colour and Passion Salisbury Celebrates the launch of the Cultural Olympiad
Salisbury Arts Centre – Within and Without, Salisbury Arts Centre, Bedwin Street, Salisbury, SP1 3UT
28 September 7.30pm for ticket holders – 9pm free to all
Admission: The first part of the evening from 7.30pm – Vanishing Point - is ticketed at £5. The second part of the evening from 9pm – Celebration of Flame – is outside and free! Tickets available from Salisbury Arts Centre Box Office – 01722 321744
Genre: Photography & Visual Arts
Explore the interaction between light sources and performers both inside and outside the inspiring building of Salisbury Arts Centre. First, experience Evolving Motion’s intriguing multi media dance installation, Vanishing Point and then enjoy a free celebration of flame with No Fit State Circus performers in the Arts Centre grounds.
www.salisburyartscentre.co.uk