Bridport 24: Town of Culture Autumn Update
Bridport, our pilot Town of Culture, has kicked off autumn with an exciting programme of events. Here’s a quick look at what’s happened since September, and some of the future events to enjoy in the coming months.
September
Quilt Walkabout
Quilt Walkabout, run by local business Fabric Larder, featured over 200 designs from 150 contributors. The event took place for a week from the 6th September, with workshops and exhibits across the town, from the library to the museum. It brought together artists, businesses and churches to celebrate the craft of quilting.
Small World Festival
Small World Festival took place at the Community Orchard and Bridport Arts Centre on the 14th September.
The festival featured food, film and dancing from across the globe, placing Bridport’s cultural diversity at the centre. This event was supported by Deed, the event was well attended and plans are already underway for 2025.
Askers Meadow
September concluded with a multi-partner event at Askers meadow, bringing a crowd of almost 100 residents to the Pavilion of Regenerative practice.
This event was curated by Chasing Cow and featuring author Susannah Walker and local musician Aidan Simpson, Uncertain Ground platformed film and offered discussion about our changing environment, sustainability and how we can use public spaces creatively.
October
The Brent Jones exhibition continues to take place on West Bay esplanade.
Hersong III
Bridport 24 partner, The Lyric Theatre will host Hersong III on Sunday 20th October: the third iteration of this popular event that champions women and girls' voices featuring over 35 local creatives and resident performers.
Discovery Centre events
The Discovery Centre has partnered with Bridport 24 to add an artistic touch to their weekly walks, which are now subsidised by Bridport 24 and offered free each Thursday throughout October. No need to book, just turn up on the day.
Local story-teller and writer Martin Maudsley will also be at the Discovery Centre on Saturday 26th October at 4pm sharing stories about the wildlife and natural habitats in and around West Bay.
There will be a performance of fabulous folktales and magical myths that celebrate the wildness of West Bay. Free admission but there is limited availability.
Culture Cafe
Culture Café will return to Bridport Arts Centre on the 24th of October and the 21st of November from 7-9pm.
They are free to attend and are a space to facilitate conversations with creative practitioners and encourage new partnerships.
Book Launch
On the 27th of October at Bridport Museum, Bridport 24 is supporting the launch of ‘Quirky Bridport’ written by local author Tegwyn Jones.
This book celebrates the quirky, the amusing and the downright odd episodes in the town's history. Bridport 24 is co-presenting the launch with Bridport Museum at 2.30pm.
November
Bridport Town of Culture’s final two months will deliver on some of the conversations that have characterised the Town of Culture pilot and the approach adopted.
From the 3rd to the 9th November, Bridport 24 will be supporting several events at the Bridport Literary Festival.
Wrist
On the 23rd of November, TOCIYA’s member Theo Sudbury Slight’s play ‘Wrist’ will be performed at Bridport Arts Centre. ‘Wrist’ was directed and produced by Theo, with support from the Bridport’s Town of Culture team.
All tickets are £5
https://www.bridport-arts.com/event/wrist-community-play/
Heath
On the 27th November, Bridport Arts Centre will welcome Bournemouth theatre company Vita Nova, showcasing their production of Heath. This production draws on Shakespeare’s King Lear, performed by a cast of former addicts, addresses the idea of losing everything to discover the truth about oneself.
https://www.bridport-arts.com/event/heath-vita-nova/
Tickets:
Adult £14, Concession and under 18 £10
December
Dope, Rope and Hope: A Cine Film Celebration
On the 12th of December at Bridport Arts Centre, Bridport-24 is partnering with Windrose Rural Media Trust to present ‘Dope, Rope and Hope: A Cine Film Celebration’ that captures how the town has been a hotspot for art and culture.
Windrose founder Trevor Baile said: ‘The selected films show how Bridport has always had a strong focus on people, place and culture.’ He will be presenting the show alongside local writer Margery Hookings.
https://www.bridport-arts.com/event/dope-rope-and-hope-a-cine-film-celebration/